Gayndah gets into Christmas spirit early

Gayndah Art Gallery is bringing back the Community Christmas Tree Forest and local groups and families are invited to display their hand made tree.

GETTING CREATIVE: Girl Scouts decorate their tree for the Community Christmas Tree Forest in 2013. Picture: Brandon Livesay

FOR some, November might seem a little early to be getting out the Christmas decorations but Gayndah Art Gallery has given locals the perfect excuse to do so.

This year they are bringing back their Community Christmas Tree Forest and families, school groups, community organisations, art groups, businesses and individuals are invited to make a tree for the display.

The gallery last hosted the community exhibition in 2013, inspired by another local Lyn Brothwell who organised one as a charity event at Gayndah Town Hall several years earlier.

"Because it's been such a long time we decided to do it again, and it was good because a lot of community groups as well as individual families got on board with it,” Gayndah Art Gallery coordinator Susie Capewell said.

"It's something nice to add to the art exhibition that is on display.”

In the final two weeks before the gallery closes for Christmas, an exhibition featuring local artists will also be on display and provide locally sourced gift ideas.

The Community Christmas Tree Forest is being organised by Mrs Capewell and Rachel Koster and community members can let them know they want to make a tree by emailing [e-mail].

"We hope the same spirit of Christmas is shown this year as the display last time was magical,” Ms Koster said.

"Trees made of fabric, bottles, pine cones, driftwood, pottery, sheet music and all kinds of inventive materials were on show and make the season all the merrier.

"Get your imaginations on and start your Santa's workshop as there is not long to go.”

The Christmas trees can be up to 125cm tall, they must be hand made out of non-perishable items and free standing.

All trees will need to be delivered by Saturday November 24 and will remain on display until December 14 until the gallery closes for Christmas.

The gallery will be open during St Joseph's fete in November and trees will be judged by the public on the night with people's choice.