Artists share ‘truth’ behind stars

Artists set to explain the truth behind astrology.

Local artist Carolyn Ritchie is gearing up for The Story in the Stars Art Exhibition that will shed light on astrology. Photo: Patrick Woods

A COOLUM resident has brought her vision to life, displaying the “truth” of astrology in an art exhibition.

The Story in the Stars Art Exhibition opening on January 10 features 23 artists and aims to communicate the “true meaning” of the zodiac signs and astrology.

Exhibition curator Carolyn Ritchie, who will have four artworks on display, said astrology had lost its true meaning.

“The world views the zodiac and astrology from a viewpoint that is all about man and self and looking inward and telling people how they should be from their personality types but in truth God’s story is written in the stars and … it tells the story of the creation of the world, the fall of man, the birth of Christ and redemption back to God for believers,” she said.

Mrs Ritchie said “being a controversial topic for the church”, she had to wait for the perfect time to release the information.

“It’s a vision I’ve had for a long time but it hasn’t been the right time to bring this information out because the church is actually told to beware of fortune telling and witchcraft and magic which is what astrology has been used to date but now it’s time to take back the territory that’s been stolen and start new conversations,” she said.

“I think people are just sick of the world and with global change and global warming everyone knows something big is happening.

“There is so much corruption and the droughts and the fires all over Australia things can’t just keep going the way they are.

“Everything is building to a big climax and I hope the exhibition gives some hope and direction and a warning for some to change their ways if they are heading down the wrong path and maybe to get back in touch with their curator and find their purpose.”

The exhibition will showcase more than 30 artworks from a variety of different mediums at the Coolum Beach Christian Family Church Auditorium.

“There are four photographers, a sculpture and the rest are painters. There is a variety of different styles, different levels of expertise but all tell the stories on not just the zodiac signs but other stories relating to the Bible,” Mrs Ritchie said.

Sculptor John Ritchie is debuting a 192cm tall wood sculpture at the event.

“It looks like a pair of hands together praying, the wood’s just grown like that and a couple of branches have blended together,” he said.

“Carolyn said it looks like God’s hands, but people can take what they want from it.

“I like to find a piece of wood and then see what I can do with it. God has started this work of art and I go from there.”

The art show will be open daily from 10am to 2pm until January 17 and will include information panels to explain each artwork.