“When I talk to people about why they do it I find they have a passion for art that’s been squashed at some point in their passed,” teacher of the group Danielle Pirrie said after the exhibitions launch on Friday, April 22.

Ms Pirries students Rachel Annabel, Trish Collings, Nadia Geoghegan, Diane Fraser, Fay Pearce, Daniele Sartorel, Lenore Thompson, Joan Wicks, Bill Wilson and Sharon Woszczieko all contribute works to the exhibit which runs until May 4.

“It’s been really lovely watching people develop,” Ms Pirrie said.

Her motivation for the classes came in 2004 when she relocated to the region from Melbourne.

“I noticed there was a real lack of tuition and it has been a very rewarding process,” she said.

“A lot of friendships are made and we travel and eat together.

“What I try to do is provide them with good quality materials and teach the students different techniques.”

The classes at held inside Ms Pirrie’s home in Bega where she focuses on a different theme each term.

She sees the classes and the artistic process as a valuable piece of each of her student’s lives.

“You are left in a zen like state where time stops and you forget your worries,” she said.

“I’m proud of what they have achieved.

“I want them to know that society in general appreciates what they do and that it’s not just me as their teacher who does.”

A painting by Ms Wicks is an example of what the group has achieved.

“Her husband Jim is the subject of the portrait and it deals with him losing his sight due to macular dystrophy,” Ms Pirrie said.

“It is a wonderful painting with a narrative and it is a real triumph for her because it captures Jim’s essence.

“Joan has been painting him for many years but this one is special,” she said.

So what is next for these now exhibited artists and their dedicated teacher?

“The next step is to continue on their journey, learning and having lots of fun together,” Ms Pirrie said.