It’s goats, goats and more goats at the Orbost Arts Centre, which is currently showing the It’s Reigning Goats exhibition.
There are more than 200 pieces of goat art by goat keeper Nina Smith to look at.
Nina has been a keeper/breeder of dairy goats for 44 years. She never studied art but instead studied goats and decided to put them in art form.
Goats, being natural recyclers, encouraged Nina to utilise recycled materials.
All the framing was also done by Nina.
It can be described as mostly rustic with a few modern and also humorous additions.
This is characteristic of goats being cheeky, curious caprines but they also have a serious side.
“They are beautiful creatures who understand your words and have emotions like humans,” Nina said.
“They also are super intelligent so outwitting goats keeps you on your toes.
“Goats are great for your soul. Sitting with them is calming therapy.
“They are especially good for your soil as each goat can produce up to 1000 kilograms of droppings a year. The goat berries (poop) can be directly put around plants as goats process their food beautifully.”
Finding the right goats for your needs can be a challenge.
They serve many purposes – milk, fibre, meat, used for clearing weeds and vegetation naturally without chemicals where man and machine can’t go, clear fire breaks, walking with pack goats, pets and entertainment.
Many a story is told about goats but usually it’s not the goat’s fault but that of the keeper. They are a humble creature and if you show them love they return it 10-fold.
The art exhibition is on now 10am to 3pm daily until March 28 at the Orbost Arts Centre behind the Slab Hut Information Centre.
It’s a gold coin donation to enter.
There is much to see with beautifully crafted woodwork, fine craft and gifts also on offer to purchase.
