Course of true love shines at Dobell Festival

Betty and Max Wilson knew a thing or two about enduring love.

The couple’s heartwarming portrait, illustrating their devotion and affection even after 66 years of marriage, forms the centrepiece of a new exhibition opening as part of this year’s Dobell Festival.

Lake Macquarie photographer Shannon Smith has spent several years capturing images of seniors for her Golden Age Portraits exhibition at Toronto Library, tirrabiyangba.

“I wanted to showcase how different life was for this generation compared to what we experience in our current lives,” Smith said.

“A lot of my participants have experienced war, low food supply, heartache and physical challenges and limitations, but have still continued on with their lives in such a positive and grateful manner.”

Betty was just 17 and Max 20 when they married. Betty lied to her parents to get their blessing for the nuptials, telling them she was pregnant when in reality it would be two years before she gave birth to the first of five children.

Max passed away just months after Smith captured their portrait.

“The love they had for each other is quite remarkable, especially after 66 years,” Smith said.

“They were soulmates and possessed the kind of love that withstands time.”

Alongside the exhibition, Smith will offer portrait sitting sessions for seniors at Toronto Library, also as part of the month-long Dobell Festival, inspired by the life and work of esteemed artist Sir William Dobell.

Lake Macquarie City Council Coordinator Lifelong Learning and Engagement Roxana Olivares said this year’s festival included workshops, presentations and exhibitions throughout the city.

Other program highlights include the Dobell Festival of Art and Craft presented by Wangi Lions Club, a 4 June tattoo design workshop and performances on 26 and 27 June of Shakespeare’s Macbeth at Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba.

The Dobell Festival also takes in this year’s 19-20 June Float Your Boat weekend, when illuminated vessels of all shapes and sizes will cruise around Lake Macquarie.

“This year’s festival is a fantastic mix of much-loved returning events and new, exciting arrivals aimed at broadening our audience,” Ms Olivares said.

Go to arts.lakemac.com.au for more information about the 1-30 June Dobell Festival.