Ningaloo art night

An artistic event aimed to help protect Ningaloo Reef opens in Margaret River Saturday night.

Mr Barval Fine Wines will host the show, lending their support to a renewed campaign to protect Ningaloo from increasing industrialisation near Exmouth.

Ningaloo: Desert Meets the Sea opens at 6pm on Saturday with local wines paired with gourmet food and live music.

The artworks feature a collection of reef-inspired art and photography from a collaborative group of artists with “a special connection to the place,” Protect Ningaloo director Paul Gamblin said.

Mr Gamblin was a long-term defender of Ningaloo, and led the successful Save Ningaloo campaign between 2001 and 2003 in his work for the WA Conservation Council.

“We know from the original campaign for Ningaloo in the early 2000s that many people in the South West have a real soft spot for the region,” he said.

“While it’s close to people’s hearts, it’s a long drive for many, so we’re bringing Ningaloo to Margaret River for a really special evening to celebrate this beautiful and unique part of our heritage.”

Mr Barval owners Kellie and Rob Gherardi said they were supporting the event as part of a longstanding connection to the reef.

“Like so many people down here, we absolutely love Ningaloo and Exmouth Gulf and want to do everything we can to make sure it has a positive, healthy future,” Mrs Gherardi said.

“We are so pleased to be able to offer the gallery at our winery for this special event and to provide a venue to bring Ningaloo to Margaret River.”

Work from Roger Swainston, Glen Cowan, Martine Perret, Alex Kydd and others will be on sale as part of the project, with part proceeds going to the campaign.

Saturday night’s event starts from 6pm, with $40 tickets including a glass of wine, canapes and a light supper at 7087 Caves Road.

Visit www.protectningaloo.org.au/events for more.