Tuesday 31 December 2013
Friday 20 December 2013
Happy holidays
So, that's 2013 for Western Riverina Arts. It's been a good one.
Our Leeton office will be closed from around lunchtime on Friday 20 December until the morning of Monday 13 January 2014.
Who knows what might be happening inside during the holidays?
To start you wondering, here's a song made from our office light switches and a couple from The Roxy Community Theatre for the Disquiet Junto.
Thursday 19 December 2013
Make History Challenge
A great competition for school children and a creative way to think about the ANZAC Centenary!
The Make History Challenge is open to all schools in NSW and the ACT and Western Riverina Arts encourages teachers, in particular Stage 3 and Stage 5, to register now and include the challenge in their lesson plans for Term 1 in 2014.
The prize is a school excursion to the value of $3,000!
For more information or to register, see http://www.aviationmuseum.com.au
Or talk to Craig Sinclair, Education Officer, Temora Aviation Museum on 02 6977 1088 or 0429 128 956.
The Make History Challenge is open to all schools in NSW and the ACT and Western Riverina Arts encourages teachers, in particular Stage 3 and Stage 5, to register now and include the challenge in their lesson plans for Term 1 in 2014.
The prize is a school excursion to the value of $3,000!
For more information or to register, see http://www.aviationmuseum.com.au
Or talk to Craig Sinclair, Education Officer, Temora Aviation Museum on 02 6977 1088 or 0429 128 956.
Funding for local arts in 2014
Groups in the Western Riverina will benefit from funding worth nearly $20,000 through the NSW Regional Arts Country Arts Support Program (CASP).
"We've seen a four-fold increase in funding for local community groups," said Derek Motion, Regional Arts Development Officer with Western Riverina Arts.
"The role of our organisation is to assist in developing arts in the region, so it's pleasing to see more groups accessing funding for creative activities.
“Applications have been assisted in some cases through partnerships and the support of local councils, which has contributed to the increase in funding reaching our communities," he said.
Narrandera Shire will see three projects supported by CASP funding, developed by The CAD Factory, Live Well Narrandera and the Narrandera Arts and Creative Network.
Leeton Shire will see two projects supported by CASP funding, including an Art Society workshop and the establishment of a male choir.
Griffith City will see four projects supported by CASP funding, developed by Griffith & Regional Association of the Performing Arts (GRAPA), Griffith East Preschool, Griffith Readers' Festival and Griffith Regional Theatre.
Western Riverina Arts is the peak body for arts and cultural development across the Western Riverina. Our region covers the Local Government Areas of Narrandera, Leeton and Griffith.
Our objective is to connect artists, communities and councils to foster a vibrant and creative region. Western Riverina Arts is a member of Regional Arts NSW and is supported by the NSW Government through Arts NSW.
"We've seen a four-fold increase in funding for local community groups," said Derek Motion, Regional Arts Development Officer with Western Riverina Arts.
"The role of our organisation is to assist in developing arts in the region, so it's pleasing to see more groups accessing funding for creative activities.
“Applications have been assisted in some cases through partnerships and the support of local councils, which has contributed to the increase in funding reaching our communities," he said.
Narrandera Shire will see three projects supported by CASP funding, developed by The CAD Factory, Live Well Narrandera and the Narrandera Arts and Creative Network.
- The CAD Factory will present three monologues based on historical Narrandera figures on the grounds of the Narrandera Train Station, including a soundtrack by a local choir designed entirely from live human voices.
- Live Well Narrandera's Happy Feet at the Food Garden Project is a community partnership to create 25 decorative pavers in mosaic for the Narrandera Food Garden. The project will involve at least six participants attending five workshops in 2014.
- The Narrandera Arts and Creative Network will host The Lines and Shadows Projection Art Workshops, where participants will learn basic skills using projectors, mapping and software to create shadow art.
Leeton Shire will see two projects supported by CASP funding, including an Art Society workshop and the establishment of a male choir.
- The Leeton Men's Choir will hold workshops for an all-male vocal group. A series of six half-day singing workshops will be conducted by a Narrandera-based singing teacher and a final day-and-a-half workshop is planned with an internationally renowned ‘a capella’ choirmaster.
- The Leeton Art Society will host a workshop with Helen Cottle, followed by a memorial exhibition in memory of former president Penny Paniz.
Griffith City will see four projects supported by CASP funding, developed by Griffith & Regional Association of the Performing Arts (GRAPA), Griffith East Preschool, Griffith Readers' Festival and Griffith Regional Theatre.
- GRAPA's 'Shakespeare under the Stars' community theatre productions will include a reprisal of their 2013 production, 'The Merchant of Venice,' at the Shakespeare on the River Festival at Stratford upon Avon, Victoria in May 2014, as well as performances of their 2014 production, 'Macbeth,' in Griffith and outlying areas in October and November.
- Griffith East Preschool will introduce art as a form of expression to 180 children via an artist in residence program and exhibition. Working with the Regional Art Gallery the goal is to promote art to the community through the artists of early childhood from July 2014.
- Griffith Readers' Festival will continue to develop passions for reading in the diverse communities of our vast and partly remote region of Western NSW through hosting a Readers' Festival featuring published authors, workshops, and fun literary events.
- Griffith Regional Theatre will host a selection of theatre workshops to be delivered by Tanya Hennessy.
Western Riverina Arts is the peak body for arts and cultural development across the Western Riverina. Our region covers the Local Government Areas of Narrandera, Leeton and Griffith.
Our objective is to connect artists, communities and councils to foster a vibrant and creative region. Western Riverina Arts is a member of Regional Arts NSW and is supported by the NSW Government through Arts NSW.
Monday 16 December 2013
New Board member
Western Riverina Arts welcomes new board member Councillor Alison Balind of Griffith City Council.
"We're pleased to announce Mrs Balind is joining our organisation," said Julie Briggs, Chair of Western Riverina Arts.
"It's a great to have gained the interest of an elected representative and we hope this will open new opportunities for art and cultural activity in our region."
Alison Balind has extensive experience in community engagement and communications, as well as a long history of working on projects within Griffith.
Mrs Balind replaces Kristy Brown as Griffith City Council's representative.
"We've enjoyed having Kristy on the Board," said Mrs Briggs. "She brought a valuable perspective from her work in the Griffith Theatre and her artistic practise.
“We wish her the best in the next step in career and look forward to assisting her continued creativity."
Western Riverina Arts is the peak body for arts and cultural development across the Western Riverina. Our region covers the Local Government Areas of Narrandera, Leeton and Griffith.
Our objective is to connect artists, communities and councils to foster a vibrant and creative region. Western Riverina Arts is a member of Regional Arts NSW and is supported by the NSW Government through Arts NSW.
"We're pleased to announce Mrs Balind is joining our organisation," said Julie Briggs, Chair of Western Riverina Arts.
"It's a great to have gained the interest of an elected representative and we hope this will open new opportunities for art and cultural activity in our region."
Alison Balind has extensive experience in community engagement and communications, as well as a long history of working on projects within Griffith.
Mrs Balind replaces Kristy Brown as Griffith City Council's representative.
"We've enjoyed having Kristy on the Board," said Mrs Briggs. "She brought a valuable perspective from her work in the Griffith Theatre and her artistic practise.
“We wish her the best in the next step in career and look forward to assisting her continued creativity."
Western Riverina Arts is the peak body for arts and cultural development across the Western Riverina. Our region covers the Local Government Areas of Narrandera, Leeton and Griffith.
Our objective is to connect artists, communities and councils to foster a vibrant and creative region. Western Riverina Arts is a member of Regional Arts NSW and is supported by the NSW Government through Arts NSW.
Wednesday 4 December 2013
Inspiration flows for local artists
Western Riverina Arts will open an exhibition by local artists on Saturday 7 December at Leeton's The Roxy Gallery in partnership with the Murrumbidgee Catchment Management Authority with funding through Caring For Our Country.
Reimagining the Murrumbidgee explores relationships to the River through artworks by David Williams, Hape Kiddle, Sarah McEwan, Trent Light and Jason Richardson.
"The artists have responded to the River in distinctly different artworks," said curator Derek Motion. "Their varied media offer an opportunity to compare and contrast themes such as environmental, economic and cultural significance."
"Trent Light's portraits and interviews with Narrandera residents capture local attitudes and interests, while Sarah McEwan has created an installation that provides a rich metaphor," said Mr Motion.
Birrego-based artist McEwan infused her artwork with the River. "To make this work I went down to the Murrumbidgee near the Oakbank Brewery to soak eight-metre long pieces of fabric and collect rocks, bark, bottles and dirt," said Sarah McEwan. "Part of the Murrumbidgee is in this work and I hope my installation can channel the sacredness that people feel to this mighty river."
"’Rest In the River’ is an installation using found and natural materials to create a work that represents the threads of life that all rivers hold for the survival of people, animals and the environment,” said Mrs McEwan. “Beyond its practical uses, the Murrumbidgee is ‘home’ for many people; a place to rest, to seek comfort and to be taken away to the spiritual."
David Williams' painting shows the effect of Gogeldrie Weir on the River, in a contemporary indigenous style; while Hape Kiddle worked on a riverbank to craft jewellery, carvings and silver spoons.
“I think Hape's work is beautiful, both in itself and as a comment on how human culture developed through agriculture,” said Derek Motion.
“Seeing art shows you a diversity of ideas and perspectives on a subject and this exhibition will surprise people. There are many discussions around the Murrumbidgee River – particularly in recent times – and the artists have explored ideas associated with this natural resource.”
Reimagining the Murrumbidgee will be in The Roxy Gallery, opposite the Leeton Cenotaph on the junction of Kurrajong and Pine avenues, from Saturday 7th to Sunday 15th December 2013.
For more see http://reimagining.net/
Reimagining the Murrumbidgee explores relationships to the River through artworks by David Williams, Hape Kiddle, Sarah McEwan, Trent Light and Jason Richardson.
"The artists have responded to the River in distinctly different artworks," said curator Derek Motion. "Their varied media offer an opportunity to compare and contrast themes such as environmental, economic and cultural significance."
"Trent Light's portraits and interviews with Narrandera residents capture local attitudes and interests, while Sarah McEwan has created an installation that provides a rich metaphor," said Mr Motion.
Birrego-based artist McEwan infused her artwork with the River. "To make this work I went down to the Murrumbidgee near the Oakbank Brewery to soak eight-metre long pieces of fabric and collect rocks, bark, bottles and dirt," said Sarah McEwan. "Part of the Murrumbidgee is in this work and I hope my installation can channel the sacredness that people feel to this mighty river."
"’Rest In the River’ is an installation using found and natural materials to create a work that represents the threads of life that all rivers hold for the survival of people, animals and the environment,” said Mrs McEwan. “Beyond its practical uses, the Murrumbidgee is ‘home’ for many people; a place to rest, to seek comfort and to be taken away to the spiritual."
David Williams' painting shows the effect of Gogeldrie Weir on the River, in a contemporary indigenous style; while Hape Kiddle worked on a riverbank to craft jewellery, carvings and silver spoons.
“I think Hape's work is beautiful, both in itself and as a comment on how human culture developed through agriculture,” said Derek Motion.
“Seeing art shows you a diversity of ideas and perspectives on a subject and this exhibition will surprise people. There are many discussions around the Murrumbidgee River – particularly in recent times – and the artists have explored ideas associated with this natural resource.”
Reimagining the Murrumbidgee will be in The Roxy Gallery, opposite the Leeton Cenotaph on the junction of Kurrajong and Pine avenues, from Saturday 7th to Sunday 15th December 2013.
For more see http://reimagining.net/
Friday 8 November 2013
Our windows into Piltz’s practise
Narrandera-based artist Emma Piltz has curated a collection of organic and found objects in our window gallery this November.
"I was on a plane when Western Riverina Arts emailed offering the window gallery space," said Emma Piltz.
"I remember looking out the window at the paddocks below and seeing the outlines from pivot watering systems. When I returned home I began making hoop shapes from branches, which have become landscape forms."
Circular shapes are a motif in Piltz's display this month. Her work draws on the landscape for inspiration as well as materials. Weathered human-made and organic object are arranged and presented.
Her collections are in a sense curated landscapes, bringing together items in a way that pleases the eye with competing textures, colours and shapes.
"I love finding things and appreciating the beauty or character in an object. It seems silly to spend time trying to make an object look old or weathered when there's so much around that's going to waste."
Some items have been with Emma Piltz for many years, changing as they lose a limb or gain cracks and textures.
The skills in presentation and maximising potential complement those she has developed in her career as a hairdresser.
"I find it's a great way to work with my hands and it's rewarding to see an item taking shape. There's a meditative aspect to it that I also enjoy."
Come and enjoy it for yourself in the windows of Western Riverina Arts office at 50 Kurrajong Avenue Leeton during November.
Monday 4 November 2013
Fare well, Jamie Boyd
Western Riverina Arts is pleased to bring Monkey Baa Theatre's Goodbye Jamie Boyd to Leeton's Roxy Theatre for performances for local schools and the general public.
"This show has been widely praised for raising issues like mental illness in a theatre show which incorporates dance and multimedia," said Derek Motion, Regional Arts Development Officer with Western Riverina Arts.
"Goodbye Jamie Boyd is based on the novel by Elizabeth Fensham and a powerful one-woman show that is rewarding theatre as well as an impressive educational tool for audiences aged 13 and over."
It tells the story of Anna who has schizophrenia. She experiences delusions of her dead older brother’s presence. Jamie is Anna’s companion, confidant and mentor, but when he becomes possessive and jealous of her real life relationships, coercing Anna to self-harm and to hurt those she holds dear, she realises she must seek help.
The ArtsHub website gave the show four out of five stars and described it as "a frank, thorough piece of theatre… Comedy, tragedy, tension, teenage wisdom and a slow but certain rollercoaster of circumstance grab the interest of the audience."
Monkey Baa is an award-winning company with a mission is to produce high quality theatre programs for young people, their families, teachers and communities throughout Australia and internationally. Underpinning the company’s entire theatre program is the belief that the arts socialise and civilise, and contribute to the development of healthy, adaptable, individuals and communities.
"Many high school students will have the opportunity to see Goodbye Jamie Boyd and we hope they'll talk about the issues raised within the show with friends and family," said Mr Motion. "We're also encouraging friends and family to see the show for themselves so they can discuss it too."
Goodbye Jamie Boyd will be performed on Monday 18 November from 7.30pm at The Roxy Community Theatre. Tickets are $15 adults or $10 concession.
Thursday 24 October 2013
Join the Western Riverina Art Trail
Western Riverina Arts and Griffith Regional Art Gallery want to promote your artwork.
Plans are being finalised to trial touring exhibitions between venues in Leeton and Griffith in 2014.
The aim is to promote artistic talent in the region and share it around. Applications are now invited for displaying works as part of this new initiative.
"The community have a healthy interest in local art and we want to increase the opportunities for local art to be seen," said Derek Motion, Regional Arts Development Officer. "The Exhibition Trail will provide a guided pathway for artists taking tentative steps toward their first exhibitions."
"We've been sharing local artists' productions in our windows and many people stop to look. Some even venture in to ask questions. You can see the effect they have on people."
The artworks will be displayed in both Leeton and Griffith, opening up new audiences for artists throughout the region.
"We hope this initiative will bring out new talent," said Kristy Brown, Griffith Regional Art Gallery. "Artists in surrounding towns can reach new audiences."
"There's talent out there and we'd like to see share their endeavours. It's a great opportunity for an individual or group and we're not limited to hanging pictures, all styles and mediums will be considered."
Now is the time to express an interest in joining the Exhibition Trail. Contact Western Riverina Arts or Griffith Regional Art Gallery for an application or call 6953 5147.
Download an Exhibition Trail application form here
Friday 18 October 2013
McEwan sees red
Birrego-based artist Sarah McEwan features in the Western Riverina Arts office windows this October with an installation of red shoes, text and textiles.
McEwan is a core member of The CAD Factory, which began as an underground warehouse space in Sydney during 2005 and relocated to the remote location of Birrego in August 2010. Since then The CAD Factory have developed a variety of artistic projects in the region.
The window gallery installation explores how gender is perceived and influences perception. The objects of shoes, fabric and thread ground the text on the windows in feminist discourse and create an interplay between how one is seen as opposed to how one feels.
"I was influenced by Julie Briggs' poem about red shoes in the Art Misadventure #3 exhibition at The Roxy Gallery earlier this year," said Sarah McEwan. "She was re-interpreting a Hans Christian Andersen story with the image of a woman who can only walk faster and faster trapped in her shoes.
"The red threads in the work that are dangling down suggests ideas dropping, like thoughts manifesting into reality, and is something I've been developing for a while," continues McEwan. "It emphasises the space in-between."
This thread continues in her work for the Reimagining The Murrumbidgee exhibition that opens at The Roxy in December.
The high heel shoes in Western Riverina Arts’ window gallery were purposefully picked for their symbolism. "It's playing with the idea of gender and the internal frustrations of how one is seen," says McEwan. "What really is your authentic self?"
Stop outside Western Riverina Arts' office this month and see for yourself.
Thursday 17 October 2013
Roxy Gallery opens Leeton arts
The transformation of The Roxy Community Theatre's supper room into a small gallery in 2012 has proven to be a resounding success.
Dozens of artists have made use of the Roxy Gallery and over 1000 people have since come through the space to view a variety of works.
In the past year Western Riverina Arts, in partnership with Leeton Shire Council and the staff of The Roxy Theatre, continued to support local artists in hosting their own exhibitions.
The space is ideal for solo shows and features track lighting.
Solo shows this year included photographic exhibitions exploring Leeton by Jason Richardson and then Emma Beecher, the magical realism of painter Ivanka Jakopec and a retrospective covering close to 40 years of work in many mediums by Lee Blacker-Noble.
Artists from a variety of career points have taken the opportunity to display their work in The Roxy. Most recently the Leeton Art Society have displayed their recent work, including paintings by new members who are exhibiting for the first time. The venue also introduced students from Leeton High School, with year 10’s art showed work alongside projects from the year 11 wood technology class in December 2012.
In October 2012 Ganmain-based artists The Ronalds debuted an interactive exhibition drawing on internet-streaming and a video game based in Leeton's Pine Avenue. The technology in this show surfaced in their contribution to the 2013 Underbelly Arts Festival on Cockatoo Island -- which also featured Western Riverina Arts' former RADO Dr Greg Pritchard.
A group exhibition curated by The CAD Factory was the first time they had deployed one of their 'misadventures' outside of Sydney. Art Misadventure #3 drew together diverse talents and stress-tested them with a short exercise responding to unexpected stimuli. The results revealed the techniques and working methods of nine locals in media including sculpture, collage, photography, video and poetry.
The Roxy Gallery has provided a venue to display artists from Leeton and the surrounding region. Its popularity has shown both the talents within the community as well as the support and interest of a large audience.
Monday 30 September 2013
Leeton Writers Group workshop
Author Andy Kissane will run a workshop with the Leeton Writers Group on Saturday 19 October at Leeton Shire Library.
The workshop will focus on short fiction and it's an area where Kissane is an experienced author. One of his short stories, 'Old Friends' will appear in Black Inc’s anthology, Best Australian Stories, 2013; and Kissane was the winner of the 2013 Fish International Poetry Prize for his work 'Against Forgetting,' about a group of friends meeting to read poetry in Kabul when the practise was banned under the Taliban.
Exercises will lead participants into developing their ideas, so they'll leave the workshop with a head-start on their material. Andy Kissane has just finished teaching acclaimed short story writing courses for both the Sydney Writers’ Centre and the ACT Writers’ Centre.
A short film, Ngurrumbang, directed by Alex Ryan, was inspired by Andy Kissane’s poem, “The Station Owner’s Daughter, Narrandera”. The poem is based on oral history accounts of a massacre of Indigenous people in Narrandera in 1833 and dramatises the actions of a young woman in caring for one of the survivors. Ngurrumbang was one of the ten finalists in the Dendy Short Film Awards at this year’s Sydney Film Festival.
Andy Kissane’s fiction includes the novel, Under the Same Sun, shortlisted for the Vision Australia Audio Book of the Year and a book of short stories The Swarm, which was longlisted for the 2013 Frank O’Connor International Short Story Award. He has published three books of poetry, Facing the Moon, Every Night They Dance and Out to Lunch -- which was shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Prize for Poetry.
A fourth collection of poetry, Radiance will be published in early 2014. Kissane has taught Creative Writing at four universities and runs writing workshops for schools and the community. He is the 2013 Coriole National Wine Poet and six of his poems are featured on the back of Coriole’s Cabernet Shiraz.
For further information, please phone Western Riverina Arts on (02) 6953 5147.
New Season at The Roxy Gallery
"This will be the first exhibition for some of our new members," explains Art Society president Ann Rayment. "Some of our group will be exposing their artistic talent for the first time."
On display will be results of activity during the Society's Saturday morning painting sessions at the Senior Citizens Rooms in Wade Avenue.
Artist Lynne McQuillan, winner of the inaugural Penny Paniz Art Prize, is one member who has found this time beneficial.
"It's good working together and it's a friendly group of people," said Mrs McQuillan. "We share skills and enthusiasm."
She remarks that a new expressive approach has started creeping into her artwork since joining the Art Society Saturday sessions. "I think it comes from Ann," said Mrs McQuillan. "Now instead of reaching for a brown shade, I'll reach for an orange."
"It's refreshing to get together and glean something from each other's work," agrees Ms Rayment. "It's good to show your ideas. Everyone soaks up information about techniques and artists."Come and soak up the results at The Roxy Gallery between 9am and 4pm from Friday 11 October until Sunday 13th. The official opening will start at 6pm on Thursday 10th.
Friday 27 September 2013
Take your art to the streets
Narrandera Arts and Creative Network will host workshops with expert chalk artists Bev and Diana Isaac on Saturday 5 October in Keisling Lane, off East Street.
Families are welcome to attend and older participants should bring a sketch of what they would like to draw in one of two sessions, from 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm.
Bev and Diana Isaac have worked in New Zealand and Singapore, as well delivering projects for corporate clients in Melbourne, Sydney, Queensland and Adelaide.
The mother and daughter duo are among Melbourne's most original and prolific artists and known for running a pavement gallery in Southbank for many years.
In 1992 Bev co-founded Chalk Circle with Peter Voice to tour Canada, Britain and Europe. The group continue to work internationally and throughout Australia, running workshops in schools, towns and festivals.
Last August Chalk Circle created a 3D tiger outside the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the Richmond Football Club.
"We are looking forward to working on a new drawing in Leeton and running a workshop in Narrandera and meeting the lovely people from the Riverina," said Bev Isaac.
In March this year the Isaacs ran an "extremely successful" workshop with Moama Grammar School students while they were in the region as part of the Celtic Festival.
Beverly Isaac has been a full-time practicing artist since 1986, when she completed her degree in Fine Art (Sculpture) at Victoria College. She has conducted countless life drawing, sculpture and pavement drawing workshops -- inspiring literally thousands of artists of all ages.
Diana Isaac has exhibited on many pavements in Melbourne as well as the Barossa Valley and the Geldern Pavement Art Competition in Germany. She has been commissioned to create pavement art for events and designed a mosaic for the cover of Mental Health Magazine.
Come and join in or just have a look at the results from these workshops organised by the Narrandera Arts and Creative Network with funding from Western Riverina Arts' Community Art Support Program.
New artwork planned for Leeton
Bev and Diana Isaac have worked in New Zealand and Singapore, as well delivering projects for corporate clients in Melbourne, Sydney, Queensland and Adelaide.
The mother and daughter duo are among Melbourne's most original and prolific artists and known for running a pavement gallery in Southbank for many years.
In 1992 Bev co-founded Chalk Circle with Peter Voice to tour Canada, Britain and Europe. The group continue to work internationally and throughout Australia, running workshops in schools, towns and festivals.
Last August Chalk Circle created a 3D tiger outside the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the Richmond Football Club.
"We are looking forward to working on a new drawing in Leeton and running a workshop in Narrandera and meeting the lovely people from the Riverina," said Bev Isaac.
In March this year the Isaacs ran an "extremely successful" workshop with Moama Grammar School students while they were in the region as part of the Celtic Festival.
Beverly Isaac has been a full-time practicing artist since 1986, when she completed her degree in Fine Art (Sculpture) at Victoria College. She has conducted countless life drawing, sculpture and pavement drawing workshops -- inspiring literally thousands of artists of all ages.
Diana Isaac has exhibited on many pavements in Melbourne as well as the Barossa Valley and the Geldern Pavement Art Competition in Germany. She has been commissioned to create pavement art for events and designed a mosaic for the cover of Mental Health Magazine.
Come and see the work take shape in Jarrah Mall from Wednesday 2 to Friday 4 October.
Monday 23 September 2013
Lee Blacker-Noble retrospective
Leeton-based artist Lee Blacker-Noble will hold a retrospective at The Roxy Gallery from 26 September to 4 October.
This exhibition will present works from a career that spans nearly 60 years.
"You'll see a difference in styles because I've been painting so long," said Mrs Black-Noble.
Her mother introduced her to painting in 1955. "She gave me a set of oil paints because she thought I was running around too much after the birth of my child."
In 1956 Lee Noble-Blacker started a painting group in Leeton and an early work watercolour of The Roxy Theatre will feature. "In it you can see the window where the exhibition will take place, which is a nice link across time."
Works from her final year studies at Southern Cross University will be included, as well as designs for her first commission. "I was funded to paint a mural of the history of Casino for the Australian bicentenary in 1988 that is still in the main street today,” she said.
It is worth mentioning that Lee Blacker-Noble's experience in murals includes the history of the region presented on the walls of the bar room at the Historic Hydro Inn.
Her time in Casino from 1974 to 1991 included set designs for musical productions and she also directed three musicals.
"Half of me is music," explains Mrs Blacker-Noble and she sang for many years in the Lismore and Casino choral societies as well as the Murrumbidgee choral group.
A self-described "Tolkien tragic," she has included characters from the Lord of the Rings stories in many of her paintings. Her garden also features on many recent canvasses and, at times, her yard serves as a setting for imaginings of scenes from Tolkien's works.
Since returning to Leeton in 1991 to be closer to her grandchildren, Mrs Blacker-Noble has focused on landscapes and foregone the requirements on oil painting. "I've gone back to my first love, watercolours."
The retrospective is a chance to see the scope and breadth of this artist's career through many mediums and styles, from abstract to expressive to realistic representations.
Lee Blacker-Noble is a polymath and, while painting will be central, she will also share her poetry, etchings, prints, ceramic and felt-based works. A number of her artworks will also be available for sale.
Tuesday 10 September 2013
Landscape Painting Workshop
Suzanne Lindhorst will teach the use of acrylics and share her experience painting the Australian landscape.
She describes her relationship with the land as "a passionate and on-going love affair." Her paintings are vibrant expressions of colour -- rich in textures, layers and symbols.
A full-time professional artist, she received formal training at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga.
Lindhorst has had 15 solo exhibitions, six of them internationally, and has participated in countless group exhibitions.
She has won many awards in a career that spans over 40 years and her work is represented in government, corporate and private collections in Australian and overseas.
Cost is $100 per person or $80 NACNet members and prices include all materials. Contact Gay Campbell on 0428 669 115 to register or for further information.
Saturday 31 August 2013
Notes from Dream Big
Lockhart hosted the second annual Dream Big conference, organised by Eastern Riverina Arts and Western Riverina Arts.
The event's debut in Narrandera last year focused on festivals, with talks from artists, organisers and administrators. This year the focus was on public art.
After a welcome from Eastern Riverina Arts' Scott Howie, a welcome to country by Mark Saddler and another welcome from Lockhart Shire general manager Rod Shaw, renowned artist Fiona Foley presented the keynote address.
Foley discussed her formative experiences as an artist, beginning with an introduction to books on Australian Aboriginal history since European settlement that had influenced her. She recalled a critique of her graduating work while at the Sydney College of the Arts, a response to massacres at Queensland's Hervey Bay.
She mentioned criticisms from fellow students led to the development of self-belief in her work when the piece was bought by the National Museum of Australia. From here she skipped ahead to the 2009-10 retrospective held at the Melbourne Museum of Contemporary Art, which included work reflecting on the John Batman treaty that saw the Wurundjeri people transfer 600 acres of land where Melbourne now stands.
Foley said history texts provided the ideas she "crystallised in sculpture". Her work Dispersed was shown as an example, the letter D covered in bullets to comment on the euphemistic use of the word to describe the killing and displacement of indigenous Australians. (Image below courtesy of the artist.)
She outlined the process of developing and installing Witness To Silence, explaining the use of secrecy and subterfuge to see the work installed outside the Brisbane Magistrates Court.
In her initial statement she claimed it would memorialise fires and floods in Queensland townships. Three months after it was unveiled she revealed the 94 sites referenced within it were sites where massacres of Aboriginal people were known to have occurred.
"I like to put hidden histories into the public arena," Foley explained before discussing her works in the Queensland State Library which drew on the history of opium in the state. Her research found the little town of Marborough had three opium dens in the main street during the 19th Century. "Why? Because [the government of the day] wanted a cheap workforce," she claimed. (Image below courtesy of the artist.)
Similarly, Foley's $1.5 million commission in Mackay took inspiration from history. Her brief had been to enhance the river as the city had turned away from it. She researched the South Sea Islander workforce that had been imported to work in the canefields and developed sculptures based on sugarcubes. These featured the names of boats that had brought this human cargo as well as thumbprints from their descendants.
The local council were not impressed and a compromise was required for the project to proceed, where names of boats not involved in this trade were included. Foley said some of the councillors were descendants of the sugar farmers.
It was a provocative and interesting talk. One which Scott Howie said provided a "clear indication of the power of public art".
Wendy Hee, Cultural Development Officer with Waverley Council, introduced her talk on the economic benefits of public art with the well-known statue of the Dog on the Tuckerbox that is sited outside Gundagai. She outlined how this iconic piece stops traffic and creates jobs, although acknowledging the area has undergone some changes in recent years.
"Why have a park bench when you can have a work of art?" she asked, outlining pieces such as a mosaic bench that celebrates the meeting of the Bondi Life Saving Club in Gaza during the second world war.
"Public art commissions generate an economy of their own," she argued while outlining the materials and transport costs that feed into local economies. These activities can also serve to educate communities, such as Port Macquarie works that were funded by the State Emergency Service. "They walk passed it every day, so that reinforces the message" about flood markers.
Another example was an airport work that had been funded through a grant for security improvements. She described the process of the artist liaising with council staff in many departments.
"It's probably cheaper to be beautiful" said Wendy, contrasting the costs of buying council assets out of a catalogue versus employing artists to develop original works for the purpose.
Waverley Council are known for their annual Sculpture by the Sea event, which estimated to attract 1.5 million people over three weekends.
Local artist Vic McEwan asked a question about the process and whether friction between varying interests can create better results. Wendy replied that it was important to overcome resistance and fear with information.
Fiona Foley argued that it's important to maintain cultural integrity to the site. "It's an indictment on Australian society if we can't promote our own culture," she said. "We need to stop giving priority to overseas artists and start cultivating our own."
Wendy Hee concluded "It'd be a really good start for local councils to have a public art policy".
Wagga Wagga City Council Cultural Development Officer Tracie Miller spoke on her work in incorporating public art into planning processes, so that it's not just plonked down at the end.
She mentioned the challenges faced by the city due to rapid growth so the urban sprawl retains a sense of personality. "Public art fails not from negativity but from indifference" is a quote I've recorded but am not sure now whether she said it or quoted it.
One artist Tracie is working with is Col Henry, who has recently been awarded a commission for the city airport. "Public art requires all sorts of conversations," he said. "Everyone loves it -- especially after a year," he joked but acknowledged that installation can be "an intensive process".
"Everyone is an artist. My role is to get into people's heads so their ideas can be realised," said Col. Fiona Foley argued against this statement, saying that everyone has opinions but that doesn't necessarily lead to good art.
Penny Davies from Southwest Arts spoke on the Growing Our Place sculpture trail. "We wanted to nurture and support our local government areas to feel confident incorporating art into their works." She said that project management required being clear with councils and communities about the process and outcomes, outlining how a popular vote helped ensure support while councils auspiced their projects and participated in their commissioning.
John Wood was one artist involved in this project but he spoke more generally about his sculpture and experiences. "Making the break into public art can be a slow and deflating process but persevere," John said. "Remember it's a competitive process, so give it your best shot and it gets easier [to write proposals] the more you do."
"Research the brief and take time to talk to locals," he continued. "Have a realistic budget and timeframe."
Public art, John believes, gives a community a sense of place but he encouraged the use of interpretive panels to help them understand a piece. "Feedback is very useful to an artist," he concluded.
Ursula Jones, Tourism and Economic Development Officer at Lockhart Shire Council, spoke on the Spirit of the Land Festival which began in 2007 as a way of creating activity for farmers as "a distraction from the drought". The $10,000 acquisitive prize has the title National Farm Art Award and in 2013 it becomes a non-acquisitive prize to open the Festival to a wider group of artists. The event brings 5000 people each day.
Scott Howie spoke on the Animals on Bikes sculpture trail between Orange and Dubbo. 111 sculptures have been placed along roadsides to encourage tourism. "They're coming together to promote their towns and drive the dollar through," he said.
Linda Tillman from Riverina Regional Tourism spoke on their plan, which includes cultural tourism, as well as funding available through Destination NSW and hopes to double overnight visitation.
"They want to see local governments and industry working together to promote regional NSW," she said. Scott Howie observed this means promotional activities "become more sustainable because everyone has invested more into them".
The final part of the Dream Big conference was called Wisdom of the Crowd and invited local artists to pitch their dreams for audience comments.
Andrew Whitehead, a sculptor from Urana who had won the Spirit of the Land Festival a number of times, spoke first on his idea for a trail of his work through the region.
This would be akin to a solo show for an artist and Andrew argued he had a "proven track record in delivering popular art works". Col Henry suggested he should consider inviting other artists to be included, which lead to discussion of whether diversity or consistency would be selling points.
Vic McEwan of The CAD Factory spoke on his work rather than pitching a dream. "Art is about finding truths about ourselves" and "breaking down hierarchies," he said. The CAD Factory focus on creating temporary artworks with a view to embedding memories into the landscape which will encourage audiences to daydream. "There's poetry in all things," Vic concluded.
Poetry is the focus of Derek Motion's work and he talked on a project developed with Vic when they worked at Booranga Writers Centre and Wagga Wagga City Council respectively. Together they solicited poetry for installation in bus shelters. Derek said the "key thing isn't money" when developing art projects in local government, "it's a go-to person who will argue the case". He outlined his dream to project poetry onto the banks of the Murrumbidgee River.
The conference was an engaging event with interesting speakers talking on a variety of projects from their perspectives as artists and project managers
The event's debut in Narrandera last year focused on festivals, with talks from artists, organisers and administrators. This year the focus was on public art.
After a welcome from Eastern Riverina Arts' Scott Howie, a welcome to country by Mark Saddler and another welcome from Lockhart Shire general manager Rod Shaw, renowned artist Fiona Foley presented the keynote address.
Foley discussed her formative experiences as an artist, beginning with an introduction to books on Australian Aboriginal history since European settlement that had influenced her. She recalled a critique of her graduating work while at the Sydney College of the Arts, a response to massacres at Queensland's Hervey Bay.
She mentioned criticisms from fellow students led to the development of self-belief in her work when the piece was bought by the National Museum of Australia. From here she skipped ahead to the 2009-10 retrospective held at the Melbourne Museum of Contemporary Art, which included work reflecting on the John Batman treaty that saw the Wurundjeri people transfer 600 acres of land where Melbourne now stands.
Foley said history texts provided the ideas she "crystallised in sculpture". Her work Dispersed was shown as an example, the letter D covered in bullets to comment on the euphemistic use of the word to describe the killing and displacement of indigenous Australians. (Image below courtesy of the artist.)
She outlined the process of developing and installing Witness To Silence, explaining the use of secrecy and subterfuge to see the work installed outside the Brisbane Magistrates Court.
In her initial statement she claimed it would memorialise fires and floods in Queensland townships. Three months after it was unveiled she revealed the 94 sites referenced within it were sites where massacres of Aboriginal people were known to have occurred.
"I like to put hidden histories into the public arena," Foley explained before discussing her works in the Queensland State Library which drew on the history of opium in the state. Her research found the little town of Marborough had three opium dens in the main street during the 19th Century. "Why? Because [the government of the day] wanted a cheap workforce," she claimed. (Image below courtesy of the artist.)
Similarly, Foley's $1.5 million commission in Mackay took inspiration from history. Her brief had been to enhance the river as the city had turned away from it. She researched the South Sea Islander workforce that had been imported to work in the canefields and developed sculptures based on sugarcubes. These featured the names of boats that had brought this human cargo as well as thumbprints from their descendants.
The local council were not impressed and a compromise was required for the project to proceed, where names of boats not involved in this trade were included. Foley said some of the councillors were descendants of the sugar farmers.
It was a provocative and interesting talk. One which Scott Howie said provided a "clear indication of the power of public art".
Wendy Hee, Cultural Development Officer with Waverley Council, introduced her talk on the economic benefits of public art with the well-known statue of the Dog on the Tuckerbox that is sited outside Gundagai. She outlined how this iconic piece stops traffic and creates jobs, although acknowledging the area has undergone some changes in recent years.
"Why have a park bench when you can have a work of art?" she asked, outlining pieces such as a mosaic bench that celebrates the meeting of the Bondi Life Saving Club in Gaza during the second world war.
"Public art commissions generate an economy of their own," she argued while outlining the materials and transport costs that feed into local economies. These activities can also serve to educate communities, such as Port Macquarie works that were funded by the State Emergency Service. "They walk passed it every day, so that reinforces the message" about flood markers.
Another example was an airport work that had been funded through a grant for security improvements. She described the process of the artist liaising with council staff in many departments.
"It's probably cheaper to be beautiful" said Wendy, contrasting the costs of buying council assets out of a catalogue versus employing artists to develop original works for the purpose.
Waverley Council are known for their annual Sculpture by the Sea event, which estimated to attract 1.5 million people over three weekends.
Local artist Vic McEwan asked a question about the process and whether friction between varying interests can create better results. Wendy replied that it was important to overcome resistance and fear with information.
Fiona Foley argued that it's important to maintain cultural integrity to the site. "It's an indictment on Australian society if we can't promote our own culture," she said. "We need to stop giving priority to overseas artists and start cultivating our own."
Wendy Hee concluded "It'd be a really good start for local councils to have a public art policy".
Wagga Wagga City Council Cultural Development Officer Tracie Miller spoke on her work in incorporating public art into planning processes, so that it's not just plonked down at the end.
She mentioned the challenges faced by the city due to rapid growth so the urban sprawl retains a sense of personality. "Public art fails not from negativity but from indifference" is a quote I've recorded but am not sure now whether she said it or quoted it.
One artist Tracie is working with is Col Henry, who has recently been awarded a commission for the city airport. "Public art requires all sorts of conversations," he said. "Everyone loves it -- especially after a year," he joked but acknowledged that installation can be "an intensive process".
"Everyone is an artist. My role is to get into people's heads so their ideas can be realised," said Col. Fiona Foley argued against this statement, saying that everyone has opinions but that doesn't necessarily lead to good art.
Penny Davies from Southwest Arts spoke on the Growing Our Place sculpture trail. "We wanted to nurture and support our local government areas to feel confident incorporating art into their works." She said that project management required being clear with councils and communities about the process and outcomes, outlining how a popular vote helped ensure support while councils auspiced their projects and participated in their commissioning.
John Wood was one artist involved in this project but he spoke more generally about his sculpture and experiences. "Making the break into public art can be a slow and deflating process but persevere," John said. "Remember it's a competitive process, so give it your best shot and it gets easier [to write proposals] the more you do."
"Research the brief and take time to talk to locals," he continued. "Have a realistic budget and timeframe."
Public art, John believes, gives a community a sense of place but he encouraged the use of interpretive panels to help them understand a piece. "Feedback is very useful to an artist," he concluded.
Ursula Jones, Tourism and Economic Development Officer at Lockhart Shire Council, spoke on the Spirit of the Land Festival which began in 2007 as a way of creating activity for farmers as "a distraction from the drought". The $10,000 acquisitive prize has the title National Farm Art Award and in 2013 it becomes a non-acquisitive prize to open the Festival to a wider group of artists. The event brings 5000 people each day.
Scott Howie spoke on the Animals on Bikes sculpture trail between Orange and Dubbo. 111 sculptures have been placed along roadsides to encourage tourism. "They're coming together to promote their towns and drive the dollar through," he said.
Linda Tillman from Riverina Regional Tourism spoke on their plan, which includes cultural tourism, as well as funding available through Destination NSW and hopes to double overnight visitation.
"They want to see local governments and industry working together to promote regional NSW," she said. Scott Howie observed this means promotional activities "become more sustainable because everyone has invested more into them".
The final part of the Dream Big conference was called Wisdom of the Crowd and invited local artists to pitch their dreams for audience comments.
Andrew Whitehead, a sculptor from Urana who had won the Spirit of the Land Festival a number of times, spoke first on his idea for a trail of his work through the region.
This would be akin to a solo show for an artist and Andrew argued he had a "proven track record in delivering popular art works". Col Henry suggested he should consider inviting other artists to be included, which lead to discussion of whether diversity or consistency would be selling points.
Vic McEwan of The CAD Factory spoke on his work rather than pitching a dream. "Art is about finding truths about ourselves" and "breaking down hierarchies," he said. The CAD Factory focus on creating temporary artworks with a view to embedding memories into the landscape which will encourage audiences to daydream. "There's poetry in all things," Vic concluded.
Poetry is the focus of Derek Motion's work and he talked on a project developed with Vic when they worked at Booranga Writers Centre and Wagga Wagga City Council respectively. Together they solicited poetry for installation in bus shelters. Derek said the "key thing isn't money" when developing art projects in local government, "it's a go-to person who will argue the case". He outlined his dream to project poetry onto the banks of the Murrumbidgee River.
The conference was an engaging event with interesting speakers talking on a variety of projects from their perspectives as artists and project managers
Tuesday 27 August 2013
Join the Hydro Art Club
"We meet at the Historic Hydro Motor Inn each Wednesday from 1-4pm," he said. "My aim is to help create confidence in your creativity."
Currently the group are using acrylic paints but there are plans to explore different media. Costs start at $15 for the three hours with materials extra.
"The first lesson is free," said Mr Forbes. "Come along and see how you go. I want people to feel encouraged to try something different, explore new approaches and discover for themselves the benefits of developing skills and their creativity."
"We work with different styles and approaches, as well as varying subjects including portraiture, landscapes and still life."
Classes can also be arranged for one-on-one tuition, either at the Hydro or in your own home.
"I'd like to see families undertaking workshops together. It's a great joint activity and one that provides instant feedback as you see your representation of a subject taking shape.
"Art is a great balance for people," said Mr Forbes. "It's about expressing your perspective and you'll find a supportive group who are also having fun. It's a social time."
"You don't have to be a Michelangelo. I was very hesitant in my early days, so I'm keen to enable anyone with an interest and see art lovers become artists."
For more information contact Noel Forbes on 0402 599 491.
Friday 23 August 2013
Artist Shows Burning Ideas
"The phoenix represents transformation and willing submission to change. A symbol of the idea that in every end there lies a new beginning, which ties into the theme of Burning Seed this year 'Re:Creation'," said Ms Roberts.
"My collage focuses on the principle of de-commodification, so it has a strong anti- consumerist theme. Burning Seed is not just another form of recreation that you consume but an experience that requires participation to fully enjoy.”
Burning Seed, inspired by the US Burning Man festival, returns to Matong State Forest this October. The event draws an eclectic audience around principles including radical self-expression, inclusion, participation, and gifting.
"The event creates a temporary village in the bush where everyone brings everything they need to survive, something to share, and money is not exchanged," said Ms Roberts.
"Last year was my first 'burn' and I found a community that was welcoming, inspiring and supportive. The event is a radical experiment where revelry takes equal billing with environmental and social consciousness."
"The Burning Seed principles provide a framework that remove many of those artificial barriers which can inhibit people from genuine expression and allow for authentic, non-manufactured experiences between participants," she said.
Also displayed in the Western Riverina Arts windows are photographs from the 2012 event, including the displays of fire and art that are essential features of the Burn.
Local artists are invited to come and discuss displaying their work in our windows.
Tuesday 20 August 2013
Riverina Readers Share Passion
"The Readers’ Festival aims for a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, where the audience can easily interact with authors and ask them about their work," said Festival committee member Debbie Guertin.
The 2013 Program begins with the official launch from 5.30pm Friday 13, at Griffith City Library and will feature Susan Toscan discussing her book Strada De Sequire: The Road to Follow, which is based in the Griffith area.
The Program continues on Saturday 14 at Pioneer Park with discussions on a range of topics as well as workshops. Authors this year have written in a range of genres including, fantasy, suspense, historical and travel writing.
One of the most popular speakers will be children’s author Sally Rippin, who writes the hugely successful Hey Jack and Billie B Brown series that are popular among primary school-aged children.
"Many who attended last year asked for more workshops, especially for kids. So we're looking forward to seeing the response this year when Sally Rippin holds a creative writing workshop for children aged 10-12," said Festival committee member Amanda Martimbianco.
Other workshops being held this year include one by Garry Baker, who will discuss biography and personal history, and another led by Melanie Casey, who will focus on writing crime, paranormal, series or thrillers.
Military historians Peter Rees and Roland Perry are also confirmed for the event. Rees has written Lancaster Men, the extraordinary story of the Aussie men of Bomber Command in the air and on the ground. Perry is the author of Bill the Bastard, an epic yarn based on the true story of a great Australian war horse. He also wrote Bradman's Invincibles, The Changi Brownlow, Monash: The outsider who won a war.
"The authors who attended the 2012 festival reported having a wonderful time, enjoying the venue at Pioneer Park and the whole atmosphere of the event," said Ms Guertin.
This Festival will again feature a session just for local authors and writers. Those interested in speaking are invited to present a five-minute overview of their current works, projects and publications.
Come and enjoy the Griffith Readers’ Festival at Griffith City Library on Friday 13 from 5.30pm and Pioneer Park on Saturday 14 September from 9.30am.
Programs can be downloaded in PDF format from http://tiny.cc/readersfestival
Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children aged between five and 16. Children aged less than five are free.
Workshops with either Garry Baker or Melanie Casey are $35, while the Sally Rippin creative writing workshops for children aged between 10-12 costs $15. Workshops tickets include a day-pass for Saturday, but numbers are limited so get in quick to avoid disappointment.
Tickets are available for purchase from Griffith City Library, Collins Booksellers Griffith, Western Riverina Arts’ office in Leeton or at the gate on the day.
Saturday 17 August 2013
Community and culture come together to Dream Big in Lockhart
Following a successful debut in Narrandera last year, the one-day conference will be hosted by the home of the Spirit of the Land Festival and National Farm Art Prize.
The collaboration between Western Riverina Arts and Eastern Riverina Arts, will feature a professional line-up of professionals and artists speaking on how to grow the arts in our region through sharing skills and creating networks.
Designed for anyone involved in cultural, community and economic development; for established and aspiring artists; tourism operators, progress associations, and community groups, ‘Dream Big’ is designed to inform a diverse audience, and encourage big ideas for public art projects and economic solutions.
An example of using public art as economic development is utilising council maintenance budgets to commission the creation of a sculpture or art piece seating arrangement, instead of simply purchasing a park bench. Similar initiatives enhance cultural development, support local artists and can provide tourism opportunities.
Ganmain-based artist Patrick Ronald, who attended last year, said ‘Dream Big’ was a great chance to ask questions of people with years of experience and learn how to take your ideas further, "I was able to learn more about funding opportunities and, if you've ever failed a grant application, you know these are the opportunities to ensure future success."
Registrations are now open at http://dreambigriverina.eventbrite.com.au
Fiona Foley, a contemporary Indigenous Australian artist from Badtjala, Fraser Island, Queensland has travelled as an artist internationally and to remote communities in Northern Territory. She helped establish the Boomalli Aboriginal Arts Cooperative in Sydney along with a group of prominent and politically active Aboriginal artists.
In 2000, Foley's work was amongst that of eight individual and collaborative groups of Indigenous Australian artists shown in the prestigious Nicholas Hall at the Hermitage Museum in Russia.
Alongside Foley as keynote speaker, ‘Dream Big’ will also feature:
Wendy Hee, cultural officer with Waverley Council – responsible for adopting The Waverley Arts Plus Plan, a double finalist in the 2012 LGNSW Cultural Awards as well as coordinating council partnership with the popular Sculpture By the Sea public exhibition.
Kim Biggs, the driving force behind South West Arts’ Growing Our Place Public Arts Initiative, which oversaw the creation of five new public art works in with five local councils.
John Woods, one of the artists involved in Growing Our Place and has also completed commissions both small and large for a number of Councils in the region
Tracie Miller, Cultural Officer at Wagga Wagga City Council - oversees Councils Public Art Policy and Plan. Currently she is managing two major commissions for Public Art at the Wagga Airport.
Col Henry, artist awarded one of the Wagga Airport Public Art commissions and will provide insights into making the leap into public art.
Don’t just dream, come to Dream Big and learn how to make it happen. Dream Big will be held at Lockhart Memorial Hall, Green St Lockhart, on Friday, 30 August 2013 from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM (EST).
Wednesday 7 August 2013
New Communications Officer
"We're pleased to see the organisation expanding," said Julie Briggs, Chair of Western Riverina Arts.
"This appointment will assist in ensuring local artists reach larger audiences."
"This is a new role and Jason brings a variety of skills in public relations and producing marketing communications," said Derek Motion, Regional Arts Development Officer.
"The interview panel were impressed with his assessments of issues in contemporary arts and his demonstrated understanding of local issues. We're looking forward to harnessing his enthusiasm for a wide variety of artistic practise and focusing on engaging local audiences."
Western Riverina Arts is funded by Arts NSW to help build creative communities across the local government areas of Narrandera, Leeton and Griffith.
"There are a number of activities planned for the next few months that will keep staff busy," said Ms Briggs. "The Dream Big conference will be running again, this time in Lockhart, and the Griffith Writers Festival will offer the first of a few writing workshops this year."
Visit the Western Riverina Arts office on Kurrajong Avenue in Leeton or the website at www.westrivarts.com.au to stay informed about local events.
Tuesday 6 August 2013
CASP Applications Now Open
Western Riverina Arts encourage local community organisations to come and discuss applying for funding through the Country Arts Support Program (CASP), which closes Tuesday 1st October 2013 for delivery in 2014.
"CASP grants are for up to $3000 funding and designed to primarily cover professional artist's fees and expenses such as travel and accommodation," said Derek Motion, Regional Arts Development Officer.
"Any community-based incorporated group can apply and I hope they will.
"Individual artists can also apply, they simply need to have their application auspiced by an incorporated group."
CASP provides small grants to arts and community organisations in regional NSW for short term, locally initiated projects.
The Program aims to support locally determined cultural activities and make them accessible, so communities can explore and express their cultural identities. Benefits include social and economic outcomes for the community through training, employment and promotional activities, while leading to greater awareness and appreciation of cultural diversity in rural and regional New South Wales.
For more information contact Derek Motion, Regional Arts Development Officer, Western Riverina Arts.
"CASP grants are for up to $3000 funding and designed to primarily cover professional artist's fees and expenses such as travel and accommodation," said Derek Motion, Regional Arts Development Officer.
"Any community-based incorporated group can apply and I hope they will.
"Individual artists can also apply, they simply need to have their application auspiced by an incorporated group."
CASP provides small grants to arts and community organisations in regional NSW for short term, locally initiated projects.
The Program aims to support locally determined cultural activities and make them accessible, so communities can explore and express their cultural identities. Benefits include social and economic outcomes for the community through training, employment and promotional activities, while leading to greater awareness and appreciation of cultural diversity in rural and regional New South Wales.
For more information contact Derek Motion, Regional Arts Development Officer, Western Riverina Arts.
Wednesday 1 May 2013
Emma Beecher to exhibit at Roxy Art Space
Having studied at the ANU's School of Art and National Art School in Sydney, Beecher now presents an exhibition that highlights her exploration of the relationship between landscape and place within Australian photography.
This is a notion she continues to pursue in her current work, where she looks at the depiction of Australian landscape thought history, and the possible links that perpetuate myths and ideals associated with Australian Identity.
Beecher grew up in Leeton and has now returned to the location as a way to express the abundance of localities that are rarely depicted with Australian photography.
Using a Medium Format Camera, she presents a selection of both large and small prints, describing the area in a different light.
Local residents and arts enthusiasts are invited to come along, enjoy a glass of wine, and attend the opening of ‘The Eminence of Insignificance’, Sunday 5th May from 4 - 8pm.
Following the opening Emma Beecher’s works will be on display in the Roxy Art Space from 9am – 6pm Monday to Friday, 9am - 1pm Saturday and Sunday, until the 15th of May.
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