Join the Hydro Art Club

Leeton artist Noel Forbes has started the Hydro Art Club to encourage creativity and develop skills in producing visual media.

"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.

Artist Shows Burning Ideas

The windows of Western Riverina Arts currently feature a colourful collage by Leeton-based artist Jo Roberts.

"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.

Riverina Readers Share Passion

Organisers of the Griffith Readers’ Festival are focusing on assembling an even wider array of authors this year after a successful debut in 2012.

"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.

Community and culture come together to Dream Big in Lockhart

Fiona Foley, one of Australia's most accomplished and acclaimed public artists, will be keynote speaker at this year’s ‘Dream Big’ one-day conference on Friday 30 August in Lockhart. Foley will be speaking on her practice and role as a public artist.

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).

New Communications Officer

Western Riverina Arts have appointed Jason Richardson as Communications and Projects Officer, a part-time role based in the Leeton.

"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.

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.

Emma Beecher to exhibit at Roxy Art Space

This Sunday 5th May photographer Emma Beecher will present her exhibition ‘The Eminence of Insignificance’ in Leeton’s 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.