News The last month has been jam packed with news and events, which will continue throughout the holiday season.
On the awards front, Gallery was recently nominated for three IMAGinE Awards (Museums and Galleries NSW). The first, BOARD in the Exhibition category, the second, Art(ful) Futures in the Engagement category and third, independent curator Donna Biles-Fernando in the Aboriginal Curator category. We would like to thank all the people who worked with us on our projects during 2018. We also congratulate our fantastic Hunter colleagues at the The Lock-Up for their success in the Awards. Our commitment to education, school programming and Hunter-based artists continued firstly, through an intensive HSC clinic with established artist, Michael Bell. The workshop pushed the boundaries of what is offered in schools by focusing on the process and possibilities of copper sulfate etching on aluminum
plates. Secondly, an adult workshop by Braddon Snape, immersed participants in sculptural processes. Braddon spoke of his PhD research into the process of inflating steel without heat and discussed his concepts and influences to inspire participants to make models which could be later made as a larger sculptures. Across the Lake in Speers Point, the winner of the design competition for the $2.2 million Multi-Arts Space was announced. The winning concept was designed by University of Newcastle undergraduate student, Samantha Baily. Her design features access to spectacular water views and a flexible interior space. The project will complement the Gallery's programming and 2019 redevelopment by showcasing a range of arts practices from
contemporary art, dance and theatre to multi-media installations. On the Lake, Mayor of Lake Macquarie, Councillor Kay Fraser, launched Nova Cruises' Lake Macquarie Cruise Service and their new vessel, 'Lady Mac'. Cruises depart from the public wharf at Booragul in front of the Gallery. For details see their website. If you decide on a daytime cruise why not visit the Gallery and check out the latest exhibition before boarding. Love that Lake .....love that Art!
Top: from Obsessed, Tjunkaya Tapaya, 2017. Photograph by Angus Lee Forbes.
Above: A student's work from the recent HSC printmaking clinic with Michael Bell.
Upcoming EventsLAUNCH OF OUR SUMMER PROGRAM
Join us this Sunday 9 December for the launch of our summer program and the opening of OBSESSED: compelled to make, Headquarters, and Newcastle School: Making It!. This will be a great day out so why not drop in to check out the exhibitions and participate in the activities. You could even drop in on your way to Lake Mac Carols. We would love to see you here for this free event by the Lake. Program of Events
10.30am–4pm ArtSpace activities for children and families.
11–12.30pm Opening of Newcastle School: Making It!
2pm guest speaker Lisa Cahill, CEO and Artistic Director, Australian Design Centre and exhibiting artists from HQ
3pm Music and refreshments
From Obsessed (detail) Gabriella Bisetto 2017. Photo Angus Lee-Forbes
Current Exhibitions8 December 2018 – 3 February 2019 OBSESSED: COMPELLED TO MAKE
This is a major touring exhibition from the Australian Design Centre featuring 14 Australian artists whose stories contain the high points and frustrations of a life of creative work many of us can relate to, whether we are professional artists, designers, craftspeople or hobbyists.The exhibition includes videos of the artists making and stunning examples of each artist's work. Obsessed makers have been chosen from across the spectrum of making – textiles, ceramics, furniture, metalwork, jewellery, conceptual art, glass blowing and sculptural weaving and include: Gabriella Bisetto, Lorraine Connelly-Northey,
Honor Freeman, Jon Goulder, Kath Inglis, Laura McCusker, Elliat Rich and
James B Young (Elbowrkshp), Kate Rohde, Oliver Smith, Vipoo Srivilasa, Tjunkaya Tapaya, Louise Weaver, and Liz Williamson. Obsessed: Compelled to make is presented with assistance from the Australian Government Visions of Australia program.
From Headquarters From HQ High Tea with Mrs Woo at work in their studio space. Photograph Alexander McIntyre
HEADQUARTERS
In Headquarters, curator Meryl Ryan heads into five Hunter-based studios to investigate the diverse practices taking place in these spaces and discover what drives the creatives in each studio to make. Represented in the exhibition are The Creator Incubator, HQ, Pinkerton, Red Shed and The Soap Factory through artwork, design, photography, video and studio materials. A gallery exhibition curated by Meryl Ryan in consultation with the studios and supported by the Australian Design Centre.
From Newcastle School (detail) student enjoying making art
NEWCASTLE SCHOOL: MAKING IT!
Also on display until 27 January, Newcastle School: Making It! showcases artworks by students with a mild to severe intellectual disability. As in previous exhibitions, the work of the students is sure to make you smile and appreciate unbridled creativity and the pleasure of making. This year you can even participate ...you'll have to come to see how! A gallery project coordinated by Rob Cleworth in consultation with the Newcastle School.
Art Classes and Activities
From Obsessed, Oliver Smith 2017. Photo Angus Lee-Forbes.
FOR ADULTS ...
Traditional weaving: Saturday 19 January 10.30am–3.30pm
Jewellery design with Oliver Smith: Sunday 20 January 10.30am–3.30pm Drop in and Draw
The last day for the year is Saturday 15 December, 1.00–2.30pm
Drop In and Draw is the perfect opportunity for brushing up on your life drawing and observational skills. Each self-guided session features a draped life model, refreshments and basic drawing materials. The cost is only $10 just bring your own sketchbook or paper. No registration is required, simply turn up on the day. Please just make sure you have closed shoes. FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN DEVELOPING A CREATIVE BUSINESS ...
These half-day workshops by Creative Plus Business are designed to help creative people with their business skills. www.creativeplusbusiness.com The Grant Song: Saturday 2 February 10am–1pm
Tips for grant writing.
Money is not a dirty word: Saturday 2 February 1.30–4.30pm
Tips for creative business ventures. For more details and information about programs see artgallery.lakemac.com.au
From the Gallery Society Christmas party, Shahrzad and Ron Groenhout
NEWS
The spirit of Christmas was truly present at the Gallery Society Christmas party in early December as members eagerly embraced the excitement of new things ahead for the Gallery. Director Debbie Abraham outlined plans for the 2019 redevelopment project and discussed some of the new directions being considered for the Gallery to enhance the program and site for the community. This resulted in an enthusiastic response from members at the AGM, with committee positions eagerly filled in anticipation of supporting these future directions. Our new President is Roger Eggleton who will lead the committee in in their upcoming planning and fundraising activities. Congratulations to all committee members. At the AGM, homage was paid to our retiring President Shahrzad Groenhout and Secretary Treasurer Ron Groenhout. Both have served tirelessly
and with dedication in those positions for numerous years. Thank you Ron and Shahrzad. A shared party between the Gallery volunteers and Gallery Society followed the AGM with fun and frivolity easily assisted by Steve's musical accompaniment, bubbly and yummy Christmas fare. If you would like to become a Gallery Society member or gallery volunteer details are on our website
Gallery ShopLOADS OF FAB GIFT IDEAS
Our gallery shop has lots of great gift ideas for young and old. Check out our range of hand-crafted jewellery, glass, ceramics, textiles and timber products, many made locally. We also stock a beautiful range of authentically sourced Aboriginal designs and objects, many also made locally. Books, toys, novelty items and artmaking activity kits offer ideas for the young, while our exclusively created Lake Mac Tea, bath salts, tea cups and spoons, could help out with ideas for overseas gifts with a difference.
Coming Up 8 February – 10 March 2019FIRST CLASS 18
Our showcase of the work of 2018 HSC visual art students, this time curated by Courtney Novak and Helen Willis to reflect current themes.
The Gallery team wish you a happy and safe holiday season. OUR HOLIDAY HOURSGallery
Closed: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and Mondays
Open: All other days, 10.00am–4.30pm Awaba House
Closed: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and Mondays
Open: All other days. Reservations are recommended.
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