L-R: Gallery Director Debbie Abraham, Mayor of Lake Macquarie, Councillor Kay Fraser, NSW Arts Minister, Hon. Don Harwin, State Member for Lake Macquarie, Hon. Greg Piper, and Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Cultural Services Jacqui Hemsley.
NewsIt is official Lake Macquarie City Council has received more than $2 million from the State Government to fund an exciting expansion of the Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery and the creation of a cutting-edge Multi Arts Space at Speers Point Park. Mayor of Lake Macquarie, Councillor Kay Fraser, welcomed
the State Government’s commitment to both projects, saying they would set new benchmarks for cultural excellence, innovation and creativity.
Gallery wins 'Best in Show' at National Design Awards The Art Gallery has won top honours in this year's MAPDAs (Museums Australasia Multimedia and Publication Design Awards) for the exhibition catalogue Book Club, both first in its section and 'Best in Show'. The Gallery also received Highly Commended for Board Sheet, the exhibition catalogue for Board: surf and skate cultures meet contemporary art. Both publications were in collaboration with Gallery curator Meryl Ryan and designer Stephen Goddard. The MAPDAs have been running for 14 years and this is the third time this
gallery/designer team has won 'Best in Show'. Council shortlisted for Creative Communities award Additionally, Lake Macquarie City Council’s Arts, Heritage and Cultural Program has been shortlisted for the 2018 NSW Local Government Excellence Awards in the Creative Communities category.
Board winnerJoshua Canlas' winning design for the surfboard component of the BOARD competition is looking great on a custom Malibu by Paul Parks from 3P Surfboards. Curator Meryl Ryan is seen here presenting the board to the winner's sister, Miss Blanch. Hunter Red has launchedHunter Red is suite of exhibitions representing a collaborative partnership between Hunter-based cultural institutions: Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery, The Lock-Up, Maitland Regional Art Gallery and Newcastle Art Gallery. The project launched over the weekend of 25, 26 and 27 May with openings at each of the four galleries. Mayor of Lake Macquarie, Councillor Kay Fraser welcomed the crowd for the opening of Re(A)d Earth. Aboriginal artist Douglas Archibald (below) prepared the site for the stomping ground. The cultural performance began with rhythmic clacking of sticks by Uncle Bill as he summoned the dancers. Archibald family descendants of all ages shared traditional dance with the audience. Moving from the Sculpture Park into the Gallery the dancers led the crowd. Curator Donna-Biles Fernando spoke with exhibition artists Nicole Chaffey, Saretta Fielding, and Damian Smith. Chaffey spoke in her family's native language before a performance by musician David Leha, performing as Radical Son. His deep melodic voice was captivating and his emotive song brought several to tears. The day ended with bush tucker and refreshments on the deck. We thank our other Hunter Red project partners for joining us in the celebration.
EventsConnect to Country and Market Day
Sunday 24 June 10.30am – 3.00pmJoin us on as we celebrate Aboriginal art and culture. You can experience cultural dance and explore traditional and contemporary craft through artmaking activities and demonstrations. Feel free to browse the boutique market for artisan craft and design. There will also be a BBQ with proceeds to benefit local Nikinpa Childcare Centre.
Hunter Red events
Until 22 JulyAccess your Hunter Red event guide to find details on events happening across all four venues.
Installation view: Megan Cope, Old Kahibah (detail) 2018, parish maps, vinyl print; Old Kahibah sound extraction and abstraction; locally sourced rocks and hallowed timber; violin, cello and double bass strings. Courtesy the artist and THIS IS NO FANTASY + Dianne Tanzer Gallery, Melbourne
Current exhibitionHunter Red: Re(A)d Earth
until 22 July
Re(A)d Earth draws together international, national and Hunter-based Aboriginal practitioners including Douglas Archibald, Nichole Chaffey, Megan Cope, Saretta Fielding, Sally Gabori, Jonathan Jones, Eubena Nampitjin, Ningie Nangala, Kathleen Paddoon Napanangka, Yhonnie Scarce, Damian Smith, Freddie Timms, Wukun Wanambi, Judy Watson and many more. A Gallery project curated by Donna Biles-Fernando and developed in consultation with the Aboriginal Reference Group
from Architectural Prints, an April school holiday workshop
School Holiday Workshops
10–19 July Book now for holiday workshops! Simply phone the Gallery on (02) 49210382 or visit artgallery.lakemac.com.au for details. Drawing Studio
SaturdaysNew drop-in sessions for over 16 year olds16. Visit artgallery.lakemac.com.au for details.
Gallery Society EventsHunter Red bus tour
Thursday 14 June 8.30am – 4.00pm Hop on board the Hunter Red bus tour hosted by the Gallery Society. This day out will allow you to visit each of the participating galleries. This is a great opportunity to meet new like-minded people and enjoy the diversity of exhibitions. All are welcome.
For the Love of Art: Jonathan Jones
Sunday 17 June 2–4pm We are excited to announce Re(A)d Earth exhibition artist and member of the Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi peoples of south-east Australia, Jonathan Jones will be the next guest speaker for the Gallery Society series For the Love of Art. A high profile artist, Jones has exhibited both nationally and internationally; in Australia at Sherman Contemporary Art Foundation, Sydney, the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, overseas at the Palazzo delle Papesse Contemporary Art
Centre, in Siena, Italy, and Plug In Institute of Contemporary Art in Winnipeg, Canada, among others. Jonathan's work in Re(A) Earth is from the Collection of Newcastle Art Gallery. $15 for non-members and $10 members , includes refreshments. All welcome. To book, simply phone the Gallery on (02) 49210382. All funds raised go towards the purchase of new acquisitions for the Gallery's collection. For more information about his practice, see the MCA's Artist Profile.
Ali Sobel-Read, Potteryali handmade ceramic jewellery
Gallery shopNew in the Gallery shop – Potteryali handmade ceramic jewellery.
Coming up 28 July – 23 September 2018 Moving Histories // Future Projections
A dLux MediaArts exhibition toured by Museums & Galleries of NSW Yes yes yes yes: graphics from the 1960s and 1970s
An Art Gallery of NSW touring exhibition. Artists include Joe Tilson, Eduardo Paolozzi and John Cage. For more details see our website
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