November 2023

Welcome to Creative Catch Up

We recognise the rich Aboriginal heritage of this country and acknowledge the Wurundjeri Willum Clan and Taungurung People as the Traditional Owners of lands within the City of Whittlesea.

Welcome to the November edition of Creative Catch Up.

This Month we introduce Alexandra Leti, a local artist whose work was chosen for the promotional image for this year's Annual Art Exhibition - The Webs We Weave. The Annual Art Exhibition opens this month and features over 100 new works. Carols by Candlelight rehearsals are well underway, r and new artwork has been installed at the Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Center.

In this edition 

• Feature Artist: Alexandra Leti
• The Webs we Weave - Annual Art Exhibition
• Carols by Candlelight
• New artworks installed at PRACC

Kind regards
the ACE (Arts, Culture and Events) Team

Feature Artist:  Alexandra Leti 

This month we would like to introduce Alexandra Leti. 

Growing up in rural Victoria, Alexandra developed a love of art and nature. Her art, influenced by the subtle hues and strong colours of the Australian landscape, capture visions of nature painted in both contemporary and abstract design. These powerful combinations are used in her design of paintings and interpretation of life. She is a self-taught visual artist, with a background in textile and design.

Through undertaking many art courses and opportunities to exhibit her art, Alexandra has expanded her style of painting. This has allowed her to experiment in a variety of techniques, broadening her portfolio of work that includes watercolours and acrylic on canvas.

 "I am a passionate and driven person and surround myself with likeminded people. Since 2010 I have held small tutorial classes from my studio, and workshops when requested. I enjoy sharing my passion for art and believe that while teaching students, I continue to learn.”

Alexandra’s piece "The Threads that Bind Us” was chosen as the promotional image for the City of Whittlesea Annual Art exhibition opening 17 November at the Great Hall, Civic Centre, 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang

You can see more of Alexandria's fabulous work on Instagram or  BlueThumb or at the Annual Art Exhibition.

Image: Detail from The Threads that Bind Us, Alexandra Leti, 2023

Annual Art Exhibition - The Webs We Weave 

Council presents its Annual Art Exhibition in the Great Hall at the Civic Centre in South Morang from Friday 17 November-Friday 15 December. The 2023 exhibition will be one of our biggest yet, with 98 artists of all ages, abilities and backgrounds contributing 139 artworks to the exhibition.

A long running and much-loved edition to the City’s arts and cultural program, this year’s Annual Art Exhibition sought submissions in response to the theme The Webs we Weave, which invited artists to reflect on and share their connections, and the structures and activities that inspire, provoke or inform these connections.  For some this spoke to the interplay of local and personal connections and cultural influences. Others reflected on the tangible and intangible threads that bind us together. Each artwork is unique in its interpretation and exploration of the theme and the creative mediums used.

Many of the works are for sale and you are invited to vote for the People's Choice Award.

Dates: Friday 17 November – Friday 15 December 2023
Time:  Weekdays 10am-4pm
Venue: Great Hall, Civic Centre, 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang
Cost: Free

Carols by Candlelight

Carols Choir rehearsals have begun in preparation for our Carols event on Friday 15 December, and it's sounding fabulous. With 15 children, 55 adults, 6 ukuleles and a guitar, we have one of our best choirs yet. Made up from people all around the Municipality and joined by the Diamond Valley Brass Band, you are set for a night of amazing music.

Carols by Candlelight is a jam-packed with fun and exciting activities like face painting, roving performances, art & craft activities, arts and crafts stations, lots of singing and Santa himself will make a special appearance.

AUSLAN interpreters will be present ensuring everyone can join in the fun!

And don't forget to do your part for the environment! Bring along your own reusable coffee cup, bag, water bottle, and picnic blanket. We'll supply the candles to set the festive mood!

When: Friday 15 December, 6pm-9pm

Where: Civic Centre Lawns, 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang

We encourage residents to leave their cars at home and consider taking public transport, walking or riding to the event.

Mindful Mandalas at PRACC

Three new artworks have been installed into the foyer light boxes at the Plenty Ranges Arts and Conference Centre (PRACC).

Artist Kathy McCormick worked with various community groups including staff from Neami National at the new Whittlesea Local service, visitors to the Pride Festival and Mindful Meditation Group at Thomastown Neighbourhood House.  Regular members of the meditation group reflected on the connection between the two practices as they got creative with rulers, compass and a range of coloured paper, pastels, watercolour pencils and crayons.

These three digital works are based on original designs by Leah, Heather and Naomi.

The artworks were created as part of the City of Whittlesea Art and Resilience Project that was delivered in 2022 and 2023. This pilot project aimed to upskill local artists in Community Cultural Development (CCD) practices, equipping them to design and deliver programs that support mental health, increase well-being and build community resilience.

The Mindful Mandalas will be displayed in the foyer at PRACC (plenty Ranges Art & Convention Centre) until the end of January 2024.

It is in a public space where visitors are welcome to grab a coffee and take a look between 8am – 2pm on weekdays.

Coming up at PRACC 

PRACC in November is all about dance schools and end of year presentations.
Tickets are available on the website for friends and families of the various dance schools and students.

Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre, 35 Ferres Blvd, South Morang

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