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October 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 October edition of Creative Catch Up.
This month celebrates our local visual artists. We introduce you to Melissa Thomas a local sculptor of garden art and the Northern Suburbs Arts Collective who have curated a group show at the Le Page Homestead, to launch their Annual Open Studio Arts Trail which takes place at the end of October.
Fresh youth theatre has started term 4 and the monthly community grants rounds are open for individuals and small groups.
Kind regards
the ACE (Arts, Culture and Events) Team
Feature Artist: Melissa Thomas
This month we would like to introduce Melissa Thomas.
When Melissa began, she didn't know what lay ahead and where the journey would take her. Initially she started creating pieces of artwork for family, friends and relatives. Very soon the word spread, and she was asked to create and manufacture pieces for the 1999 ‘Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show’. One piece was a 3.5 meter length Water Feature, another was a Table & Chair setting inspired by a recent trip to Paris. The display at the Show won a Gold Medal in the Show Garden category. Images of this design were published in an English Water Feature Book and in Gardening Australia volumes A-Z.
"Following the success in Melbourne and later in Sydney, interest in my work increased dramatically. Working with many landscapers and architects to supply their clients with a diverse range of artwork was becoming a full-time job. I primarily used stainless, mild steel and also glass for these designs. I also used recycled material when it was not in fashion to create natural eye pleasing objects."
Melissa has continued her work with the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show designing specific pieces for varying displays. One major piece commissioned was a Bi Fold Fence. This design was made and constructed by Melissa to open from a private courtyard out on to a park in Hawthorn. The success of this design resulted in images published in ‘Inside Out’ Magazine 2006. It was also featured on the TV show ‘Gardening Australia’. Her work has widely appeared in ‘Home Beautiful’, ‘Australian Horticultural’, ‘Gardening Australia’, ‘The Age’ and the ‘Herald Sun’. Various pieces have also been featured on TV including ‘Burkes’ Backyard ‘and ‘The Lifestyle Channel’.
Melissa is inspired by nature, so a lot of her work is the representation of animals and insects in their natural environment. In addition to her large-scale commissions, Melissa creates smaller art works and garden ornaments. Checkout her website or visit Melissa at her studio during the Open Studios Art Trail on the 28 & 29 October.
Image: Detail from Pink Native Eucalyptus, Alexandra Leti
In The Park - Annual Open Studio Exhibition
The 2023 Annual City of Whittlesea Open Studio Tour kicks off with a group show by the Northern Suburbs Arts Collective (NSAC).
This fabulous exhibition is being held in the Le Page Homestead, the home of Plenty Valley Arts and set in the beautiful surrounds of Hawkstowe Park. In the Park showcases the artists that are participating in the Open Studio Tour at the end of October. Artists include painters, printmakers, sculptors, and glass artists. Work is available for sale.
Launching on October 7, In the Park runs for 4 weeks and is open on weekends from 10am to 4pm.
Dates: 7-28 October
Days: Saturdays and Sundays
Time: 10am - 4pm
Venue: Le Page Homestead, Hawkestowe Picnic Area, Crn Gordons Rd and Plenty Rd, South Morang
Open Studio Arts Trail
This year the City of Whittlesea/NSAC Open Studio Arts Tour is as exciting as ever. Our diverse group of artists will open their studios to the public for the weekend of 28 and 29 October from 10am to 4pm.
This is an amazing opportunity to see artists at work, discover how they create their art and have a go in some studios. Some artists will be offering the opportunity to book and undertake classes and workshops.
Studios are spread across the breadth of the City of Whittlesea from Thomastown to Whittlesea. There is bound to be something for everyone of all ages to see and do. Artists include painters, printmakers, glass art/mosaic and sculpture. The work will be for sale and commissions may be available.
Printed guides will be available from various venues throughout the municipality.
Dates: Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 October
Time: 10 - 4 pm
Venues: Various - head to the NSAC Facebook page for more details
Courtesy Bus
For those who would like to travel easily and in comfort (limited seats) a courtesy bus is being offered again this year.
On both days you will visit as many studios as time allows.
Meet at 9.45 for a 10 am departure.
Bus returns at 4pm.
Bring a packed lunch as food stops aren't included on the tour.
Seats are limited - please book.
- Saturday October 28 , departing from and returning to the Greenbrook Community House:
40 McFarlane Cres, Epping. Book here - Sunday October 29, departing from and returning to the Whittlesea Community House,
92A Church St, Whittlesea. Book Here
For more information or to contact the group head to their Facebook page
or the Whittlesea Arts Website
Fresh Youth Theatre
City of Whittlesea is partnering with FRESH Youth Theatre, a theatre for social change, to provide FREE weekly youth theatre workshops.
Join us 4-6pm every Monday in fourth term starting Monday 23 October.
Come and meet other young people, learn new skills and have fun.
To get involved, please email: connectingcommunity@whittlesea.vic.gov.au or call 9217 2170 and ask to speak to staff from the Art Engagement team.
Day: Mondays in 4th term starting 23 October
Time: 4-6pm
Venue: Thomastown Library, 52 Main st, Thomastown
Community Grants - Now Open
The City of Whittlesea's new Community Grants Framework introduces year-round grants and aims to ensure more funds are available to more people in the City of Whittlesea to support local programs, projects and activities.
The new program offers six grant categories- small, medium, large, individual, unincorporated groups and emergency grants.
Individual and small grants are available monthly and emergency grants as needed.
You can find all the details on Council’s website at www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/grants
or email community.grants@whittlesea.vic.gov.au
Coming up at PRACC
PRACC in October presents ....
- MPSC Song & Dance Concert, Thursday 12 October, Mill Park Secondary College,
- Frozen, Saturday 14 October, Move Dance Co
- Pevan & Sarah in Concert, Friday 20 October, Studio Eighty-Five
- When I Was Your Age 2023 World Tour, Friday 20 October & Sunday 5 November, Joe Avati
Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre, 35 Ferres Blvd, South Morang
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