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APRIL WRAP-UP | ARTIST OF THE MONTH | LATEST NEWS | UPCOMING EVENTS | OPPORTUNITIES | GRANTS
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Western Riverina Arts had a historic 10 year AGM in a historic place. Thank you to Griffith Pioneer Park Museum for hosting us! The day was made even more memorable as it was our board member Oumi Karenga-Hewitt's birthday!
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Western Riverina Arts Micro Grants Applications are now closed.
We have had a fantastic response to our initiative from artists across our regional footprint resulting in funds being expended before the closing date. We will continue to work with the applicants who applied within the eligible timeframe. We will be sharing our Micro Grant success stories and outcomes in the future so keep an eye out!
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Congratulations to the cast and crew of Henry V! The Board of Western Riverina Arts attended the opening night premiere. This contemporary and impressive production was received by cheers, applause and floor stamping that would have outdone Shakespeare’s own Globe Theatre. The play drew on artistry and talent from across the region.
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Fire and Wax, the first solo exhibition from Sharon De Valentin was opened at ArtSpace, Griffith Regional Theatre in April. The exhibition explored the relationship between nature and our manmade environment with paintings that reflected landscapes, farming and botanicals using the ancient art form of encaustic. |
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Congratulations to all of the winners of Leeton Art Society Inc's Penny Paniz Acquisitive Arts Competition which was held at Leeton Museum and Gallery last month. The Acquisitive Prize theme was "Agriculture - From the Ground Up". Image: Competition judges Sarah McEwan (L) and Yianni Johns (R) along with Sues Vos (M), Leeton Shire Manager of Cultural Services pose with the winning entry by Dorothy Roddy. |
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The Western Riverina went back in time during April. Audiences at Leeton Museum and Gallery got to have a fantastic educational experience for the whole family when Sir Justyn brought the medieval era to Leeton with music, artefacts and sword fighting. |
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The Connect the Dots initiative held a Local Makers Pop Up Gallery, allowing audiences to meet local creatives and view their work in this new pop-up gallery space located in Banna Lane. Artists involved included Lisa Taliano, Anne Mills, Anne Morshead, Sue Fordham, Di Tarr, Kim Gibbs, Isis Rae and more. Image: Oumi Karenga-Hewitt
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Comms Officer Camille got a special two-for-one experience at The Art Factory Wagga Wagga when Narrandera Artist Layla Bacayo and Jacko Meyers worked on her portrait as part of the #theportraitfactory. Thank you Layla and Jacko!
You can find out more about local artists of The Art Factory and purchase available works from www.theartfactorysupportedstudio.com |
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Roslyn Lockhart and Murrumbidgee Council presented a Curatorial Crash Course in Jerilderie featuring National Portrait Gallery Curator Penny Grist! Participants explored the same planning methods used by Penny when selecting, arranging, and interpreting images for exhibitions by constructing their own miniature galleries. Penny offered new ways on how curators might approach collections, whether it is with their hands, heads or hearts.
This event was supported by the NSW Government through The Festival of Place - Summer Fund. |
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Prior to the Easter holidays, Roslyn Lockhart and Murrumbidgee Council presented a Curator and Artist Talk in Jerilderie with National Portrait Gallery curator Penny Grist and 2020 Inaugral Darling Portrait Prize winner Anthea da Silva.
It was a beautiful evening of discussion and entertainment between curator and artist, with audiences serenaded by Living the Dream, the guitar and vocals duo of Chris Bodey and Shelagh Logg. It was a particularly special night as it was also Anthea's birthday!
This event was supported by the NSW Government through The Festival of Place - Summer Fund. |
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Lee Blacker-Noble
Many people would be familiar with the name Lee Blacker-Noble, as one of the iconic artists of her hometown of Leeton, who has been in countless exhibitions in her longstanding career since her first solo show in 1976. Lee is somewhat of a visual historian with the reflective nature of her public mural work. She describes the theme that connects her various bodies of works together as ‘remembrance’. Lee has worked in many mediums, such as oils, watercolours, ceramics and textiles and has many talents beyond the paintbrush. Lee has played the push pedal organ for 20 years at St. Marys Yanco Anglican church, taught art classes at the Leeton Technical College, and has mastered short-hand typing as a Stenographer.
Lee’s works have gained popularity to the point that they’ve been stolen. When relocating in between houses in Leeton in 2000, she found to her immense disappointment that a huge work of hers had been stolen from her hallway. The theft is a complete mystery to Lee. She notes due to the size and weight, it would have been a two-person job. Lee would like to see the painting returned to her all these years later, and would encourage anyone who knows anything to come forward.
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“Two Chronometers The Captain Had”. The case of the missing Lee Blacker-Noble work is unresolved.
Lee has long been involved in Leeton’s evolving artistic history. She was one of the founding members of the first iteration of the Leeton Art Society which held its first art exhibition in the basement of S Richards Department Store (now Best & Less), in 1956. Lee won this first competition and sold the winning piece to the judge, the artist Douglas Dundas. Lee is now an active member of the current Leeton Art Society (LASI) which was revived by Penny Paniz in the 1990’s.
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Free Recording Sessions
Western Riverina Arts are excited to announce that we have partnered up with The Cad Factory to create an opportunity for four songwriters living in the Narrandera, Leeton, Griffith and Murrumbidgee LGAs to record an original song for FREE in the Cad Factory studio!
Applications are now open and close at midnight on Sunday 30 May. For more details or to apply head to cadfactory.com.au/recording-sessions
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Roxy Institute of Performing Arts
Fabulous news for regional artists! Leeton Roxy Community Theatre will soon be home to a performing arts institute to train the next generation of actors and industry specialists: The Roxy Institute of Performing Arts (RIPA). Read the full story here.
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New Mural In Leeton
Linzie Joanne Artist has just completed her first large-scale mural in Leeton. The grand work is situated in the newly renovated Micks Bakehouse Leeton and is a vibrant addition to the business. Linzie noted the obstacles involved in painting an irregular wall: “They did a few renovations and they saw a mural in Griffith and then Maria thought that would be good. She didn’t know any mural artists, but she knew I was an artist so she asked me. She had seen my previous work and liked the house plant paintings that I had done so she wanted something along those lines. She had already decided to paint the wall black so then it was a matter of me creating a design that suited the black background and tied in with newly painted colours. It was more of a logistic painting than anything, working out what paint to use on the concrete as well as getting into the difficult spots, the really high spots as it’s a three metre wall, taking into account the fridges and the shelving and the stairs.”
Maria Di Salvatore of Micks Bakehouse Leeton is really pleased with the outcome and explained why she chose to engage a local artist: “It was just to create a bit of interest and do something different within the bakery because it was just boring walls. Because we were introducing a coffee window I thought we could get a little bit more hip and trendy. I’ve had it in my mind for a long time, back when we took over the bakery. My customers over Easter were just astounded, Linzie had only just started and they were really cluey about it. They said it just sets off the place.”
This project was supported by Western Riverina Arts and the NSW Government.
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Narrandera Arts Fair
We popped by day one of the Narrandera Arts Fair. Lots of regional talent was on show including Mike Perrott, John Beattie, Susan Bannister, Lindee Russell and Linda Nolan! Day two included a live demonstration of encaustic art with artist Sharon De Valentin. After the success of the first arts fair, Narrandera Arts and Creative Network are asking that artists who would like to participate in the next fair on 19 & 20 June, to please get in touch soon as places are filling fast.
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Wirramarri: Long Way from Home
A very special coming together event from The Cad Factory, Clontarf Academy at Narrandera High School, Narrandera Fisheries Centre and Barkindji Elders took place on Koori Beach during April.
Julie Briggs Western Riverina Arts Board Vice Chair was in attendance: "What a wonderful extended moment on Narrandera’s Koori Beach last night. Elders from Baarkinji Nation joined with Narrandera Wiradjuri elders and young people, and Narrandera Fisheries Centre, in an evening of performance and story telling created with the Cad Factory’s Vic and Sarah McEwan and team. We who were there were privileged to witness this beautiful ceremonial tribute to environment and our human dependence on all non-human beings and forces of nature."
Read more about Wirramarri here.
Images: Camille Whitehead
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Banna Lane Festival
This happy bunch were responsible for brightening up the public walls of Griffith for the 2021 Banna Lane Festival. Left to right: George Rose, Reubszz, Man.De and a familiar face - local artist Allan McKenzie Senior! Make sure to explore their fabulous work along Banna Lane. Event organisers are already encouraging mural artists who are interested in the 2022 event to submit their expressions of interest now!
Image: mural by Di Tarr and Lisa Taliano
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Veronica Collins: Reflections In Time
Leeton Museum and Gallery are delighted to host a retrospective of works from Griffith-based Wiradjuri Artist Veronica Collins. Titled ‘Reflections In Time’ the exhibition will look at how Veronica has adapted and evolved with various mediums and stories over her decades-long career. 'Reflections In Time' will feature never before exhibited works. The exhibition runs from 11th -21st May.
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Open Studio Sessions
Join Succa Mum for Open Studio Sessions! Bring your projects and join like-minded creatives in the studio - all experience levels welcome!
The Open Studio Sessions will allow you to make time to create, complete unfinished artworks or to start something new. You don't have to be a professional artist to attend. Bring along a craft kit thats been sitting there a while or a colouring in book you haven't been able to start.
Essential equipment will be provided such as easels, paint palettes, water containers, paint brushes, paper towels etc. however artists must bring their own supplies such as canvas, paper, paints and drawing materials. Artist will be able to store their art and supplies at the Studio until the term ends.
With support from the NSW Government in association with Create NSW and Western Riverina Arts, the first term will be FREE. From August each 3 hour session will be $10.
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Create Narrandera Program: May
There are still some places left in the remaining workshops of the Create Narrandera Program. The remaining workshops provide you with an opportunity to explore a mix of activities including painting, doll making, basketry and sculpture. There's something for everyone to explore their creativity and have some fun in a friendly and inclusive environment.
Browse the program and reserve tickets.
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Artist Talk: Wendy Sharpe
Join acclaimed Australian Artist Wendy Sharpe at Griffith Regional Art Gallery for a floor talk about her experiences as the winner of the 1996 Archibald Prize, a finalist in 2020 and more. Artist talk includes morning tea. Event is held Saturday 15th May from 11am. Free event, please register.
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Tim Fischer Sculpture Unveiling
Federation Council invites community members to the unveiling of the late Tim Fischer AC sculpture by Andrew Whitehead. The event will be held at the Tim Fischer Community Park, Boree Creek on Sunday 23 May from 10:30am. Find out more and register to attend here.
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Young Archie Competition
Is your family harbouring a young Picasso? A Meyne Wyatt or Wendy Sharpe? The Young Archie Competition is open to all artists between the ages of 5 and 18. Each category winner receives $50 from ANZ, an Archibald 21 catalogue and bragging rights!
Young Archie’s judge, Jessica Blomfield Branch Manager from ANZ Griffith, will announce the winners and highly commended at the Young Archie Opening at ArtSpace at Griffith Regional Theatre 4pm Monday 7 th June. Winners and finalists will be exhibited at ArtSpace and will be available for public viewing from Monday 7 th June to Friday 9th July.
The portrait should be of a person who is special to you - someone who is known to you and plays a significant role in your life.
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Street Scapes: Community Art with Succa Mum
Mon 24 May | 9am - 4pm | Free | Kooyoo Street, Griffith
Join in the show and be a part of the Street Scapes community art project with Griffith’s very own, Succa Mum. The community can pick up a brush and help Succa Mum paint the Kombi community artwork. Everyone is welcome. This event is Free. For more information head to www.streetscapesgriffith.com.au
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Street Scapes: Market
Sun 23 May | 9am | Free | Kooyoo Street, Griffith NSW
Join in the fun at the Street Scapes Market and enjoy all the stallholders have to offer. Take a walk down Banna Lane and admire the new murals, grab something nice to eat and enjoy the outdoor atmosphere. Entry is Free For more information head to www.streetscapesgriffith.com.au
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Street Scapes: Kooyoo Projection Art
Sun 9 May - Sat 29 May | Free | Kooyoo Street, Griffith
After the sun sets Kooyoo Street will be illuminated with projection artwork created by regional artists. Come down to Kooyoo Street and see this street scape transform into a glistening masterpiece.
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Street Scapes: Sign Painting with Straight Lines Design
Wed 19 May 12pm - 2pm | Free | Kooyoo Street, Griffith
Get creative with Straight Lines Design and Marketing and help paint Street Scapes signs. The Straight Lines team designed the Street Scapes logo and pattern. Join them in Kooyoo Street and pick up a brush. This is a great opportunity to learn more about their design process and pick their brain about branding, marketing and all things creative!
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Lecture: High Art & Hysteria The History of the Archibald Prize
No other art prize in the history of Australia art has been more contentious or divisive than the Archibald Prize. Griffith Regional Art Gallery will present an evening dissecting the history and politics, the scandals, tribulations and triumphs of this notorious and hallowed award. Limited places, book early to avoid disappointment.
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Emerging Writers' Incubator
Three NSW emerging writers will be given the opportunity to work with some of Australia’s leading production companies, as part of the new Emerging Writers’ Incubator – a new initiative to support the development of diverse fiction writing talent in the Australian screen sector.
Applications are now open and will close Friday 28 May 2021. Find out more.
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Fifty Squared Art Prize 2021
Attracting thousands of visitors to its showcase exhibition and featuring hundreds of artworks from artists from all across Australia and beyond, you are invited to enter Fifty Squared Art Prize 2021. All levels of experience welcome, all themes, styles and mediums accepted. Entered work must be 2D and measure 50x50cm or less. All entries will be exhibited during the Fifty Squared Art Prize 2021 showcase exhibition.
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Sculpture In The Vineyards
Artists are invited to submit sculptures for selection in the 2021 Festival. Sculpture in the Vineyards, Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival is the oldest and one of the largest sculpture exhibitions in rural NSW. Held over 16 days, from Saturday 11th September to Sunday 26th September 2021, this not-for-profit outdoor and indoor exhibition gives local, regional, interstate and international sculptors an opportunity to exhibit their works in the beautiful rural surroundings of the historic Wollombi Village.
$25,000 – First Prize
$7,000 – Indoor Sculpture Prize
$5,000 – Highly Commended Prize
$2,000 – Emerging Artist Prize
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Writing For TV Intensive 2021
Applications are now open for the Screenworks 2021 Writing for TV Intensive, a two-day workshop that will guide participants through key elements fundamental to writing a successful TV drama series.⠀
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Open to early-career writers living in regional NSW and regional Queensland, 12 selected applicants will develop their skills to enable them to bring their stories from regional Australia to our TV screens.⠀
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Street Scapes Stall Holder EOI
Griffith City Council is calling expressions of interest for stallholders who would like to participate in a pop up market as a part of Street Scapes Griffith in May 2021.
Stall sites will not have access to power or water and there will be no vehicle access to the site.
There are limited stalls available on the site and final stall holders will be confirmed after submissions have been received. All final approved stall holders will be sent terms & conditions, site map and instructions for bump in, prior to the event date. Submit EOI here.
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Booranga Writers' Centre Micro Grants
Writers in Regional NSW are encouraged to apply for a micro grant from the Booranga Writers' Centre. These small grants are for individuals, for up to $1000, and are intended to restart literary activity in the regions after the social tumult of pandemic lockdowns. More details here.
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Actor Call Out
Are you a budding actress, actor, performer, or do you have a hankering for being involved in community theatre? The Leeton Writers’ Collective is showcasing the talent of the local community at the Leeton Art Deco Festival by putting on an original murder mystery play, written by Leeton’s own Leonie Napier! If you would like to be involved in any way, please contact Leonie via email: leonie.napier@dpi.nsw.gov.au
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Remaging Art Prize 2021
Remagine Art Prize has a focus on sustainability and the environment. Each year it has a timely and thought-provoking theme, this year’s theme is ‘Fast fashion, fast food, fast running out of natural resources’. Artists are asked to submit artworks that relate to an element of this theme.
There are three categories with $11,000 in total prize money. Categories include: Digital Art – Stills, Mixed Media 3D/Mixed Media 2D and Painting/Drawing/ Printmaking. There is also a new Youth Award (16-18 years) and the People’s Choice Award which is voted by the public.
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Calleen Art Award 2021
Entries are open to the 2021 Calleen Art Award. The Calleen Art Award is an acquisitive painting prize in any subject and style. Cowra Regional Gallery are looking for artists to enter the acquisitive prize for painting. Major prize $25,000 (acquisitive) People's Choice Award $1000 (non-acquisitive). Entries close 19 July 2021. Further information or to enter online.
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Australian Art Deco Festival Performer & Vendor Call Out
Are you a performer who likes to dress in theme or a maker/craftsperson with skills from the 20s and 30s? Get in touch with suesannv@leeton.nsw.gov.au to see how you can be a part of the fabulous Australian Art Deco Festival Leeton over the 2-4 July 2021!
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Creative Riverina Database
Are you on the database? Artists and performers of all kinds are listed on CREATIVE RIVERINA, the go-to online directory for creatives in our region! Make sure people can find you - create your FREE listing today!
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