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Arts + Culture Update
July '24
Griffith l Leeton l Murrumbidgee l Narrandera
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WRA Visit to Kerri Weymouth Art Gallery and Studio
Western Riverina Arts’ Executive Director Aanya Whitehead visited the Kerri Weymouth Art Gallery and Studio in Coleambally on Friday 28th June 2024.
The Gallery has become a vibrant arts hub with a range of activities and lots to offer. Along with art therapy services and arts workshops, the gallery is a visitor attraction. It has a revolving exhibition promoting both local and national professional artists along with touring exhibitions. Importantly Kerri’s own signature and collectible works are available for commission or sale. The Gallery stocks a range of fine arts, artisan jewellery, hand crafted gifts and retro upscaled fashion.
Kerri Weymouth has partnered with Western Riverina Arts on a number of community arts initiatives including her long-running Eco Art Therapy workshops and M.A.K.E. Group activities. This includes Kerri as a speaker on the Horizons project which Western Riverina Arts is partnered on. Horizons is a state-wide regional arts project that provides direct intensive support to 75 young people wanting to pursue a career in the creative industries.
Kerri is excited to be able to stock the Jewellery of local Griffith Artist and Jeweller Kristy-Lee Agresta. To celebrate, Kristy-Lee will be holding a special event to showcase her collection in Coleambally. Come along and get one of Kristy-Lee’s bespoke bracelets permanently fitted.
9am-4pm Saturday 20th July 2024 – refreshments provided.
You can contact the gallery on: 0407 233 240
PHOTOS BY:
Aanya Whitehead (courtesy Western Riverina Arts)
Subject: Kerri Weymouth
Artist Credits:
“Sydney Harbour”
Etching
Mare Rimbeau (Canberra)
“Bitterns”
Eco died printing on handmade paper
Kerri Weymouth (Coleambally)
“Code Red Landscape”
Photograph on acrylic glass
Finalist of the Environmental Art Prize
Katherine Boland (Merimbula)
“El Nino”
Pigment print on acrylic glass
Katherine Boland (Merimbula)
German Vintage Ceramic works
Unknown artist
Handmade Blue Vintage Necklace
Unknown artist
Green Artisan Vases
Kerrie Robinson (Goulburn)
Other artists in photographs include works by Australian regional artists: Rhonda Miranda (Griffith), Kerrie Robinson (Goulburn), Linzie Nardi (Leeton) Basil Hall (Canberra), Sharon De Valentin (Griffith), Bridgett Ryan (Darlington Point).
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Farewell Gemma, Hello Zooey
Western Riverina Arts extends heartfelt gratitude to Gemma Purcell for her unwavering dedication and exceptional work as our Comms & Projects Officer. Over the years, Gemma's creativity and commitment have played a crucial role in advancing our mission and fostering strong connections within our community through the vibrant world of arts and culture. Her innovative approach and tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on our organization. As Gemma embarks on new adventures, we wish her all the best in her future endeavors. Her presence will be greatly missed, but her contributions will continue to inspire us.
PHOTOS BY:
Aanya Whitehead (courtesy Western Riverina Arts)
Subject: Gemma Purcell (front) with Fran McDonald, Karen Barrett, Elijah Ingram, and Ty Osmond-Davy
We are also pleased to introduce Zooey Korhonen as our new Communications Officer. Zooey brings a passion for the arts and experience in cultural services to the role. With a focus on supporting our communications needs, Zooey looks forward to working with the Western Riverina arts community to continue our mission of promoting creativity and cultural diversity in our region.
Please join us in expressing our gratitude to Gemma and welcoming Zooey to the Western Riverina Arts family. Together, we look forward to continuing our journey of celebrating and fostering the rich tapestry of arts and culture that defines our community.
PHOTO:
Zooey Korhonen (supplied)
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![Banner: [reads] Meet the Board! Elected at our 2024 AGM. [right] Pictured: Oumi Karenga-Hewitt](https://mcusercontent.com/b10273a1ec0edf377fd57697c/images/9a417a74-2aa5-0560-62b8-81ab36ad6c56.png)
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Western Riverina Arts Update: New Board Members
The Western Riverina Arts community and board gathered on June 11, at the Narrandera Arts and Community Centre for our Annual General Meeting. Among the highlights of the day were the appointments to our Board, reflecting our ongoing commitment to promoting cultural vibrancy and creative expression.
We are pleased to introduce the current members of our dedicated Board:
Oumi Karenga-Hewitt - Chair & Griffith Community Board Member
Karen Barrett - Vice Chair & Leeton Shire Council Board Member
Anthony Morton - Treasurer & Co-opted Board Member
Susan Killham - Narrandera Shire Council Board Member
Cr Jenny Ellis - Griffith City Council Board Member
Robyn Hutchinson - Leeton Community Board Member
Eden Hercus and Sue Mitchell - Murrumbidgee Council Delegate Board Members
Cr Sue Ruffles - Narrandera Community Board Member
Melanie Toscan - Griffith Co-opted Board Member
A warm welcome to Robyn Hutchinson, the newest member of our Board, representing the Leeton Community. Robyn's expertise and dedication to the arts community will be invaluable as we continue to grow and innovate.
Western Riverina Arts extends heartfelt thanks to departing Community Board Members Ken Dachi and Joanna Chauncy for their invaluable contributions over the past years. Their leadership has left a lasting impact on our organisation and the communities we serve.
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Spotlight on Bernard Higgins: Celebrating Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri Language and Culture:
Bernard Higgins, a dedicated team member of Western Riverina Arts and co-founder of Miil Miil Productions, is currently collaborating on an exciting SBS Radio podcast focused on the Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri language, which is integral to Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri cultural identity. This project is a significant contribution to the preservation and revitalisation of Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri language and culture. Bernard’s dedication to this important endeavour highlights his commitment to cultural heritage.
When Bernard is not working on the podcast or other Western Riverina Arts projects, he is busy pursuing his own artistic endeavours. His commitment to both his professional and personal projects showcases his passion for the arts and his deep connection to cultural heritage.
The upcoming SBS podcast, titled Ngiyang ('language'), explores how the Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri language is being reclaimed by the Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri people of central NSW and beyond. Featuring voices like Uncle Stan Grant Senior, who has dedicated his life's work to the Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri language, the podcast delves into how this reclamation journey has enriched the lives of Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri speakers, learners, and teachers. As the saying goes, "Wiray Ngiyang, Wiray Mayiny" – "No language, no people."
Please join us in recognising Bernard’s achievements and looking forward to the impactful work that lies ahead.
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Ngiyang
Wiradyuri language is integral to Wiradyuri cultural identity. Our language is our culture. Ngiyang (‘language’) is the story of how the Wiradyuri language is being reclaimed by the Wiradyuri people of central NSW and beyond. Hear from Uncle Stan Grant Senior, who has dedicated his life's work to…
www.sbs.com.au |
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LAST CHANCE!
RARE BIRD ensemble Theatre Workshop comes to Griffith
Sat & Sun 20 + 21 JULY | 9:30am - 5:00pm | Griffith Regional Theatre
Western Riverina Arts, Griffith Regional Theatre and GRAPA are excited to offer local actors, directors, drama teachers, and anyone interested in enhancing their performance skills, the chance to work with RARE BIRD ensemble during their Riverina tour of LOVE & FORGETTING – Tales from a Young Mixer. ENROL for what promises to be a rare training opportunity led by the company’s internationally acclaimed artistic director, Jeremy James.
TWO–DAY WORKSHOP | FROM PLAY TO PERFORMANCE
The objective of the workshop is to provide participants with techniques that enrich their expressive potential and enhance their ability to build character and tell stories with clarity and confidence. Drawing on the teachings and practices of Jacques Lecoq, Théâtre du Soleil and Complicite, the workshop explores fundamental principles of play which help performers and directors generate engaging new work. Games, structured improvisations and movement training will foster the complicity, listening, and collaborative skills required to propose, conceive and create effectively in any rehearsal or devising process.
‘A big, nutritious meal for my artistic hunger.’ – Donne Ngabo | actor | Perth
TWO FULLY PAID PLACEMENTS AVAILABLE COURTESY OF WESTERN RIVERINA ARTS
As workshop partner and supporter Western Riverina Arts is also offering two paid bursary placements to the workshop. Complete the simple Expression of Interest form to be considered for a workshop bursary placement.
THEATRE WORKSHOP FEE & ENROLMENT DETAILS
FULL FEE: $100 | $75 for GRAPA members
EARLY BIRD: $80 | $50 for GRAPA members (paid before 27 June)
Ages 18+ | Places limited | Light Lunch included
Western Riverina Arts is offering TWO FULL BURSARIES to attend the workshop. To be considered for this support, complete and submit this brief EOI before 5 PM Friday 20 June.
Notification will be given by Friday 28 June.
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Australia’s largest Art Deco Festival celebrating all things 1910-1940!
Are you ready to travel back to the golden age of the Art Deco era?
Immerse yourself in the culture, music, fashion, food, and vehicles of this iconic period.
The Australian Art Deco Festival Leeton is an annual spectacle held on the middle weekend of the NSW winter school holidays – so this year mark July 12-14 in your diaries and subscribe to the newsletter and follow on social media to stay up-to-date with the latest Festival news and announcements!
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Bookings Now Open!
Art Deco Arts (ADA) Retreat 2024
The much-anticipated Art Deco Arts (ADA) retreat is now open for bookings. With three amazing tutors looking forward to joining participants for the inaugural ADA retreat in 2024, it is looking to be an engaging weekend. Places with each tutor will be limited and there will be no time to delay when reserving your place.
The ADA (ar-duh) Retreat is set to be held at the Yanco Agricultural Institute, a site that has a long history within the community dating back to its beginning in 1908. The Leeton Shire and surrounding districts have enriching arts and cultural networks which ADA aim to contribute to by bringing together well-known art tutors from far and wide in this yearly retreat.
Bookings and more information. |
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Horizons Artist Talk
Join Horizons for an artist talk and virtual studio tour with multidisciplinary visual artist and art therapist Kerri Weymouth.
In conversation with Emma Johnston, hear about Kerri’s creative practice and experience establishing a creative studio and gallery in Coleambally, NSW. Kerri’s work spans many mediums such as textiles, eco-dyeing, printing, acrylics and sculptural work with found objects, inspired by the bush and her connection to regional NSW.
12pm Monday 8th July 2024 l Online.
Bookings and more information.
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Last Chance!
'Currawa Crossing'
Community Exhibition
The ‘Currawa Crossing’ exhibition is now on at the Corowa Art Space, featuring works by established and emerging Indigenous Artists from across the Riverina and Murray regions.
'Currawa Crossing' is a free community exhibition on display until 14th July 2024.
Open Wednesday - Friday 10 am- 4pm, Saturday & Sunday from 10am to 2pm l Corowa Art Space.
Image: Detail of 'Ages Ago' by Sarah Weymouth.
More information.
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Lawrence 'Lollipop' Live for the Festival of W
Join Lawrence 'Lollipop' Barlow celebrate the release of his new music as part of the Festival of W and a celebration of NAIDOC week. Lawrence is a First Nations country music singer songwriter who enjoys telling his stories of family and country through his songs.
Join us for some mulled wine, winter treats for some great yarns.
3:00pm Saturday 13th July 2024 l The Curious Rabbit.
Bookings and more information.
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'Love & Forgetting - Tales from a Young Mixer
Theatre Company RARE BIRDS ensemble is touring the Western Riverina through July with their sensational show 'Love & Forgetting - Tales from a Young Mixer.'
July 9th & 10th Limone Dining in partnership with Griffith Regional Theatre
July 13th & 14th Circa 21 Cocktail Lounge and Australian Art Deco Festival Leeton
And, you can join Jeremy James and Jack Martin of RARE BIRDS ensemble in conversation on 14th July during the Australian Art Deco Festival Leeton.
LOVE & FORGETTING – Tales from a Young Mixer tells a story through the stories of others, weaving fragments from classic cinema, literary icons, and tunes from yesteryear. An intricately crafted cabaret, this sell-out show from the Melbourne Fringe Festival raises a glass to storytelling, community and growing up in regional Australia. Performing in the beautiful setting of Limone Dining with a special menu, with a Leeton performance at the gorgeous Circa 21 Cocktail Lounge in Leeton, Jeremy James and Leeton’s own Jack Martin blur the boundary between the actor and audience and promise to stir your passions and shake your spirit.
Image: 'Love & Forgetting' Rare Birds Ensemble
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Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud.
Griffith City Council will mark NAIDOC Week with a flag raising ceremony followed by dancing and cultural activities at the Griffith City Library later in the week.
Head to Narrandera Wetlands on 8 July to celebrate with a smoking ceremony and wetlands walk around.
In Leeton, Council, in collaboration with local schools and the Leeton and District Local Aboriginal Land Council (LDLALC), has organised a series of engaging events to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
7 - 14 July 2024.
More information from NAIDOC.org
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Significance 2.0 Update
The Australian Government is encouraging people involved in the collections and cultural heritage sector to have their say on an update to Significance 2.0: a guide to assessing the significance of collections. The guide aims to help collecting organisations, collections professionals and the broader public to determine the significance of cultural and heritage objects. Produced in 2009, the guide needs to be refreshed to reflect changes in collecting attitudes and procedures that have emerged over the past 15 years. Feedback gathered through the consultation process will inform the development of a new and valuable contemporary guide to assessing the significance of the cultural objects held in collections in Australia and around the world.
Written submissions close 18 August; To learn more and submit.
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Artist of the Month
Emma Rose Darcy - Published Author and so much more...
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Seemingly born with a love of reading and writing, Emma Rose Darcy's passion for storytelling was evident from an early age. Emma's mother often had her read their bedtime stories, favouring the much-beloved Beatrix Potter books. Even in kindergarten, Emma could often be found creating her own homework sheets, pestering her teacher to use them in lessons.
Emma hilariously recounts a story about her grade 1 teacher complaining of her poor handwriting. To this day, she “uses a pen fraudulently, having never earned her pen license.”
Sitting in Emma’s joyful yellow kitchen, one cannot help but notice her love of all things heritage and history. This love is understandable given her Bachelor in Creative Writing and History, and a Masters in Museum and Heritage Studies. From the fabulous vintage kitchen table to the handmade lemon-patterned curtains – made by Emma herself – her creative versatility shines through.
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Emma expresses a deep gratitude for the educators who supported her throughout her life, she shares, “the power of a passionate teacher...”. By high school, Emma had found two teachers who saw her full potential and fostered it. They entered her work into competitions, read it to other classes, and went beyond the curriculum to offer feedback on all she produced.
This support helped Emma develop a creative writing portfolio by the end of high school, which she attributes to securing her place in her Creative Writing degree. Proof that it is never too early to start dreaming.
During her degree, Emma was a prolific writer but often struggled to finish projects. She describes having, “a million half-done projects” with a distinct focus on magical realism and dark fantasy. Among her completions were four NaNoWriMo novellas, “of varying degrees of goodness,” she laughs.
Following her studies, Emma experienced monumental ups and downs – from marrying her beautiful wife the year before graduating to building a family and developing a severe migraine condition. At one point, Emma genuinely believed her writing and creative career was over. However, being an intrinsic part of her being, that would prove untrue.
Through years of determination and hard practice, her skills slowly returned and even improved. Paint therapy became her preferred pain management tool and the perfect remedy for writer’s block. Cross-discipline practice, it turns out, can only enhance a person's creative process!
Emma now leans towards writing horror fiction with a blend of her old favourite, dark fantasy. She currently has seven published short stories included in anthologies and two novels on submission. “Whenever I get blocked up, I paint and do photography.”
What does Emma paint, you ask? She has a particular fondness for Portuguese sardine can art and often creates her own “silly little sardines” to relax.
Emma is one of our region's newest settlers. She and her family made the move to Narrandera at the start of the year. Certainly a busy bee, Emma works as a freelance digitisation archivist. Her favourite tasks include digitising family photographs, diaries, and scrapbooks of old newspaper clippings. She looks forward to bringing these skills to the region. We at WRA cannot wait to see how the Western Riverina influences her writing!
Emma’s top tip for budding authors looking for submissions to write for? Mix it up! She will not refuse an opportunity she knows she is strong for, but also likes to challenge herself by writing outside her comfort zone.
Looking for Emma online? Find her on social media under @ofcoursethehorrors on Instagram and Threads. |
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Grass Roots Open Mic call out for Artists
The 2024 Grass Roots Open Mic is open for registrations! Contestants can show off their skills and perform a mix of covers and original songs at the Grass Roots in this open musical battle!
The judges are very keen to see who steps onto the stage this year after some amazing performances in 2023. The competition will be judged by Grass Roots founder and local musician Ben Ceccato, along with Luke Piccolo and Bonnie Owen, who have been judging the event since its inception in 2019.
Griffith Regional Theatre Manager, Marg Andreazza, said “What is better than a Sunday session to support local musos? We’re excited to see these artists step out on stage and show us what they’ve got - the music will be live and loud, and we’ll have the bar open for refreshments.”
Members of the public, as well as friends and families of the performers, are welcome to purchase a ticket to see the open mic event for only $10 each.
Sunday 4th August 2pm l Griffith Regional Theatre
Further information and registrations for artists.
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Richell Prize for Emerging Writers
Unpublished writers are invited to submit entries to the Richell Prize for Emerging Writers.
The prize is $10,000 and a 12-month publishing mentorship with Hachette Australia. Adult fiction and adult narrative non-fiction are eligible. Writers do not need to have a full manuscript at the time of submission, though they must intend to complete one.
Submissions close Sunday 7th July.
Learn more and submit.
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Capture Coolamon Shire
Photo Competition & Exhibition
Entries for 2024 are now open! The Capture Coolamon Shire Photographic Competition is open to all photographers, however photos to be considered for the $1000 major prize must have been taken at a location within the Coolamon Shire Boundary.
Entries close Friday 2 August 2024.
You can enter by one of the following ways:
Online registration form at www.visitcoolamonshire.com.au
Hand delivered to Coolamon Shire Library
Posted to: Capture Coolamon Shire Photography Competition, PO BOX 101, Coolamon NSW 2701.
Learn more.
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Leeton Shire Council Photo Competition
Leeton Shire Council has opened the 2024 Leeton Shire Photography Competition. Council invites all residents to capture the essence of Leeton through the lens of their camera. The Leeton Shire Photography Competition aims to celebrate the things that make Leeton unique, with photos up two years old accepted across five categories:
📸 Nature and Streetscapes: Capture the breathtaking landscapes and streetscapes that define Leeton's natural and built environments.
📸 Leeton Liveability: Showcase the vibrant community spirit, local events, and everyday life.
📸 Waterways: Explore the Murrumbidgee River, wetlands, and other water bodies highlighting their ecological significance and beauty.
📸 Art Deco: Celebrate Leeton's architectural heritage by capturing the timeless elegance of our Art Deco buildings and structures.
📸 Resilient Harvest: This category named to reflect Leeton’s agricultural prowess invites participants to showcase the resilience, hard work, and innovation.
The prize pool comprises vouchers to be redeemed at local Leeton
businesses, valued at:
• 1st Place: $500 voucher
• 2nd Place: $350 voucher
• 3rd Place: $150 voucher
For more information and to submit your entry.
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Jacaranda Acquistive Drawing Award (JADA)
Grafton Regional Gallery invites artists from across Australia to submit entries for the 2024 JADA.
The JADA is Australia’s richest regional drawing award. This award seeks to encourage and promote innovation and excellence in drawing. Over the years the JADA has documented the development of contemporary drawing practice in Australia, and has captured how drawing has changed and evolved.
At the official opening of the exhibition to be held on Friday 27 September 2024, two prizes will be awarded.
First Prize: $35,000
Early Career Award: $5,000
Entries close 30th June.
For further information.
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National Contemporary Jewellery Award
Griffith Regional Art Gallery
The National Contemporary Jewellery Award (NCJA) is a nationally significant, biennial art award presented by Griffith Regional Art Gallery and Griffith City Council, supporting and promoting the Gallery’s National Contemporary Jewellery Collection.
There are two (2) prize categories in the 2024 National Contemporary Jewellery Award competition.
• National Contemporary Jewellery Award - a $5,000 acquisitive award.
• Design Excellence Award - a $1,000 non-acquisitive award.
The National Contemporary Jewellery and Design Excellence Awards are open to any artist who has been a resident of Australia for the 12 months immediately preceding the NCJA.
Entries close September 20th 2024.
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