Tag: artist

Maroondah Art Gallery Exhibition Opening ‘Idee fixe’ & ‘Come into the Garden Maud’

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The Maroondah Art Gallery is located at Maroondah Federation Estate in Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood. This evening I attended the opening of two exhibitions, ‘Idée fixe’ and ‘Come into the Garden Maud’.

‘Idée fixe’ includes works from three artists, Penelope Le Petit, Julie Milton and Antoinette de Morton, who utilise printmaking and a range of mediums to explore the association of objects and gender associations. ‘Come into the Garden Maud’, features works by Sharman Feinberg whose paintings depict the colours and shape of a number of private and public gardens, including Monet’s Garden in Giverny France.

Both exhibitions will be featured at the Maroondah Art Gallery until the 2nd of October. For further details please visit www.artsinmaroondah.com.au.

Media Release: Top marks for happy snappers

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JUDGES in the annual Maroondah City Council’s Photo Competition had their work cut out for them this year with more than 70 photographers entering 121 photographs.

The winners were announced by Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin at a special ceremony on Thursday night at Maroondah Federation Estate.

“It was always going to be difficult judging what is a variety of subjects and a high standard of works,” Cr Makin said.  “This year the entries featured everything from some of Maroondah best known landmarks to our native flora and fauna.”

First place in the open section (18 years and older) was awarded to Roger Frost, for his piece Under the Gum Trees, which captured the contrasting scenes of the Mullum Mullum Valley and the EastLink tunnels. Mr Frost won a $300 gift voucher courtesy of Croydon Camera House.

Second place went to Ciaran Magee for her piece Quiet Autumn, which shows a tranquil moment outside Ringwood Library. She won three Hoyts Eastland La Premiere double passes.

The intermediate section (13 to 17 years) was won by Stephanie Lillis, for Reflections in the Lake, a striking piece showing the beauty of Ringwood Lake at night. She was awarded a $200 gift voucher courtesy of Croydon Camera House.

Second place was awarded to Stephanie Lamb, for Friends and fun, which shows a group of friends enjoying each other’s company. She won four movie passes and a La Premiere double pass courtesy of Hoyts Eastland.

The junior section (12 and under) was won by Courtney Blythe, for Don’t Think I Should be Sitting Here. She won a $100 gift voucher courtesy of Croydon Camera House.

Mia Sango won four Hoyts Eastland movie passes for her second placed entry, Little Brother Drawing.

The Mayoral Encouragement Award was awarded to Marryl Vaughan for Shimmering Reeds. She won a $200 Eastland shopping voucher.

Cr Makin said he chose the photograph because of its creativity and use of colour.

“I thought it was a wonderful piece, it had so many artistic elements and captured the reflection and the contrasting colours of the sky and the lake perfectly.”

Cr Makin said the competition had really highlighted the photographic skills of the community.

“We have received some superb shots from all ages in the community,” Cr Makin said.  “I encourage everyone to visit the exhibition and see the creative works of our residents on display. While they you there don’t forget to visit the J.A. Turner room to see selected works from the Maroondah City Council Art Collection. On display are pieces from acclaimed artists Larry Jenkins, Gayle Maddigan, Kate James, Konrad Winkler and Jill Orr.”

The Maroondah City Council Photographic Exhibition is open until July 24 at the Maroondah Art Gallery, Maroondah Federation Estate, Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm and Saturday 12pm – 4pm. Details: 9298 4545.

The event is sponsored by Croydon Camera House, Hoyts Cinemas Eastland, Maroondah Journal and Eastland Shopping Centre.

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Media Release: Maroondah paparazzi put on a show

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MAROONDAH’S people, places, pastimes and events, as captured by its residents, will be on display at this year’s Maroondah City Council Photo Competition Exhibition at Maroondah Federation Estate.

This year the annual event attracted 121 entrants from 70 amateur photographers.

Maroondah Mayor, Councillor Alex Makin said the quality of this year’s entrants was going to make selecting a winner in all three categories extremely difficult for the judges.

“Our municipality has many fantastic places and people, so it is great to see people out there enjoying what is on offer and capturing that moment in time for others to enjoy,” Cr Makin said.

“Whether it’s the city’s landmarks, people enjoying the parks and gardens or relaxing at home, all of the pictures provide a sneak peek into how people live in and enjoy Maroondah,” Cr Makin said.

“I encourage everyone to come and see the exhibition for themselves and see Maroondah though the eyes of their fellow residents,” Cr Makin said.

A selection of works from the Maroondah City Council Art Collection will also be on display at the gallery during July.

The collection boasts more than 140 paintings, prints and ceramics which includes a number of pieces by artists from the region, as well as showing local landmarks and scenes.

The Maroondah City Council Photographic Competition categories were:

  • Junior category for entrants aged up to 12 years
  • Intermediate category for those aged between 13 and 17 years
  • Open Section for entrants over the age of 18.
  • Mayor’s Award

The awards will be presented at a special ceremony at Maroondah Art Gallery on Thursday July 8.

The Maroondah City Council Photographic Exhibition is sponsored by Croydon Camera House, Hoyts Cinemas Eastland, Maroondah Journal and Eastland Shopping Centre.

The exhibition is open until July 24 at the Maroondah Art Gallery, Maroondah Federation Estate, Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm and Saturday 12pm – 4pm. Details: 9298 4545.

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Media Release: Main Street mosaics add a splash of colour

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A collection of unique mosaic pavers designed by local VCAL students from Swinburne TAFE were unveiled by Mayor of Maroondah, Councillor Alex Makin on Tuesday 22 June.

Funded by a Maroondah Council Arts and Cultural Grant and a brainchild of Croydon Main St Traders Association, the mosaics will be placed at the northern end of Main Street at the corner of Coolstore Road and Main Street.

Mayor of Maroondah, Councillor Alex Makin said that the students worked closely with a local community artist to create the colourful mosaics that will help to beautify Main Street, Croydon.

“What started out as a project to encourage students to respect cultural works while enhancing their self esteem has turned in to an art piece that can be appreciated by the whole community,” Cr Makin said.

“This is the second collection of mosaic pavers that have been laid in Main Street, with the first patch laid in February this year,” said Cr Makin.

The mosaics are laid onto individual concrete pavers that were constructed by the building department students at Swinburne Tafe.

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Launch of Community Art Project in Main Street Croydon

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This morning I was invited to launch mosaics that were created through a community art project in Main Street, Croydon. The mosaics were created by Swinburne VCAL students, through discussions with the Main Street Traders Committee and Maroondah City Council.

Alex launching mosaics created by VCAL students in Main Street Croydon
Alex launching mosaics created by VCAL students in Main Street Croydon

The community art project is an example of collaboration and partnership between various organisations, including students who worked closely with the traders to improve the amenity of Main Street. In addition, the project received a council grant of $1810, which was utilised to fund equipment, as well as a community artist to work with the students.

The Main Street Traders Committee is planning further community art projects to provide additional amenity improvements to Croydon’s Main Street, as well as delivering a unique identity to the shopping precinct.

Media Release: Chainsaw creates a work of art

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A unique mural carved by artist Angie Polglaze has been acquired by Council for installation at the Ringwood Soccer Multipurpose Pavilion.

Mayor of Maroondah, Councillor Alex Makin said the work was created by Angie with the help of her trusty chainsaw.

“The level of detail and precision of Angie’s work is amazing. That a chainsaw could be used to create something so striking is a wonder,” Cr Makin said.

“The piece was created from the timber milled from several of the cypress trees that were felled on-site for the project to commence,” Cr Makin said.

“In this way the mural serves as a reminder of the trees that formerly stood nearby and preserves them in a way that can be appreciated by visitors to the facility for many years to come,” Cr Makin said.

The colourful work will be installed close to the completion of the Ringwood Soccer Multipurpose Pavilion.

“This major project has seen the demolition of the old Ringwood soccer facilities to make way for the construction of a modern, multipurpose shared sports pavilion for the entire community to enjoy,” Cr Makin said.

“The new pavilion will feature male and female change facilities, associated car parking and lighting,” Cr Makin said.

“Various male and female sports codes will be catered for and the pavilion also includes a boxing gymnasium. These facilities will complement the new, all-weather synthetic surface playing field following the completion of the building works,” Cr Makin said.

The pavilion is expected to be completed in December.

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Maroondah Journal: photo contest put in focus

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The Maroondah Photo Competition has returned for 2010, with junior, intermediate and open categories.  In addition there is a Mayor’s Encouragement Award, which includes a prize of a $200 Eastland Shopping Centre voucher.

Just a week remains before entries close for the competition and the Maroondah Journal has reported on this year’s competition:

Maroondah Mayor Alex Main said people’s favourite places, special landmarks, sporting shots and artistic creations all made for great photographs.

“Whether you’re a keen photographer or simply enjoy taking photos, the annual photo competition is a great opportunity to showcase your create skills and highlight the many fantastic areas of Maroondah.”

All entrants to the the Maroondah Photo Competition are shown at the Maroondah Art Gallery during July, with the opening being held on the 8th of July.  For further details on the competition please visit www.maroondah.vic.gov.au.

Delegates’ Report: Annual general meetings, art exhibitions and launching Maroondah’s Community Wellbeing Plan

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There are several items I’d like to discuss this evening:

On the 23rd of March I attended the North Ringwood Community House annual general meeting, which coincided with the graduation ceremony of their Certificate III and IV students.

North Ringwood Community House is the only community house in Maroondah that has Registered Training Organisation status, meaning that they are able to offer Certificate level courses. As part of the AGM the House discussed its new business plan and it is great to see that they are planning on expanding their accredited courses into the future.

On the 29th of March I attended the first meeting of the Maroondah Partners for Community Wellbeing Committee along with Cr Ann Fraser. This committee is tasked with the responsibility of overseeing the implementation of Council’s Community Wellbeing Plan and incorporates a number of different agencies, including Eastern Volunteers, Eastern Access Community Health, the Primary Care Partnerships and others.

So what is Council’s Community Wellbeing Plan, it’ll be discussed later in this report.

On the 13th of April, I attended a community meeting hosted by Common Equity Housing Limited (CEHL), the managers of the 80 unit affordable housing development in Larissa Avenue. While Council and the community were understandably concerned about the State Government overriding Maroondah Council as a planning authority, it is encouraging to see the CEHL holding discussions with the community to help explain and demystify this development.

On the 15th of April I had the pleasure of opening two exhibitions, Konrad Winkler’s Moments of My Life and the Ringwood Art Society’s Artist of the Year. Konrad’s work highlights the changing nature of photography and the Art Society’s exhibition showcases the talents of one of Victoria’s oldest and largest arts societies.
The Artist of the Year was judged by an independent adjudicator but the community also has the possibility of providing input, through the Community Choice Award.

As part of the proceedings I had the privilege of announcing that Council will be utilising the Mayoral Art Fund to acquire one of the artworks that was exhibited by a member of the Ringwood Arts Society and I look forward to formalising this announcement once it is finalised.

The two exhibitions are hosted at Maroondah Art Gallery at the Maroondah Federation Estate and are on display until the 8th of May.

On Sunday the 18th of April I attended the Anzac March in Croydon hosted by the Croydon RSL. I would like to commend the Croydon RSL for holding such a welcoming and friendly event, it was great to see them involve the wider community, including local Primary and Secondary Schools and I believe it reinforces the community atmosphere that is so prevalent at the Croydon RSL.

This morning I had the pleasure of launching Maroondah City Council’s Community Wellbeing Plan. The plan, which was adopted by Council in December in last year, identifies the key wellbeing priorities over the next four years, including:

  • Healthy Minds Healthy Choices
  • Engaged Resilient Communities
  • Accessible Safe Community
  • Lifestyle Opportunities and Choices
  • Targeting Equity and Social Inclusion
  • Healthy Sustainable Environments

The plan was developed through the former Maroondah Partners in Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee of which Cr. Nora Lamont, Cr. Rob Steane and myself were members.

In addition, Council undertook extensive community engagement in the development of its Community Wellbeing Plan including a survey in the Maroondah Focus, where we received over 1000 responses.

This was a tremendous result given that there are 44,000 households within the municipality. These responses provided quantitative information and Council also undertook extensive consultation with community organisations and discussion sessions at locations such as Eastland.

The end result is a plan that was developed in partnership with the community and which will be overseen by the Maroondah Partners in Community Wellbeing Committee, which includes community organisations, Council staff, as well as two Councillors, Cr. Ann Fraser and myself.

I would like to commend the many people who were involved in the development of the plan. The implementation of the Community Wellbeing Plan depends on community partnerships and I look forward to this collaboration as we improve the health, safety and wellbeing of our municipality.

Maroondah Art Gallery – Konrad Winkler’s Moments of My Life and Ringwood Arts Society’s Artist of the Year

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Tonight I launched the Maroondah Art Gallery’s latest exhibition, Konrad Winkler’s Moments of my Life and the Ringwood Art Society’s Artist of the Year.

Konrad is a Melbourne based photographer who explores the changing nature of photography and its relationship with extraordinary and everyday events.  Each piece is accompanied by a humorous recount of the event depicted in the photograph.

On display in the Muriel McGivern Room are the entrants from the Ringwood Arts Society Artist of the Year exhibition. The exhibition features work by twenty artists, who had to submit three pieces to enter the competition.

The entrants were assessed and judged by Walter Magilton, an independent adjudicator who announced the Artist of the Year and other works which were highly commended.

The Ringwood Art Society is one of Victoria’s oldest and largest art groups, with over 260 members.  The society was established in 1966 and provides art classes, outdoor painting excursions and highlights the strong interest in art and culture within Maroondah.

The Mayor of Maroondah is provided with an art acquisition fund and as Mayor I have decided that Council will be purchasing one of the artworks on display through the Ringwood Art Society.  Council is currently liaising with the artist but a full announcement will be made shortly.

The two exhibitions will be on display until the 8th of May. The Maroondah Art Gallery is based at Maroondah Federation Estate in Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood.

A copy of the speech I delivered at the opening of the exhibition is available within this post:

Continue reading “Maroondah Art Gallery – Konrad Winkler’s Moments of My Life and Ringwood Arts Society’s Artist of the Year”

Media Release: Maroondah Art Gallery to host Ringwood Art Society Artist of the Year exhibition

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The Ringwood Art Society Artist of the Year Exhibition will be held at Maroondah Art Gallery (MAG) from Thursday 15 April to Saturday 8 May.

The exhibition is the society’s major annual event showcasing new artworks by members.

Entrants are required to submit three works including a portrait or life study, an outdoor scene and a favourite subject in two different mediums.

The 2010 Artist of the Year Award will be judged by Walter Magilton and announced along with a People’s Choice Award at the close of the exhibition.

Mayor of Maroondah, Cr Alex Makin, said works would be on show from more than 20 outstanding artists from the society.

“Established in 1966, the Ringwood Art Society is one of Melbourne’s oldest and largest artistic organisations,” Cr Makin said.

The Ringwood Art Society is a community not-for-profit, volunteer-driven organisation.

“To learn more about the Ringwood Art Society, or if you are interested in purchasing works, visit the Maroondah Art Gallery at Maroondah Federation Estate during the exhibition period,” Cr Makin said.

Artworks by Rosemary Price, winner of the 2009 Ringwood Art Society Artist of the Year, will also be showcased during the exhibition.

Cr Makin will launch the exhibition on Thursday 15 April at 6.30pm.

The Maroondah Art Gallery is located at Maroondah Federation Estate, 32 Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood. Gallery opening hours are Tuesday to Friday, from 10am to 4pm and Saturday from 12noon to 4pm. For further details phone 9298 4542.

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