Tag: artworks

Attendance Report: Celebrating Maroondah’s Arts and Cultural Events

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On the 26th of February I attended the Picnic in the Park hosted at Maroondah Federation Estate, which coincided with the celebrations for its 10th anniversary. Maroondah Federation Estate was established in partnership between local, state and federal governments on the site of the former Ringwood Primary School

The foresight that resulted in the establishment of Maroondah Federation Estate, delivered a premiere arts and cultural centre for Maroondah and Melbourne’s outer east, with a gallery that attracts a wide variety of exhibitions and space for community organisations. The festivities included photographs from the former school reflecting the historical value of Maroondah Federation Estate.

On the 18th of March I was back at Maroondah Federation Estate where I had the pleasure of opening the Kaleidoscope Exhibition at the Long Gallery located in the former class rooms. The exhibition, which is organised by Scope, celebrates the artistic skills of people with disabilities by focusing on their talents. The exhibition, which is one of several through Kaleidoscope showcased artworks under the theme of Inspiration Works and several participants travelled considerable distances to be able to attend.

Accompanying the exhibition was music provided by members of Scope, highlighting the diverse range of artistic and musical talents that exist. Kaleidoscope is a celebration of these talents and it was a pleasure to meet many of the exhibiting artists at the opening of the exhibition.

Opening the Kaleidoscope Exhibition

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Kaleidoscope is the name of an art exhibition hosted by Scope, which showcases the artistic talents of people with disabilities. The exhibition, which is being held across the State, includes a series of exhibits at the Long Gallery at Maroondah Federation Estate.

This morning I was invited to open the Exhibition at Maroondah Federation Estate to encourage members of the community to view artworks that were submitted under the theme of ‘Inspiration Works’. The launch was accompanied by ambient music provided by members of Scope, showcasing musical, as well as artistic talents.

Alex with the first prize winner of the Kaleidoscope Exhibition
Alex with the first prize winner of the Kaleidoscope Exhibition

The Kaleidoscope Exhibition was widely attended with several members travelling across Victoria to be present at the opening. It was wonderful to be a part of the exhibition and to see Scope celebrating the artistic talents of its members.

The speech I delivered during the proceedings in available within this post:
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The 2010 Mayoral Art Show

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The Mayoral Art Show is an annual art event that supports the Croydon Branch of the Bone Marrow Donors Institute and the work it undertakes in the research of Cancer. The art show, which features 90 artists, includes promising and local artistic talents with a range of mediums.

The Mayor is able to acquire one of the pieces for the Maroondah Art Collection and I acquired a piece by Jazmina Cinina, a promising artist specialising in linocut and drawing upon her Lithuanian heritage and interest in werewolves.

The speech delivered for the opening is available within this entry:

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Launch of Alarming Art at Monkami

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Monkami is a not-for-profit community organisation that provides services for people with an intellectual disability, including employment and educational opportunities for their clients.

As part of its development programs, Monkami has had a strong emphasis on the arts and recently secured a lease for the former Croydon Fire Station, which will be used to showcase artworks from Monkami’s clients.

This evening I was invited to launch Alarming Art, the new Monkami Centre gallery, located at 14A Croydon Road in Croydon. While plans for Alarming Art are still being developed, Monkami plans to host exhibitions for its clients.

The launch of Alarming Art is part of Monkami’s ongoing focus on inclusion, demonstrating that people with intellectual disabilities are able to contribute positively to the community. This has been evident through Monkami’s arts programs, the nursery and clients that volunteer to improve the ambience of the Croydon Main Street.

Alarming Art will further highlight the work of Monkami’s clients and enhance the organisation’s focus on the community. I congratulate Monkami on securing tenure at the former Croydon Fire Station and for developing Alarming Art.

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:

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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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Media Release: Moving returns to Ringwood with new selection of artworks

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The vacant shop windows of central Ringwood are now home to a new exhibition of artworks as part of the Moving project.

The project aims to transform these vacant shop windows into works of art as Ringwood makes the transition into a vibrant Central Activities District (CAD).

Mayor of Maroondah, Councillor Alex Makin, said the success of the first round of artworks – displayed from November  2009 to March 2010 – had given Council confidence of receiving an equally enthusiastic response to the second phase of the Moving project.

“The show of community interest in the first round of works was staggering so we’re hopeful even more people will take time out to appreciate the newest art installations on show,” Cr Makin said.

“This second exhibition can now be seen in central Ringwood’s vacant shop windows and features the works of 12 artists and art groups,” Cr Makin said.

“If this exhibition is as popular as its predecessor Council may consider facilitating a third instalment of the Moving project. Artist interest is already high,” Cr Makin said.

The project aims to improve the amenity of the area in the lead-up to major works in central Ringwood. Exhibition space in the shop windows has been provided by QIC.

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