2 December 2016

Friday 10 December to Sunday 15 January, 2017

 Across December and January SAM goes local spotlighting the practice of regional artists with three exhibitions, SAM Local Spotlight, SAM Local: VCE Art & Studio Arts and SAM Local: Best of Friends.

 SAM Local: Spotlight showcases the work of Echuca-based artist, Tarli Bird.

 Bird’s practice combines her two passions in life: sport and art.

 Tarli Bird said:

“As an elite distance runner I’m always fascinated when people regard sport and art as being polar opposites. I find athletes and artists contain very similar attributes that I’m looking forward to highlighting in my exhibition.’

Bird will be recording the heart rates of local runners on Saturday 3^rd December at parkrun held at Shepparton’s Victoria Lake. This data will be transposed through the musical device of the metronome into an immersive sound piece.

Alongside SAM Local Spotlight, SAM Local: VCE Art & Studio Arts exhibition will present students work from around the Goulburn Valley giving the community a unique insight into the lives of these young adults and emerging artists.

The community will also have their say with the chance to vote for their favourite VCE Art & Studio Arts work in the “People’s Choice Award”. Voting will open on Friday 9 December at 6pm and close on the 20 December. The winner will be announced on Wednesday 21 December 2016.

The community will also be able to view the talents of the Friends of SAM in the exhibition SAM Local: Best of Friends. This multi-disciplinary exhibition highlights the diversity and commitment of local artists to their practice.

All three exhibitions will open to the public on Saturday 10 December and run until Sunday 15 January, 2017.

SAM Local: VCE Art & Studio Arts and SAM Local Spotlight: Tarli Bird will be officially opened on Friday 9 December from 6pm at SAM with opening remarks by John Head, local business owner and supporter of the arts.

SAM Local: Best of Friends will be officially opened on Friday 16 December from 6pm with the Friends of SAM Christmas Party to follow.

To RSVP for the opening events please email sam-rsvp@shepparton.vic.gov.au or call (03) 5832 986.

Media Preview:

Thursday 8 December, 2.30 to 3.30pm – Shepparton Art Museum, 70 Welsford Street, Shepparton.

Image: Tarli Bird, Race Results, Photo: Michael Roche, New Wave Festival, 2010 Melbourne, image courtesy and © the artist.