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2017 Sidney Myer Fund Australian Ceramic Award Shortlisted Artists

31 January 2017

Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is delighted to announce the five shortlisted artists who will present new artworks in the 2017 Sidney Myer Fund Australian Ceramic Award (SMFACA). The Award celebrates and promotes contemporary Australian artists working in the ceramic medium. With $50,000 in prize money, the SMFACA cements its place as the premier Australian acquisitive ceramic art award.

The 2017 shortlisted artists are:

  • Glenn Barkley
  • Karen Black
  • Laith McGregor
  • Jenny Orchard
  • Yasmin Smith

The shortlisted artists will present their new bodies of work at SAM from 17 June to 13 August 2017. The winner for this acquisitive prize will be announced during the exhibition’s official opening event on Saturday 17 June 2017. Accompanying the exhibition will be a series of public programs and floor talks.

The 2017 Award will be judged by Jacqueline Doughty, Curatorial Manager, The Ian Potter Museum of Art, The University of Melbourne; Jason Smith, Director, Geelong Art Gallery; and Dr Rebecca Coates, Director, Shepparton Art Museum.

SAM Director, Dr Rebecca Coates commented on behalf of the judges:

“We wish to commend and thank all of the artists who submitted proposals for the 2017 Sidney Myer Fund Australia Ceramic Award The five shortlisted artists selected by the judges reflect the exciting and innovative ways that artists are working with ceramics as a contemporary medium. We look forward to seeing how their projects develop and evolve with much anticipation.”

The 2017 SMFACA attracted competitive applications from around the country and 2017 saw an increase in application numbers with a further 25% of applications being received from around Australia as compared to 2015.

For further information, print quality images of past Award winners, or to arrange interviews with SAM staff, please contact SAM Marketing Co-ordinator Amina Barolli on phone (03) 5832 9494 or email amina.barolli@shepparton.vic.gov.au. A Media Kit is available by request.

Welcome to 2017 at SAM

3 January 2017

Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is proud to launch the SAM Program for January to April this week. Showcasing four jam-packed months ahead, the SAM Program outlines temporary exhibitions, upcoming workshops, talks and other special events, as well as everyday offerings for all to enjoy.

EXHIBITIONS

Later this month, SAM is delighted to present the collaborative work of Tracey Moffatt and Gary Hillberg in the exhibition Montages: The Full Cut, 1999 – 2015 developed by Artspace, Sydney and touring nationally in partnership with Museums & Galleries of NSW. Using an extensive collection of iconic Hollywood films, telemovies and arthouse cinema, Montages: The Full Cut, 1999 – 2015 invents new fictions and plays with narrative and character conventions to create highly charged compositions on themes such as love, art, revolution and destruction. SAM is the only Victorian venue presenting this exhibition.

In addition, SAM will present Tracey Moffatt’s First Jobs Series, 2008. Digitally inserting her likeness into these photographs, Moffatt humorously reminds us of our own first job experiences, with some great references to Shepparton’s preserving industry.

In early March, SAM will celebrate the launch of its biggest Collection publication since 1987, Eighty Years of SAM – The Collection. Audiences are invited to view the corresponding exhibition, curated to celebrate 80 years of collecting and exhibiting great art.

Currently on show, Drawing Wall #25 features a large scale collage work by Melbourne-based artist Elizabeth Gower on the 4 x 12 metre wall in the Eastbank Centre, next door to the art museum. In February, SAM will commission an exciting new work by Jon Campbell for Drawing Wall #26.

Also currently showing until 19 March is Some of the Things I Like (2016) by the artist simply known as Nell. She curated the cabinet of curiosities using ceramics and other treasures from the SAM Collection, alongside her own artworks and objects from her personal collection. 

The third successful year of SAM’s Showcase will initially see artists Andrei Davidoff and Leah Jackson present their work in the display cabinet behind SAM’s Shop. This series of Showcase exhibitions is curated in partnership with Melbourne-based gallery and retailer Mr Kitly, providing visitors and collectors with a unique opportunity to acquire work by accomplished ceramic artists.

PUBLIC PROGRAMS

To kick off the year, SAM will present its popular Summer Holiday Program of art-making for people of all ages and skill-levels from 17 to 25 January. Families should especially look out for the free weekend program presented by the National Gallery of Victoria, Kids on Tour, on 24 to 25 January from 10.30am to noon. ­

ONE, TWO, THREE DANCE!

Come and dance at SAM. Join local Aboriginal dance group Individual Spirits to learn traditional cultural dance rituals with a modern hip hop twist.

When: Tuesday 17 January, 10.30am to 12.30pm Audience: Primary school years Cost: $15 (Friends $13) Tutor: Individual Spirits Dance Crew Bookings: On the SAM website via Eventbrite

Let’s Create – Drawing Class

Come to SAM for an all ages drawing class in the museum spaces. Learn drawing skills and techniques while taking inspiration from SAM’s Collection exhibition 80/80: Eighty Years of SAM The Collection.

When: Thursday 19 January, 10.30am to 12.30pm Audience: All years and skill levels Cost: $10 (Friends $8) Tutor: Isabelle Kawai Vincent Bookings: On the SAM website via Eventbrite

Make and Do NGV Kids on Tour program

Taking inspiration from the SAM exhibition 80/80: Eighty Years of SAM The Collection and the National Gallery of Victoria’s summer exhibition program, come into SAM and join in the fun of creating! Activities include collaborative drawing and making wearable art out of paper.

When: Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 January, 10.30 to noon daily Audience: Families Cost: FREE   Bookings: On the SAM website via Eventbrite

In addition, SAM is thrilled to announce the return of popular programs Art for Small Hands (for children 3 to 6 years and their carer) and SAM Out Late! (for those wanting to access the museum after hours and meet new friends). This year also sees the return of the SAM Art Passport, designed to encourage children and families to learn about the artworks through self-guided tours. Teachers and students can also access professional development workshops and talks.

To view the SAM Program January to April 2017 which includes all of the above: https://sheppartonartmuseum.com.au/programs-and-events

Free hard copies will be available from the SAM Shop (70 Welsford Street, Shepparton) from 11 January, and in the Shepparton News on Friday 13 January.

SAM is open 7 days from 10am to 4pm (public holidays 1pm to 4pm).

Shepparton Art Museum is proudly provided by Greater Shepparton City Council, located at 70 Welsford Street, Shepparton. For general SAM enquiries and bookings please contact: (03) 5832 9861, email art.museum@shepparton.vic.gov.au, or visit www.sheppartonartmuseum.com.au. SAM is also on Facebook www.facebook.com/SheppartonArtMuseum, Twitter and Instagram: @SAM_Shepparton.