Coming June 3: SAM Sounds & SAM after Sunset
20 May 2022
Two exciting live music events to take over the SAM building on 3 June
On Friday 3 June, SAM will throw open its doors for a back-to-back sonic feast. From 4pm to 7pm, SAM presents SAM Sounds - a free, all-ages community event bringing live music to spaces across the SAM building. The evening will be capped off by SAM After Sunset from 7pm to late - a ticketed 18+ event at the Level 4 terrace bar.
SAM Sounds is a one-off, exclusive event featuring the local musical artistry of Sara Retallick, Minyerra and Nicole Thorne Trio as they interpret and respond to the art across SAM. Visitors of all ages will be awed at the sensory experience, with music intermingling with stunning visual art to bring the building to life.
Of SAM Sounds, Gabriella Calandro, SAM Engagement Manager, says:
“This event presents the perfect opportunity for the community who are yet to visit SAM to make the trip after work and school and enjoy this fantastic space in Shepparton. SAM Sounds creates a new and exciting way to experience the SAM Building and exhibitions, set to the musical interpretation of some of our regions’ most celebrated and talented musicians.”
Following on at 7pm, SAM After Sunset takes the party upstairs to level 4 for the finale to our incredibly popular sunset series. The ticketed 18+ event features the musical talents of local favourites Sam + Sam and Braden Pullen, with canapés and three drinks per ticket holder to enjoy under the stars. A cash bar will also be available.
Gabriella Calandro, SAM Engagement Manager, says:
“SAM After Sunset is a wonderful way to conclude our incredibly popular summer series SAM at Sunset. The evening event is an opportunity to gather with friends and experience one of Shepparton's most unique venues while listening to great live music! Tickets are limited so we recommend booking your ticket as soon as possible to avoid disappointment!”
SAM Café and SAM Shop will remain open for late night trade, a light dinner or last-minute purchase.
SAM Sounds is a FREE event, but registrations are recommended.
Time: 4pm – 7pm
Date: Friday 3 June 2022
Please register attendance at https://www.trybooking.com/BZNLI
SAM After Sunset – 18+ only
Time: 7pm – 10.30pm
Date: Friday 3 June 2022
Tickets: $65 includes 3 drinks and canapes (cash bar available)
To book tickets to SAM After Sunset visit https://www.trybooking.com/BZJFO
SAM Sounds and SAM After Sunset are part of On the Road Again, a Victorian Government initiative to bring live music back across the state.
About the musicians performing at SAM Sounds:
Sara Retallick
Sara Retallick is an artist, musician and educator living / working on Wurundjeri Country in Naarm. Retallick’s current research-based practice is concerned with making underwater sound installations and expanding listening possibilities through material-based investigations. Her work encompasses sound, digital media, composition, and object-based practices to create unique listening encounters.
Nationally, Sara has presented works most recently at MPavillion (2022), RISING Festival (2021), Blindside Gallery (2021), and UNSW Gallery in Sydney (2019). As well as international presentations at Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía in Madrid (2020), and at I.S.E.A. in Durban, South Africa (2018).
Sara also performs live using electronics, voice and instruments in an exploratory project that spans soundscape, noise, sound collage, pop music and improvisation. Previously called Golden Syrup, Sara first performed this live project at MONA’s annual winter festival Dark MOFO in 2016 with debut album being released through Nice Music Label in February 2018.
Minyerra
Minyerra is Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung, Wiradjuri artist Neil Morris aka DRMNGNOW.
Under the DRMNGNOW project, Morris has supported the likes of Mulatu Astatke, Dead Prez, and Akala, performed at SXSW and toured Canada in 2019 performing at Imaginative Festival in Tkaronto, Headlined the International Hip Hop Awards in 2021 also taking out single of the year award for the emphatic 'Survive' and has recently sold out the Sydney Opera House event, Yarning Country.
His work as Minyerra expands into areas of sound design through analogue synthesis and singing in Yorta Yorta language under his project Minyerra where he has performed sets at Melbourne Music Week and Melbourne Festival, and designed sound for shows for stage for Melbourne Fringe and developed work for film also including the upcoming Yurri Wala Woka project through Kaiela Arts.
Nicole Thorne Trio
The Nicole Thorne Trio is one of Victoria's most celebrated modern jazz groups. The trio have a sophisticated, beautiful, impressionistic approach to playing standards. Every performance is fresh and spirited, providing spontaneous improvisation and communication between members of the group which makes great entertainment and listening for audiences.
About the musicians performing at SAM After Sunset:
Sam + Sam
Performing together as a duo for 20 years, Sam + Sam have lived a life dedicated to music and performance.
Fronting various band line-ups, you can typically see Sam + Sam playing an energetic Sunday session, a festival stage, or a large corporate function with their big band. Sound and tech nerds through and through, and whatever they earn seems to go straight back into their music in pursuit of that perfect sound.
Performing over 160 shows annually, Sam + Sam regularly fly interstate and internationally to perform at all types of corporate, private, and public events, and wherever they can - make a working holiday out of the places they visit.
Sharing the stage with the likes of Jon Stevens, The Veronicas, Daryl Braithwaite, Thirsty Merc and Olivia Newton John, Sam + Sam always aim to grab the audience’s attention and create a fun and energised atmosphere.
You may also have seen Sam Ludeman on your TV screen either on The Voice working with superstar coach Seal, acting in City Homicide or on feature film Spirit of the Game. Ludeman has also toured extensively with professional musicals, stepping on stage playing major roles in Grease, Fame, Xanadu, amongst others.
In 2020 Sam + Sam began releasing their highly anticipated original music into the world to overwhelming positive feedback and success. Their first three song releases each reached #1 in their iTunes genre, and their second release My Friend reached #1 overall in the iTunes Charts in Australia. Sam + Sam continue to write and record and are currently working on their debut album Evolve, set for release in early 2022.
When the global pandemic rocked the world Sam + Sam quickly pivoted to bring high- quality live-streamed entertainment into everybody’s lounge rooms on Friday and Saturday nights. The live stream quickly gained popularity with hundreds of thousands of people from around the world tuning in each week and to date the series has reached more than 5 million viewers.
Sam + Sam are currently touring with their latest show ‘Homebound’ focusing on Aussie music.
Braden Pullen
Braden Pullen draws from a vast range of influences to create layers of sound. This will be his first performance at SAM which will include a mix of electronic and acoustic instruments connected with a mind-bending visual display.
ENDS
About SAM:
Shepparton Art Museum (SAM), located on Yorta Yorta country, is one of Australia's outstanding regional art museums, showcasing our exhibitions and collections in new and exciting ways and creating a welcoming, inclusive, and engaging space for all audiences. Artists are central to our work. Our programming is designed to be locally relevant and engage with global contemporary ideas. SAM is recognised for its significant Australian ceramics collection, and our nationally significant collection of Indigenous art. As the only public art museum in Greater Shepparton and north central Victoria, our mission is to present great art in Shepparton, and to contribute to the cultural enrichment, community engagement and economic prosperity of the region.
Media enquiries, please contact: Mikela Guseli, Marketing Officer, SAM
p: (03) 4804 5009 e: mguseli@sheppartonartmuseum.com.au
SAM announces appointment of new CEO
17 May 2022
SAM is pleased to announce the appointment of Melinda Martin as its new CEO, who will commence in the role on 11 July 2022.
Following a rigorous recruitment process by the SAM Ltd Board, Melinda Martin joins the SAM team with outstanding credentials, having spent the past 10 years as CEO & Director of Linden New Art in St Kilda. Melinda succeeds Dr Rebecca Coates, who finished at SAM in December 2021 after 7 years heading the museum.
Bringing with her a wealth of knowledge earned from over 20 years working in arts management, Melinda is passionate about connecting audiences to the work of leading contemporary artists and creating conversations that encourage new ways of thinking and understanding the world we live in. Prior to joining Linden, Melinda was the Manager of National Programs and Services at Creative Partnerships Australia (formerly Australia Business Arts Foundation) and oversaw their professional development and philanthropic programs.
Melinda has also worked as the Gallery Manager at Anna Schwartz Gallery, Program Manager at Monash Gallery of Art, Studio Manager for Australian artist John Young and research assistant to Dr Chris McAuliffe at the University of Melbourne. She holds a Master of Fine Art & Cinema Studies from The University of Melbourne, a Post-Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies from Deakin University and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Fine Art and Criminology from the University of Melbourne. Melinda has been a member of the Public Galleries Association of Victoria's Board from 2013 to 2018, serving as Vice President of the Board from 2014 to 2016, and previously chaired their fundraising sub-committee from 2017 to 2018. Melinda is excited to move to Shepparton and work with the SAM Ltd Board, team and community to provide thrilling and enriching arts and cultural experiences to the region.
Melinda says of her appointment:
"I am looking forward to working with the talented team at SAM to develop some exciting new exhibitions and programs to encourage everyone to engage with the museum. From programs for children and their families, and important programs for the local Aboriginal, multicultural and multi-lingual community - I’m looking forward to leading a fabulous new museum and bringing it to life for all to enjoy.”
The SAM Ltd Board engaged the services of Slade Group to ensure a robust recruitment process was run in identifying the new leader of SAM. Since reopening, the museum has attracted much interest and acclaim both for its artistic program and its architectural excellence. Stephen Merrylees, Chair of the SAM Ltd Board, says of the appointment:
“SAM Ltd is honoured to welcome Melinda to the role of CEO, who we know will be an excellent fit for the organisation. We were pleased to have overseen a very competitive recruitment process, with many applicants from all over Australia expressing their interest. To have attracted someone of Melinda’s calibre speaks volumes of the reputation SAM has earned for itself. We are confident that Melinda will continue to build SAM’s legacy to the arts scene in the region.”
Melinda rounds off a decade at Linden New Art with a fond farewell. Paul Duldig, Chair of the Linden New Art Board, says of Melinda’s departure:
“The Board of Linden congratulates Melinda on her new role. Melinda leaves an exceptional legacy at Linden after ten years as CEO/Director, and will be sorely missed. We wish her the very best.”
Melinda joins SAM at an exciting stage in its development, with the museum having redefined the artistic and cultural landscape in Greater Shepparton and cementing itself as a major tourism drawcard, and has become an industry leader for its model of governance structure. She looks forward to immersing herself in the community and employing her learnings at SAM to ensure an experience that reflects the rich culture of the region.
Melinda will commence her role as CEO of SAM on Monday 11 July.
ENDS
About SAM:
Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is one of Australia's outstanding regional art museums, showcasing our exhibitions and collections in new and exciting ways and creating a welcoming, inclusive and engaging space for all audiences. Artists are central to our work. Our programming is designed to be locally relevant and engage with global contemporary ideas. SAM is recognised for its significant Australian ceramics collection, and our nationally significant collection of Indigenous art. As the only public art museum in Greater Shepparton and north central Victoria, our mission is to present great art in Shepparton, and to contribute to the cultural enrichment, community engagement and economic prosperity of the region.
Media enquiries, please contact: Mikela Guseli, Marketing Officer, SAM
p: (03) 4804 5009 e: mguseli@sheppartonartmuseum.com.au
Opening 14 May: Liquidarium
13 May 2022
New exhibition in SAM Children's Gallery, Vera Möller's Liquidarium is set to open this Saturday 14 May 2022.
SAM is pleased to present Liquidarium, 2022, a new artwork commission in the Children’s Gallery by artist Vera Möller. Liquidarium, an installation environment combining collage and sculpture, draws inspiration from the vibrant ecology of the wetlands of the Goulburn Valley.
In her exhibition, Möller has brought to life a fantastical freshwater landscape. Children are invited to experience a wetland imagined from the point of view of a small frog, living amongst the exaggerated plant forms that have been dramatically increased in size by the artist. Large-scale collages and hundreds of smaller, plant-like sculptures in weird and wonderful colours and patterns will inhabit the space to create an experience that will get the imagination of young minds running wild.
Möller is motivated by a fascination with the slippery boundaries between the real and the imagined in the natural world. Her inspiration for this exhibition was found on field trips into the freshwater environments of Victoria Park Lake and the Goulburn River, situated on the doorstep of SAM. Möller's “fantasy specimens”, constructed from recycled magazines and modelling clay, are the results of her science background and art practice merging through creative studio experiments.
Jessica O’Farrell, SAM Exhibitions Curator, says of the show:
“Vera has created a space for kids to step into and experience a wetland from the unique perspective of a frog. The Liquidarium environment is a complete 3D fantasy world, but it is reminiscent of the dioramas you would typically find in Natural History Museums. This exhibition encourages children and adults alike to be curious, triggers our imagination of what lives in a natural ecosystem and prompts us venture into the freshwater environments that lay just outside SAM.”
The community will also have the opportunity to contribute to the exhibition, with hands-on workshops being conducted in the space through the duration of the show. Kids and the young at heart are invited to go wild with their imagination and create their own Liquidarium-inspired flora and fauna display. The workshops will run as an all day, drop-in opportunity once a month for the duration of the show, beginning on Sunday 29 May from 11am. The activities are open to visitors of all ages, with all materials supplied by SAM. The dates of the workshops will be published on the SAM website and social media channels.
Vera Möller’s Liquidarium will open on Saturday 14 May 2022 and will run until 30 October 2022.
About Vera Möller:
Vera Möller (b. 1955, Breman, Germany; lives and works Naarm/Melbourne) studied Biology, Microbiology and Theology in Wurzburg and Munich before immigrating to Australia in 1986. After moving to Australia she completed a Bachelor of Fine Art at the Victorian College of the Arts and a PhD at Monash University. Her work has been exhibited in the USA, Japan, Finland, France, Germany and the UK, as well as throughout Australia.
Drop-in programs for kids at SAM – May, June and July – no bookings required:
Sunday 29 May 11am to 3pm Monday 20 June 11am to 3pm
Tuesday 19 July 11am to 3pm
More dates to be announced soon.
ENDS
About SAM:
Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is one of Australia's outstanding regional art museums, showcasing our exhibitions and collections in new and exciting ways and creating a welcoming, inclusive and engaging space for all audiences. Artists are central to our work. Our programming is designed to be locally relevant and engage with global contemporary ideas. SAM is recognised for its significant Australian ceramics collection, and our nationally significant collection of Indigenous art. As the only public art museum in Greater Shepparton and north central Victoria, our mission is to present great art in Shepparton, and to contribute to the cultural enrichment, community engagement and economic prosperity of the region.
Media enquiries, please contact: Mikela Guseli, Marketing Officer, SAM
p: (03) 4804 5009 e: mguseli@sheppartonartmuseum.com.au
SAM hosts a community iftar dinner
13 May 2022
Shepparton Art Museum will play host to a special Community Iftar Dinner in celebration of Ramadan, the holy ninth month of the Muslim calendar.
In partnership with Culture & Co, SAM will host a special Community Iftar Dinner where members of the diverse community of Shepparton will be invited to come together to share a meal and enjoy an evening of social connection and cultural enrichment. Iftar, a main tradition of Ramadan, refers to the breaking of a day of fasting between family and friends and is an opportunity for the community to converge and experience a time of togetherness, and offers a pause amongst the bustle of everyday life.
The iftar dinner will bring together both lifetime locals and members of the community who have settled in our region after enduring the consequences of global conflicts. Art in Conflict, the current touring exhibition on show in SAM’s Peoples Gallery until 31 July 2022, features scenes and themes that will resonate with community.
Gabriella Calandro, SAM Engagement Manager, says of the event:
“SAM is proud to support such a significant cultural event for the Shepparton community. The Iftar Dinner is an opportunity for us to connect not only with each other but with SAM current touring exhibition, Art in Conflict, in a way that is meaningful and enriching.”
Culture & Co, a social enterprise delivering cultural training and consulting services to not-for-profit, corporate, and government agencies will aid in the delivery of this event.
Mohammed Yassin, Culture & Co CEO, says:
“Culture & Co welcomes this opportunity to partner with SAM and to share this cultural event with the wider community in a demonstration of the spirit of Ramadan, which is a time of charity and generosity and will offer the chance for many to foster new social connections and strengthen existing ones.”
The Community Iftar Dinner will take place on Friday 29 April from 5.00pm on Level 4 of SAM.
ENDS
ABOUT SAM:
Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is one of Australia's outstanding regional art museums, showcasing our exhibitions and collections in new and exciting ways and creating a welcoming, inclusive and engaging space for all audiences. Artists are central to our work. Our programming is designed to be locally relevant and engage with global contemporary ideas. SAM is recognised for its significant Australian ceramics collection, and our nationally significant collection of Indigenous art. As the only public art museum in Greater Shepparton and north central Victoria, our mission is to present great art in Shepparton, and to contribute to the cultural enrichment, community engagement and economic prosperity of the region.
Media enquiries, please contact: Mikela Guseli, Marketing Officer, SAM
p: (03) 4804 5009