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Shepparton Art Museum appoints Danny Lacy as Head of Curatorial Programming & Collections

Shepparton Art Museum appoints Danny Lacy as its new Head of Curatorial Programming and Collections, to commence on 11 June 2024.

Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Danny Lacy in the role of Head of Curatorial Programming and Collections.

Having previously been a part of the SAM curatorial team from 2010-2012, Danny rejoins SAM with outstanding credentials, having spent the past 8 years at Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery (MPRG), initially as Senior Curator and later as Gallery Director. During this period, he has led MPRG through a period of sustained growth and change. Notably, Danny was instrumental as one of the Artistic Directors behind the Mornington Peninsula’s ambitious public art project Front Beach, Back Beach, developed in collaboration with Deakin University’s Public Art Commission.

Prior to working at MPRG, Danny held an active curatorial practice across a range of contemporary art spaces, including as Director of West Space, Curator at SAM, Program Administrator at Monash University Museum of Art, and Installation & Project Coordinator at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art. He holds a Master of Arts (Visual Culture) and Postgraduate Diploma of Arts (Art History and Film Studies) from Monash University. In 2015 he was based in Singapore for three months as he undertook an Asialink Arts Management residency.

Melinda Martin, SAM CEO, says of the appointment:

“We are thrilled to welcome Danny back to SAM and to Shepparton for an exciting new chapter. Having grown up in a regional community himself, Danny understands the importance of regional art museums and the integral part they play in the community. We are looking forward to seeing the many contributions he will make to the organisation as he leads our curatorial and collections team.”

Danny says of his appointment:

“I’m really excited at the opportunity to work with Melinda and the team at SAM. I’m looking forward to returning to Shepparton, engaging with the community, inspiring people through our creative programming, and supporting SAM to be one of the most vibrant art museums in the country. “

Danny will commence his role as Head of Curatorial Programming and Collections on Tuesday 11 June.

ENDS

About SAM:

Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is located on Yorta Yorta Country, Shepparton, Victoria.

As a leading Australian regional art museum, SAM showcases its exhibitions and collections in new and exciting ways to create a welcoming, inclusive, and engaging space for all visitors.

Recognised for its significant Australian ceramics collection and nationally significant collection of Indigenous art, SAM’s programming is designed to be locally relevant and engages with global contemporary ideas. Through its exhibitions, collection, programs and events, SAM creates a place where art helps us to better understand the ancient culture of this country and contemporary multicultural Australia.

Media enquiries, please contact: Mikela Guseli, Marketing Officer, SAM

p: (03) 4804 5009 e: mguseli@sheppartonartmuseum.com.au

Shepparton Art Museum to present a playful new Art Wall celebrating the region’s fruit preservation industry.

Shepparton Art Museum to present a playful new Art Wall celebrating the region’s fruit preservation industry.

Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is pleased to present its latest Art Wall in May 2024. The new work by Narrm/Melbourne-based artist Kenny Pittock, will be a playful homage to the fruit growing and preserving industries of the Goulburn Valley. Titled Can You Peel The Love Tonight, this installation becomes the fifth commission for the Furphy Family Art Wall on SAM’s Level 4.

Kenny Pittock is a visual artist who works with ceramics, painting, and drawing to playfully critique the seemingly mundane, often using humour as an entry point to discuss topics such as anxiety, both on a personal level as well as on a global scale.

Can You Peel The Love Tonight draws inspiration from the iconic canned fruit produced in the region, presenting a large-scale still life painting that celebrates the agricultural heritage of the Goulburn Valley and the community that dwells here in Pittock’s signature joyful style.

Melinda Martin, SAM CEO, says of the exhibition:

“This Art Wall from Kenny is a wonderful celebration of our region’s famed fruit preservation industry, and the people who have contributed to its growth and success over many decades. So many people in our region are connected to either the fruit growing or canning industry, sometimes across generations, and we’re so excited that Kenny has chosen them as the inspiration for his Art Wall commission. We invite everyone to visit SAM during the Art Wall’s exhibition and see their story expressed in Kenny’s playful work.”

On Saturday 18 May, Pittock will join SAM CEO Melinda Martin for free artist talk exploring his creative practice, inspirations, and the story behind his Art Wall commission.

Can You Peel The Love Tonight will be on display at SAM from 18 May 2024. To learn more about Kenny Pittock’s artist talk and reserve a spot, visit our website: https://sheppartonartmuseum.com.au/event/sam-talks-kenny-pittock/

About Kenny Pittock:

Kenny Pittock (b. 1988 Melbourne) is an artist based in Narrm/Melbourne who works with ceramics, painting, and drawing to playfully critique the seemingly mundane, often using humour as an entry point to discuss topics such as anxiety, both on a personal level as well as on a global scale. Pittock has held solo exhibitions in Italy, Singapore, and New Zealand, as well as in many public institutions throughout Australia. Pittock's artworks are included in many public collections including Bendigo Art Gallery, Artbank, the University of Queensland, and the National Gallery of Victoria. Pittock is represented by MARS Gallery, Melbourne. 

Artist talk details:

SAM Talks: Kenny Pittock

Saturday 18 May, 11am-12pm

Level 4, SAM

Free – bookings encouraged: https://sheppartonartmuseum.com.au/event/sam-talks-kenny-pittock/

About SAM:

Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is located on Yorta Yorta Country, Shepparton, Victoria.

As a leading Australian regional art museum, SAM showcases its exhibitions and collections in new and exciting ways to create a welcoming, inclusive, and engaging space for all visitors.

Recognised for its significant Australian ceramics collection and nationally significant collection of Indigenous art, SAM’s programming is designed to be locally relevant and engages with global contemporary ideas. Through its exhibitions, collection, programs and events, SAM creates a place where art helps us to better understand the ancient culture of this country and contemporary multicultural Australia.

Media enquiries, please contact: Mikela Guseli, Marketing Officer, SAM

p: (03) 4804 5009 e: mguseli@sheppartonartmuseum.com.au