Contemporary Aboriginal Art on Display at Gallery
24 January 2005
The best contemporary Aboriginal art from across Australia has come to the Shepparton Art Gallery in a new exhibition titled “Places that name us – RAKA Award: Contemporary Indigenous Visual Arts #3”.
Ms Leanne Willis, Shepparton Art Gallery Director, said the exhibition displays new works by thirteen outstanding contemporary Aboriginal artists, all short-listed for the prestigious Kate Challis RAKA Award.
“Indigenous artists from across Australia have presented works in a variety of styles, including bark and canvas paintings, photography, prints, drawing and sculpture,” Ms Willis said.
“What results is an exhibition of a carefully selected cross-section of the very best contemporary Aboriginal art.”
The exhibition includes contemporary expressions of traditional culture and ancestral stories from Arnhem Land and the Central Desert.
Several works explore the political and social ramifications of displacement, while others give a unique insight into the strength of contemporary Aboriginal culture in the face of anthropological and political stereotyping.
“Places That Name Us – RAKA Award: Contemporary Indigenous Visual Arts #3” will be on display at the Shepparton Art Gallery until Sunday 13th February. The exhibition is part of a tour to regional Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia.
This touring exhibition is a partnership between National Exhibition Touring Support (NETS) Victoria and The Ian Potter Museum of Art. The tour is supported by the Australia Council for the Arts, Arts Victoria and the Community Support Fund and the National Gallery of Victoria.
Steinway Attracts International Performers
12 January 2005
Greater Shepparton and its Steinway grand piano are set to become one of the main attractions of an international music, food and wine festival later this month.
The Council’s Manager Performing Arts and Conventions, Mr Rob Robson, said he had been approached by celebrity chef Stefano de Pieri to include Shepparton in the initiation of a festival involving towns along the length of the Murray and its tributaries.
“After hearing about the Steinway, Stefano and his brother Sergio, an internationally renowned musician, organist, teacher and artistic director, invited us to be involved,” Mr Robson said.
Sergio and Stefano de Pieri have brought together some of Italy’s and Australia’s finest classical musicians to perform in a number of places along the rivers, and Shepparton will feature with performances at the Eastbank Centre and Wesley Uniting Church Hall.
“Concert pianist from Venice, Dimitri Romano, will perform a recital on the Steinway at the Eastbank Centre on Friday 28th January from 8.00 pm. His program will include pieces by Mozart, Chopin, Rossini, Faure and Strauss.”
“Sergio de Pieri will perform on the beautiful pipe organ at Wesley Uniting Church Hall in Maude Street, Shepparton from 7.30 pm on Saturday 30th January. He will be accompanied by vocalists Rafaella Benori and Domenico Menini in a concert titled ‘Sacred Music from the Romantic Period’, featuring works by Gounod, Verdi, Schumann, Rossini, Brahms and Mozart.”
“He will also perform an original piece dedicated to the ‘Grande Fiume Murray’, composed by de Pieri himself,” Mr Robson added.
“It would be great if Greater Shepparton could be part of this major festival initiative in the future, and it fits very well with other tourist and cultural development opportunities,” Mr Robson concluded.
For more information or to book tickets, please contact the Riverlinks Box Office on 5832 9511, or visit the Eastbank Centre in Welsford Street, Shepparton.
Shepparton Art Gallery Receives Special Grant
4 January 2005
The Shepparton Art Gallery has received a funding boost with a Museums Australia (Victoria) Building Better Regional Museums grant of $3,623.00.
The Shepparton Art Gallery has received a funding boost with a Museums Australia (Victoria) Building Better Regional Museums grant of $3,623.00.
Ms Leanne Willis, Shepparton Art Gallery Director, said the grant will benefit the gallery by enabling the digitisation of the gallery’s collection, making public enquiries easier to answer and collection management more efficient.
“To assist with this project, the gallery has also arranged a series of internships with students who are currently completing a Master of Art Curatorship from Melbourne University,” Ms Willis said.
“Funding for these kinds of small projects can be hard to find and raising the funds in other ways can take gallery personnel away from more hands-on work behind the scenes, so it is very exciting to have obtained these funds.”
The 2004 Building Better Regional Museums (BBRM) grants give financial assistance to regional museums and galleries for small projects that draw on recognised museum standards. BBRM is an initiative of Museums Australia (Victoria) funded through the Arts Victoria Regional Arts Infrastructure Fund.
“BBRM 2004 provides assistance to regional galleries in meeting immediate costs for items such as conservation materials, improved storage and display facilities, environmental control measures and collection management tools and equipment.”
Participation in the Museums Accreditation Program (MAP) has enabled the Shepparton Art Gallery to better identify their own needs and more easily meet the requirements to be invited to apply for BBRM funding.
MAP is a program that supports Victorian museums in preserving and presenting our unique and varied cultural heritage. The Shepparton Art Gallery has been MAP Accredited since 1998.
Admission to Shepparton Art Gallery is free and it is open seven days a week from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. The gallery is located in the Eastbank Centre,
70 Welsford Street, Shepparton, phone 5832 9861.
The Shepparton Art Gallery is supported by the Victorian Government through Arts Victoria and the Community Support Fund, and through the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy, an initiative of the Australian, State and Territory Governments
Riverlinks Brings Some Summer Fun to the School Holidays
4 January 2005
Please note that the Riverlinks’ Family Fun Days which were to be held on Wednesday 12th January and Thursday 13th January have had to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.
Riverlinks and the Eastbank Centre apologise for any incovenience.
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Youngsters in Greater Shepparton are being treated to some free family fun at the region’s premier entertainment venue, the Eastbank Centre.
Greater Shepparton City Council’s Manager of Performing Arts and Conventions, Rob Robson, said Riverlinks would hold free family fun days on Wednesday 12th January and Thursday 13th January.
“Families can look forward to a great range of activities, beginning at
11.00 am,” Mr Robson said.
“The school holiday entertainment will include special performances of a pirate show and a clown show each day at 11.00 am and 2.00 pm.”
“There will also be face painting from Sprytes Face Painting from 12.00 to 2.00 pm in the Eastbank function rooms.”
“Kids will be able to join in with games and songs, all the activities are very interactive,” Mr Robson added.
“The Eastbank CafT will be open from 9.00 am serving special holiday treats for the kids, and coffees for the mums and dads.”
“Riverlinks prides itself on catering to families at its entertainment venues, and we’re very excited to present these free performances and activities for the families who continue to support us,” Mr Robson concluded.
For more information, please contact the Riverlinks Box Office on 5832 9511. The Box Office is open from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm on weekdays and 10.00 am to 4.00 pm on weekends.
New Exhibition Show Loves of Land and Light
10 November 2004
The Shepparton Art Gallery will showcase a new exhibition from Seymour artist, Elizabeth Mellor, titled ‘Life in the Land of Light’, from this weekend.
The exhibition features a series of small scale oil paintings that illustrate the love the artist has for Australia.
Shepparton Art Gallery director, Ms Leanne Willis, said Elizabeth Mellor paints images inspired by her home in Seymour and the beautiful Australian landscape that surrounds it.
“When she talks about her work, Elizabeth says that her home is full of enchantment. As she walks through the bush she finds remnants of exquisite life, and these are reflected in the pieces she creates,” Ms Willis said.
“What she sees and paints are small pieces of life, isolated from each other but linked by a common place.”
“Elizabeth says she is rooted strongly in this land, giving her the freedom to be who she is. Her love of this country drives her to share this wonderful land with everyone. Hopefully visitors to the gallery will experience this through her exhibition,” Ms Willis concluded.
‘Life in the Land of Light’ will be on display in the Community Gallery from Friday 12th November until Sunday 12th December. The exhibition will be officially opened at the gallery at 2.00 pm on Saturday 13th November by Jane Cocks.
Admission to the Shepparton Art Gallery is free and it is open seven days a week from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. The gallery is located in the Eastbank Centre, 70 Welsford Street, Shepparton, phone (03) 5832 9861.
Artist Pam Wragg Discusses Exhibition with Friends
31 October 2004
Well-known artist Pam Wragg will be in Shepparton this Wednesday to discuss her stunning new exhibition featuring eleven bronze sculptures, currently on display at the Shepparton Art Gallery.
Shepparton Art Gallery Director, Ms Leanne Willis said the exhibition, “New Bronzes” displays Pam’s lovely meditative works that, while small, are full of life and energy.
“Pam makes her sculptures from ceramic and then creates the moulds herself before taking them to the foundry to be cast. There are not a lot of artists working in bronze these days due to the prohibitive cost so this exhibition is an opportunity to see an unusual artistic medium,” Ms Willis said.
The bronzes on display in the exhibition can be divided into two groups. The first group is a series of self contained pieces whose dynamic configuration of form creates a series of complex relationships. The second group contains simple upright forms that appear to confront one another.
“Pam Wragg has described the atmosphere of the second group of pieces as quiet place, an inner space, enclosed yet open”.
“The bronze creates hard straight and curved edges for the forms expressing monumentality suggestive of scale far greater than their present state.”
The exhibition will run in the Crawford Stewart Gallery until 21st November 2004 and Pam will discuss the pieces at the Friends of the Shepparton Art Gallery Society coffee morning on Wednesday 3rd November from 10.00 am.
For more information, please contact Leanne Willis on 5832 9861.
Admission to Shepparton Art Gallery is free and it is open seven days a week from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. The gallery is located in the Eastbank Centre,
70 Welsford Street, Shepparton, phone 5832 9861.
Card Game Comedy a Metaphor for Life
26 October 2004
An innocent card game becomes a metaphor for life for the two central characters of ‘The Gin Game’, coming to WestSide this Friday and Saturday.
Written by playwright DL Coburn, ‘The Gin Game’ is a scathingly funny battle of wits between two older people, played by well-known Australian actors Julia Blake and Terry Norris, whose lives have gone from ordinary to absolute misery.
The Council’s Manager of Performing Arts and Conventions, Mr Rob Robson, said the play is set in a nursing home where the two characters, Weller and Fonsia, appear to have been abandoned by their families.
“They never receive visitors and so strike up an unlikely friendship with each other,” Mr Robson said.
“Weller convinces Fonsia to join him in a game of gin rummy. After he teaches her the rules, she proceeds to win every game, frustrating and enraging him.”
“With each win, it becomes apparent that the card game is like their lives – Fonsia is lucky in cards, but not lucky in love, and Weller has lived with cards stacked against him.”
“It presents a humorous and heartfelt look at family relationships, friendships, and the issues of loneliness and growing old in a society in which age is not respected.”
‘The Gin Game’ will be presented by HIT Productions and Riverlinks at 8.00 pm on Friday 29th October and Saturday 30th October, at the WestSide Performing Arts Centre.
For more information or to book tickets, please contact the Riverlinks Box Office on 5832 9511, or visit the Box Office at the Eastbank Centre, 70 Welsford Street, Shepparton.
Monologues By Dogs Come to Westside
24 October 2004
Have you ever wondered what your dog is thinking? Then ‘The Dog Logs’ is the show for you.
‘The Dog Logs’ will be presented by Riverlinks and Marguerite Pepper Productions at WestSide Performing Arts Centre next week.
Written by Christopher Johnson, the play is made up of ten monologues, performed by ‘dogs’, brought vividly to life by three actors and a live musician.
The Council’s Manager of Performing Arts and Conventions, Mr Rob Robson, said the show was a hilarious look at life as a dog, and ultimately, what it means to be human.
“Each monologue introduces the audience to a new type of dog so different from one another that they could almost be human,” Mr Robson said.
“From a slow greyhound who will try anything to catch that cheeky rabbit, to a brave police dog, an Uluru based dingo of few words, an aggressive Rottweiler up to no good and a poor old Labrador who is going blind, the play features a cast of characters audiences will relate to and love.”
‘The Dog Logs’ explores a number of themes common to both humans and dogs, including violence, love, sex, revenge and mateship.
“The play stars Christopher Johnson, David Richie and Glen Woolgar as the lively and emotionally engaging dog characters, and features music from Murray Jackson.”
‘The Dog Logs’ will be presented at 8.00 pm on Wednesday 27th October, at the WestSide Performing Arts Centre.
For more information or to book tickets, please contact the Riverlinks Box Office on 5832 9511, or visit the Box Office at the Eastbank Centre, 70 Welsford Street, Shepparton.
String Quartet Encore to Delight Audiences
19 October 2004
Riverlinks is pleased to welcome the Flinders Quartet back to Eastbank for an encore afternoon concert this Sunday.
The Council’s Manager of Performing Arts and Conventions, Mr Rob Robson, said the string quartet had thrilled audiences with their performance at the centre in 2003.
“Flinders Quartet is a young and vivacious group with a solid international reputation, and it is wonderful to have them back this year,” Mr Robson said.
“Their outstanding talent, varied repertoire and bright personalities have won them success in many competitions in Australia and abroad.”
The program for the afternoon includes performances of Ross Edwards ‘White Cockatoo Spirit Dance’, Beethoven’s Op. 59 No. 2, and Brahms Clarinet Quintet, featuring soloist David Thomas.
“This wonderful group of musicians brings a fresh and very vibrant approach to the world of ‘string quartet’ music,” Mr Robson added.
Flinders Quartet will perform at the Eastbank Centre at 2.00 pm on
Sunday 24th October.
For bookings or more information, please contact the Riverlinks Box Office on 5832 9511. The Box Office is open from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm on weekdays and 10.00 am to 4.00 pm on weekends.
Contemporary Performance Art Comes to Shepparton Art Gallery
12 October 2004
A sombre and moving exhibition, ‘Ash’, by well known contemporary artist Jill Orr, has opened at the Shepparton Art Gallery.
Jill Orr will present a once-off contemporary performance art piece to complement her exhibition at the gallery on Saturday 16th October.
Shepparton Art Gallery Director, Ms Leanne Willis, said this was a rare opportunity to see the work of a well established and highly regarded contemporary artist in a regional setting.
“The performance component of ‘Ash’ is a quiet contemplative and introspective piece, designed to invoke a philosophical response from the audience,” Ms Willis said.
“We have not had a performance art piece in Shepparton for a long time. This is a wonderful opportunity for people in our area to experience the type of artwork that is readily available in metropolitan areas.”
“Visitors will be very moved by this exhibition. The paintings have been lit in semi darkness at the request of the artist to further add to the mystic of the works on display”.
“Jill Orr, one of Australia’s leading performance artists, has been producing performance events centred on her own body and notions of the ‘self’, with an attitude towards current politics and social ethics, since the mid 1970s, and ‘Ash’ is no exception.”
“‘Ash’ transforms Orr’s body into a metaphor for the land. Covered in chalky ash, she lies on a coffin-like slab of old wood.”
Jill Orr’s performance of ‘Ash’ will take place from 6.30 to 7.30 pm on Saturday 16th October and the exhibition will run in the gallery until Saturday 21st November.
For more information, please contact Leanne Willis on 5832 9861.
Admission to Shepparton Art Gallery is free and it is open seven days a week from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. The gallery is located in the Eastbank Centre, 70 Welsford Street, phone 5832 9861.
Wanganui Park Secondary College VCE Art on Display
12 October 2004
VCE students from Shepparton’s Wanganui Park Secondary College will display examples of their work at an exhibition that officially opens at the Shepparton Art Gallery this Friday.
The school’s VCE Studio Arts students will feature their artwork in the Community Gallery in a new exhibition which will be opened by well known artist Deborah Halpern at 6.30 pm on Friday 15th October.
Shepparton Art Gallery Director, Ms Leanne Willis, said the exhibition of works by Wanganui Park Secondary students was part of the gallery’s commitment to display local works by members of the community.
“It is inspiring to view the high standard of work on display and read each artwork’s text panel, which give a fascinating insight into the thoughts of our young local artists,” Ms Willis said.
Wanganui Park Secondary College VCE artwork will be on display in the Community Gallery until Tuesday 2nd November.
For more information, please contact the Shepparton Art Gallery Director,
Leanne Willis, on 5832 9861.
Admission to Shepparton Art Gallery is free and it is open seven days a week from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. The gallery is located in the Eastbank Centre,
70 Welsford Street, Shepparton, phone 5832 9861.
Melbourne Youth Orchestra Kicks Off a Month of Music
28 September 2004
The Melbourne Youth Orchestra will kick off a month of exciting music performances at the Eastbank Centre on Saturday 2nd October.
The Council’s Manager for Performing Arts and Conventions, Mr Rob Robson, said the orchestra features over 80 of the best young musicians in Victoria between 16 and 25 years old.
“Shepparton is very lucky to host this talented orchestra for the whole weekend, with a recital on the Saturday night and a special workshop with the Goulburn Valley Concert Orchestra on Sunday 3rd October,” Mr Robson said.
“The recital will feature a performance of Mahler’s 1st Symphony, ‘The Titan’, a huge musical work not often performed because of the rarity of such a large orchestra.”
“Also, a talented young pianist from Melbourne, Amir Farid, will perform Beethoven’s Piano Concert No. 4 in G Major with the orchestra.”
“Shepparton audiences will remember Amir from his performances on the new Steinway at Eastbank as part of the Australian National Piano Award some weeks ago, where he was a finalist.”
“Amir is seen as one of the ‘next big things’ in the world of concert piano, so this is an excellent opportunity to experience his talents again.”
The music will continue at Eastbank throughout the week, with performances from Orchestra Victoria on Wednesday 6th September and Thursday 7th September, and the Royal Australian Navy Band on Sunday 10th October.
The Melbourne Youth Orchestra will perform at Eastbank at 8.00 pm on Saturday 2nd October.
For more information on any shows at Riverlinks venues, or to book tickets, visit the Riverlinks Box Office in the Eastbank Centre, 70 Welsford Street, Shepparton, or phone 5832 9511.
School Holiday Fun with Sid the Serpent
14 September 2004
Greater Shepparton children can experience the special excitement of professional opera designed and sung just for them, with performances of OzOpera’s ‘Sid the Serpent Who Wanted to Sing’ at Eastbank this coming Monday.
The Council’s Manager of Performing Arts and Conventions, Rob Robson, said the show is an excellent opportunity for young children to be introduced to the wonderful and exotic world of opera.
“OzOpera presents performances with great singing, exciting sets and colourful costumes, while educating children about different musical styles,”
Mr Robson said.
“‘Sid the Serpent Who Wanted to Sing’ is about a dancing circus snake who desperately wants to sing. Wherever the circus travels, Sid tries to learn a different style of singing, including opera, music-hall, rap and swing, failing miserably each time.”
“When Sid realises he is able to sing in his own unique style, he learns to appreciate his own talents.”
To celebrate the performances of ‘Sid the Serpent Who Wanted to Sing’, Riverlinks is holding a Family Fun Day on Monday 20th September.
“Families can enjoy face painting with Crackles the Clown, colouring activities and music, and join in the creation of a giant snake mural that will decorate the walls of Eastbank.”
‘Sid the Serpent Who Wanted to Sing’ will be performed at the Eastbank Centre at 12.00 noon and 2.00 pm on Monday 20th September.
“Thanks to a special partnership with Deaf Children Australia, the 2.00 pm performance of ‘Sid the Serpent Who Wanted to Sing’ will also be Auslan interpreted,” Mr Robson added.
For bookings or more information, please contact the Riverlinks Box Office on 5832 9511. The Box Office is open from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm on weekdays and 10.00 am to 4.00 pm on weekends.
Australian Theatre Stars Come to Riverlinks
14 September 2004
Veterans of the Australian stage and screen, Barry Otto and Jacki Weaver, will come to WestSide Performing Arts Centre this month to perform the Reg Cribb play, ‘Last Cab to Darwin’.
The Council’s Manager of Performing Arts and Conventions, Mr Rob Robson, said it is exciting to have performers of such high calibre visiting the venue.
“It is testament to the quality of our facilities and support of our audiences that seasoned performers like Jacki Weaver continue to return to perform on our stages,” Mr Robson said.
‘Last Cab to Darwin’ follows the story of Broken Hill cab driver Max (Otto) on the first and last great journey of his life. Diagnosed with cancer, Max leaves his hometown to discover the Australian outback.
“It explores themes including the changing identity of Australia, the difficulties faced in the outback, and the controversial debate surrounding euthanasia.”
“Despite the serious nature of the topics explored, ‘Last Cab to Darwin’ has equal elements of comedy, compassion, adventure and sadness,” Mr Robson added.
“The play also stars Justine Saunders, Sean Taylor, Alan Dukes, Kirsty Hillhouse and Michael Tuahine as a cast of characters that Max meets on his journey up the middle of Australia.”
‘Last Cab to Darwin’ will be presented by Riverlinks and Pork Chop Productions at 8.00 pm on Friday 24th September and Saturday 25th September, at the WestSide Performing Arts Centre.
For more information or to book tickets, please contact the Riverlinks Box Office on 5832 9511, or visit the Box Office at the Eastbank Centre, 70 Welsford Street, Shepparton.
New Exhibitions Opening This Week at Shepparton Art Gallery
1 September 2004
Two new exhibitions will officially open at the Shepparton Art Gallery in the coming week.
An amazing new photography exhibition by Arthur Wicks, ‘Global Images: Notes from the Solstice Voyeur 1975 – 2002’, and a striking textiles exhibition by
Sara Thorn, ‘Dreams of a Golden Thread’, which will be officially opened on Saturday 11th September by Sarah Bond, Exhibition Manager, Craft Victoria. Both exhibitions will be open to the public from Saturday 4th September.
Shepparton Art Gallery Director, Ms Leanne Willis, said the two exhibitions were very different, but both exquisite.
“The first exhibition features a series of photographs, taken by Arthur Wicks, a sculptor and photographer, who has photographed world events in a bid to create global images for the last 20 years,” Ms Willis said.
Arthur Wicks’ role as the ‘Solstice Voyeur’ extends over more than two decades. His photographs of Guerilla Bay on the South Coast of NSW became the first global collage. A sequence of images of New York City, taken later from the World Trade Centre, also create an interesting combination.
“‘Global Images: Notes from the Solstice Voyeur’ shows us the earth from a completely different viewpoint, and is not an exhibition to miss.”
In a contrast, Sara Thorn’s textile exhibition features very beautiful fabrics, a result of the artist’s research into the textile traditions of Asia and Italy.
“Sara Thorn is interested in ceremonial and historical cloths from many different traditional cultures, and this has led her to study varied textile and ornamentation techniques,” Ms Willis said.
Sara Thorn is an artist and designer of textiles and fashion. Over the last 20 years, Sara created the fashion labels Abyss Studio, Funkessentials and Galaxy.
In the late 1990s, she moved to Europe where she worked with various international designers. On her return to Australia in 2000, Sara re-established her own label, Sara Thorn.
The Shepparton Art Gallery will be showing Sara Thorn’s “Dreams of a Golden Thread” and Arthur Wicks’ “Global Images: Notes from the Solstice Voyeur” until Sunday 10th October.
For more information, please contact the Shepparton Art Gallery Director, Leanne Willis, on 5832 9861 or 0419 385 126.
Admission to the Shepparton Art Gallery is free and it is open 7 days a week from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. The gallery is located in the Eastbank Centre, 70 Welsford Street, Shepparton.
New Ceramics Exhibition Opening 11th September
30 August 2004
A stunning new ceramics exhibition will officially open in the Shepparton Art Gallery on Saturday 11th September, featuring pieces by a remarkable artist, Pamela Irving.
Shepparton Art Gallery Director, Ms Leanne Willis, said the exhibition, ‘Treading the Boards’ is a solo show organised by Shepparton Art Gallery paying tribute to nineteenth century theatre performers.
“Each piece has been made into a mosaic, an effect that has been described as ‘architectural, with the individual pieces mirroring the flow of modelled forms’”,
Ms Willis said.
“Former Shepparton Art Gallery director, Joseph Pascoe, describes the process used by Pamela in creating these exquisite pieces in a catalogue essay, saying ‘the artist sourced nineteenth-century doll parts over the internet from a Dresden factory, and then affixed them in a way that references Memoryware, an American Folk Craft tradition’.”
“It is this interesting and unique styling, and commitment to diversity in artwork, that has fuelled Pamela’s popularity in art circles for more than 15 years.”
The Deputy Chief Magistrate of Victoria, Ms Jelena Popvic, will officially launch the exhibition at 1.30 pm on Saturday 11th September.
“Mr Andrew Fairley will also be at the opening to launch a new sculpture created by Pamela, titled ‘Larry’. The sculpture will take up residence on the front lawn of the gallery and has been donated by the artist with partial funding from The Sir Andrew and Lady Fairley Foundation through Perpetual Trustees.”
Pamela Irving’s ‘Treading the Boards’ will run in the Community Gallery until Sunday 10th October before travelling to the Geelong Art Gallery.
For more information, please contact the Shepparton Art Gallery Director,
Leanne Willis, on 5832 9861 or 0419 385 126.
Admission to Shepparton Art Gallery is free and it is open seven days a week from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. The gallery is located in the Eastbank Centre,
70 Welsford Street, Shepparton, phone 5832 9861.
Stars of the Future Come to Riverlinks
24 August 2004
Australia’s musical theatre ‘stars of the future’ will warm up for their time in the limelight when they present two shows of musical entertainment at Eastbank next week.
‘Romancing the Song’, performed on Monday 30th August, and ‘Tribe’, playing on Tuesday 31st August, will be presented by students from the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA).
The Council’s Manager of Performing Arts and Conventions, Mr Rob Robson, said the two shows, while very different, were both tributes to a variety of musical styles.
“‘Romancing the Song’ is a rich mix of songs from yesterday and today. It takes the audience on a journey through the years of love songs,” Mr Robson said.
“The VCA’s vibrant young students present favourites from a number of
well-known productions, including Oliver! and Les MisTrables. It will be an evening of delightful reminiscing for the audience.”
In stark contrast, ‘Tribe’ is a musical entertainment compilation with a strong modern rock score.
“‘Tribe’ was created at the VCA this year by award winning playwright and composer, Anthony Crowley. It will appeal to a broad range of people as it features musical styles that anyone can relate to, from sixties rock’n’roll and theatre-style ballads, to rap, and back again.”
“The show explores some important ‘youth issues’ and combines a spectacular rock concert lighting show with multi-media elements and street dancing!”
‘Romancing the Song’ is playing at 7.30 pm at the Eastbank Centre on Monday 30th August. ‘Tribe’ will be performed at 10.00 am, 1.00 pm (schools performance) and 7.30 pm on Tuesday 31st August. Bookings can be made at the Riverlinks Box Office, Eastbank Centre, 70 Welsford Street, Shepparton, or by phoning 5832 9511
Record Attendance at the Shepparton Art Gallery
17 August 2004
The Shepparton Art Gallery has attracted a record number of visitors, with more than 7,000 through its doors in June alone.
Shepparton Art Gallery Director, Ms Leanne Willis, said the public had reacted with enthusiasm to the gallery’s most recent exhibitions, particularly the popular ‘Hickory Dickory Dock – The Changing Face of Play School’.
“Just over 10,000 people visited the Play School exhibition at the gallery, which ran from 3rd June to 11th July. This was a phenomenal response, more than the number who visited the exhibition when it was originally shown at the National Museum in Canberra,” Ms Willis said.
The gallery’s public programs and workshops have also proved to be very popular, with staff working with 2,144 children and adults in May and June.
“The most successful programs have been our Friends of the Gallery morning teas, after school drawing classes and life drawing classes. Also, 16 schools from across Victoria toured the gallery in May and June. ”
“June saw some special events at the gallery, including the Family Fun Days at Eastbank and music with the GV Concert Orchestra,” Ms Willis added.
“We are very proud of our extensive public program and we try to cater for a wide range of people, including young children, school aged people and adults.”
For information about any of the exhibitions currently on display or public programs at the Shepparton Art Gallery, contact the gallery on 5832 9861.
Admission to Shepparton Art Gallery is free and it is open seven days a week from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. The gallery is located in the Eastbank Centre,
70 Welsford Street, Shepparton, phone 5832 9861.
The Shepparton Art Gallery is supported by the Victorian Government through Arts Victoria and the Community Support Fund, and through the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy, an initiative of the Australian, State and Territory Governments.
Treat Dad with a Night Out at Riverlinks
11 August 2004
Give Dad the night off on Thursday 19th August for the smash hit comedy `It’s a Dad Thing’ at the Eastbank Centre, Shepparton.
From the director who brought us `Mum’s the Word’, comes another hilarious look at parental experiences, focusing on the trials and tribulations of being a dad.
The Council’s Manager of Performing Arts and Conventions, Mr Rob Robson, said the show was a rollercoaster ride of laughter, tears and song (but mainly laughter!).
“A very talented group of actors will bring us a show that is chaotic, fun, shocking and truthful,” Mr Robson said.
“`It’s a Dad Thing’ covers all aspects of parenthood, including pre-natal classes, where even the men practice pelvic floor exercises, six hours of Enya tapes during the actual births, and hilarious attempts to cross squeaky floors without waking the kids.”
“A `Zombie Dad’ loses the kids in Toys’R’Us and another teaches the young ones all about sharp knives, alcohol and pizza, all before saying farewell to the last symbol of their youth – a 1963 XL Falcon.”
The show stars Australian comics Michael Veitch (of Fast Forward fame), and Geoff Paine, with Steve Kearney, Matt Quartermaine and Ross Daniels, and is directed by Kaarin Fairfax (Seachange, Comedy Company).
“While the show contains some coarse language and very brief (not full frontal) male nudity, the producers assure us that it is all in context, the performers are very professional and know how to deliver their material!” Mr Robson added.
“This is a wonderful show for mums and dads alike, each having the opportunity to laugh at the other’s expense!”
`It’s a Dad Thing’ is playing at 8.00 pm at the Eastbank Centre on Thursday 19th August. Bookings can be made at the Riverlinks Box Office, Eastbank Centre, 70 Welsford Street, Shepparton, or by phoning 5832 9511.
International Pianist to Play Eastbank’s Steinway
20 July 2004
The Sydney International Piano Competition (SIPC) People’s Choice Award winner will perform a concert on the new Steinway grand piano at the Eastbank Centre on Wednesday 28th July.
The Council’s Manager of Performing Arts and Conventions, Mr Rob Robson, said it was exciting to have the new grand piano played by an internationally renowned pianist for the first time.
“The concert was originally to be held at WestSide Performing Arts Centre, but now that the new piano has arrived and is ready for performance, it’s fitting that it should be a part of this significant concert event,” Mr Robson said.
Rem Urasin of Russia won four awards at SIPC, internationally recognised as one of the world’s great piano competitions, including best performance of a work by Chopin, a Mozart Concerto, an Australian work, and the People’s Choice Award as the most popular pianist of the event.
“He was a favourite to win the competition and narrowly missed out, coming second overall. He is a polished and mature performer, with an incredible history of performing experience.”
Rem Urasin began his musical studies at the age of five, and at the age of eight he gave his first performance with a symphony orchestra. He has given recitals in many countries including Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Poland, Czech Republic and Japan and performed in such prestigious concert halls as Great and Small Halls of the Moscow Conservatory, Salle Gaveau in Paris, Suntory Hall in Tokyo and Izumi Hall in Oaska.
“At Eastbank, Rem Urasin will perform a recital of pieces by Liszt, Mozart, Schubert, Tchaikovsy and Chopin.”
Rem Urasin will perform at the Eastbank Centre at 8.00 pm on Wednesday 28th July. Bookings can be made through the Riverlinks Box Office, Eastbank, 70 Welsford Street, Shepparton or by phoning 5832 9511.
Let’s Talk Art – Lecture Series at Shepparton Art Gallery
13 July 2004
The Shepparton Art Gallery is offering the second in a series of Art Lectures on Thursday 22nd July from 6.30 – 7.30 pm.
The lecture is titled `Painting Forever: The Art of Tony Tuckson’ and will be presented by Tim Fisher.
Shepparton Art Gallery Director, Leanne Willis, said the lecture would provide an interesting insight into the work of Tony Tuckson from an experienced member of the arts industry.
“Tim Fisher has worked in the arts for twenty five years. He was an assistant curator and curator of Australian Art at the National Gallery of Australia for eighteen years, where his last exhibition was a Tony Tuckson retrospective exhibition that toured around Australia in 2001 – 2002.”
“More recently, Mr Fisher was the Exhibitions Curator at the National Library of Australia. He is now the Executive Officer for National Exhibitions Touring Support, Victoria.”
The lecture will be held at the Shepparton Art Gallery and tickets are $7 for general public and $5 for Friends of the Shepparton Art Gallery.
“Bookings are essential, and a minimum of 25 bookings is required for the lecture to go ahead. I invite any interested people to come along,” Ms Willis concluded.
Contact the Shepparton Art Gallery on 5832 9861 by Monday 19th July to register your interest. Further lectures in the series will be announced on the night.
For more information, please contact Marilyn Gourley on 5832 9520.
Admission to Shepparton Art Gallery is free and it is open seven days a week from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. The gallery is located in the Eastbank Centre,
70 Welsford Street, Shepparton, phone 5832 9861.
Riverlinks Invites You To Dream With Shakespeare
6 July 2004
The Bell Shakespeare Company’s enchanting production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be performed for the Greater Shepparton community next week.
Manager of Performing Arts and Conventions, Mr Rob Robson, said `A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ is a terrific introduction to the world of Shakespeare.
“The great thing about this particular company is that they really do make Shakespeare accessible and easy to follow because they make strong connections with the familiar language of popular entertainment and everyday life, even though the play is such a fantasy.”
“The play will appeal to a variety of ages,” he said “The actors can become the lovers or the rough workmen or forest fairies; anything that is needed to tell the story. It’s a beautiful play that is full of comedy and magic and will be enjoyed by everyone.”
Director Anna Volska brings the world of Shakespeare’s play to life with a youthful cast of nine actors, all of whom convincingly convey the energy and vibrancy of this story of love, lust and mistaken identity.
Two pairs of star-crossed lovers run away to the forest to escape their troubles and get caught up with Puck, a mischievous fairy. A group of amateur theatricals are rehearsing a play in the forest when one is transformed by magic into a donkey. “It’s all very fanciful, but in the hands of an experienced director the comedy just shines,” said Mr Robson.
Anna Volska has performed in many Shakespeare productions including Hamlet, MacBeth and Romeo and Juliet. She also appeared in TV series including Water Rats and A Country Practice, and has directed many productions.
A Midsummer Nights Dream will be performed on Thursday 15th July at
8.00 pm at Eastbank. Bookings can be made through the Riverlinks Box Office, Eastbank, 70 Welsford Street, Shepparton or by phoning 5832 9511.
Get Sprung! This School Holidays With Riverlinks
23 June 2004
Riverlinks has school holiday fun in store with performances of Australian children’s play, `Sprung!’ on Wednesday 7th July.
`Sprung!’ is based on a story written by popular television personality, Andrew Daddo, and is the tale of Fergus Kipper’s journey, his discovery of boundaries and responsibilities and the way in which his parents eccentrically go about teaching him right from wrong.
Manager of Performing Arts and Conventions, Mr Rob Robson, said the play was all about the joy of being a kid in Australia.
“Much of the story is based on Daddo’s own experiences as a mischievous young boy who was always in trouble,” Mr Robson said.
“The humour of the play lies in the unimaginable situations Fergus finds himself in and the consequences related to his trouble-maker ways.”
`Sprung!’ is brought to Riverlinks by Monkey Baa Productions, who have previously brought such delightful children’s shows as `The Bugalug’s Bum Thief’ and `Worry Warts’. The show is directed by Kim Hardwick and stars a host of well-known Australia actors.
“Seasoned Bell Shakespeare performer, David Hynes, is starring as Fergus Kipper, with Paul Kelman, Zoe Houghton, Blair Venn and Sandra Eldridge also appearing,” Mr Robson added.
To celebrate the school holiday fun at Riverlinks, the box office will give away a second ticket to `Sprung!’ to each customer buying a ticket during one of the “Possum Magic” Riverlinks Family Fun Days, held on Monday 28th and Tuesday 29th June.
`Sprung!’ will be held at the WestSide Performing Arts Centre on
Wednesday 7th July at 1.00 and 7.00 pm. Tickets are available at the Riverlinks Box Office on 5832 9511, or in person at the Eastbank Centre, Welsford Street, Shepparton. All tickets are $12.00.
For more information about `Sprung!’ or other shows in the Riverlinks program, please contact the Riverlinks Box Office.
Photography Exhibition Opening – Worlds Apart
20 June 2004
A new photography exhibition will open at the Shepparton Art Gallery on Wednesday 23rd June, featuring the work of local photographer, John Teague.
Shepparton Art Gallery Director, Ms Leanne Willis, said the exhibition, `Worlds Apart’, presents a range of experimental, creative and traditional photography in a wide variety of subjects including landscape and architecture.
“John Teague is an accomplished artistic photographer. He is a keen exhibitor with the Australian Photographic Society and has received in excess of one hundred awards at the national level and twenty five awards internationally, including gold and silver medals,” Ms Willis said.
“John has also represented Australia in the Federation of International Art Photography photographic biennials and Trans-Tasmans with numerous photographic images.”
The exhibition will run in the Community Gallery until Sunday 18th July.
For more information, please contact Leanne Willis on 5832 9861.
Admission to Shepparton Art Gallery is free and it is open seven days a week from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. The gallery is located in the Eastbank Centre,
70 Welsford Street, Shepparton, phone 5832 9861.