SAM Offers Exciting new Hospitality Opportunity
4 February 2021
Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is offering an exciting new hospitality opportunity to operate a café, a separate roof top bar and multifunction area. SAM is one of Australia’s leading art museums located in Greater Shepparton, recognised for its ceramics and Indigenous art collections and engagement programs.
SAM is getting ready for the biggest move in its history, as Shepparton Council’s largest building project nears completion. The new purpose-built art museum and community spaces is designed by internationally acclaimed Australian architects Denton Corker Marshall.
The new SAM building will be home to Shepparton Art Museum (SAM), Kaiela Arts, and the Visitor Centre, offering community, visitors and the region a new arts and culture space to experience, share and enjoy. For Shepparton and north central Victoria, it’s a game-changer. Contemporary, indigenous, inclusive, art and ideas, kids and families, exciting experiences, great food and wine are just some of the experience and ideas that underpin the new spaces and opportunities. Subscribe via the SAM website to get up to date information on our plans for a Grand Opening Weekend, which will be held in the second half of 2021.
Shepparton Art Museum (SAM Limited) will be managing the lease for the hospitality opportunity in the new building. To join them on this exciting journey, SAM is seeking to partner with an experienced and entrepreneurial hospitality operator to deliver an exceptional and mutually beneficial café and bar experience to museum and other visitors. SAM is seeking a café operator with style, flair and business acumen who can maximise this rare and unique opportunity to create a high-quality café and bar experience that complements and enhances the visitor experience offered at SAM.
Great coffee, food and friendship, or a spectacular location to hold one of those major events, is part of the new SAM experience. How many of us remember that great meal, or fabulous view, when we visited great cultural destinations on those far-off overseas and interstate travels?
The café and roof top bar are in central positions in the new purpose-built SAM building. The café and fully furnished kitchen are on Level 1 with an adjoint deck/grass area and is accessible through the building and the grass area leading to the walking path at the lake. The roof top bar and multifunction area are on the Level 4, with a roof top viewing deck. The café and the bar must be conceptually sympathetic with SAM, ensuring a steady flow of cultural tourists.
While the SAM team wait for the building to be ready, they have been busy. They are preparing for the move of their collection of over 4,000 artworks; their offices, shop and operations; and developing over seven major new exhibitions and art projects that will attract visitors of all ages from near and far.
A move of this scale does not happen overnight. On completion, over the next months SAM and their co-tenants will settle into the new building and get things ready for the community and a Grand Opening Weekend later in the year. In the meantime, share some of these experiences via SAM’s socials, and join SAM’s mailing list through the SAM website to keep up to date with the move, and watch out for announcements around opening programs, sneak peeks, and what’s to come.
Expression of Interest applications are to be submitted electronically via Tender Search. (https://eprocure.com.au/lite).
Applications open on 4 February 2021 and close on 26 February 2021. The question period ends on 20 February 2021.
Shepparton Art Museum gets $265,000 boost for Indigenous exhibitions and programs
24 December 2020
Indigenous art, education, digital content, and job creation are at the centre of more than $265,000 in Federal Government funding that will further bolster the offerings of the Shepparton Art Museum once it moves into its new $50 million home adjacent to Victoria Park Lake.
Federal Member for Nicholls, Damian Drum, said SAM had been awarded $266,438 via the Federal Government’s $75 million Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) fund, which is supporting arts and entertainment organisations seeking to restart, re-imagine or create new cultural and creative activities following the prolonged COVID-19 shutdown.
The ‘SAM First Nations Artist Residencies and Enhanced Engagement Program’ will include:
- A series of artist residencies that will provide an opportunity for enhanced education and engagement activities, delivered both onsite and online;
- Establishment of a trainee program for local Indigenous youth, who will assist in the development and delivery of the residency and engagement programs. Two trainees will be taken on in both 2021 and 2022;
- Employment of a new Indigenous staff member as the trainee program co-ordinator;
- Development of onsite and online resources to increase accessibility and inclusion for diverse audiences. Education resources will be produced in three non-English languages that are commonly spoken at home in the Greater Shepparton area;
- An artist will be commissioned to create a range of interventions to enhance the experience for audiences with special needs; and
- Further development of SAM’s online portal to capture digital content and the outcomes of this program.
Mr Drum said the RISE funding would allow SAM to showcase contemporary Indigenous art, while also educating people about the rich history of Indigenous art in the region.
“The Federal Government recognises that the arts and entertainment sector needs assistance as we emerge from COVID-19 and I’m thrilled SAM has been successful with its funding application,” Mr Drum said.
“The new Shepparton Art Museum, when it opens early next year, will be an incredible asset for the region. The First Nations artist residencies are a great example of the quality exhibitions it will showcase, in the process drawing tourists from all over, providing significant economic spin-offs.”
SAM chief executive and artistic director, Rebecca Coates, thanked the Federal Government and said the RISE funding was recognition of SAM’s commitment to working with local Indigenous artists.
“As SAM edges closer to our move into the new purpose-built cultural space, co-located with Kaiela Arts and the visitor centre, this funding creates new opportunities,” Dr Coates said.
“We are thrilled that our engagement work can be further amplified through this funding, allowing us to extend our work both in the galleries and online to create artist-led programs that will engage audiences, create opportunities through arts and culture, and build pathways for those living and working in regional Victoria.”
Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, Paul Fletcher, said RISE grants had been allocated to 115 projects nationally, creating around 44,000 jobs, and helping secure the long-term future of many cultural and creative organisations.
“The arts and entertainment sector provides significant employment and economic benefits, as well as supporting cultural expression, community and social wellbeing, and reflecting unique Australian experiences and stories,” Mr Fletcher said.
“Our commitment of $60 million in (round one) RISE grants is an important step in the rejuvenation of Australia’s arts sector from COVID-19.
“I’m pleased that more than 70 per cent of the total funding will go to small-medium sized organisations, and 21 per cent to organisations in regional areas.”
The $75 million RISE fund forms part of the Federal Government’s $250 million Creative Economy Support Package to help restart activities such as festivals, concerts, tours and events.
ENDS
Last call for VCE students to exhibit work in the new SAM building.
1 December 2020
Applications for Shepparton Art Museum’s reopening exhibition, FRESH: GV Top Art & Design 2021, will close on Tuesday 8 December. FRESH is an exhibition that will celebrate the creativity and quality of artistic talent of young artists throughout the North Central Victorian region in the first half of 2021.
Applications are open to Year 11 and 12 students who have completed VCE Studio Arts, Art and Visual Communication Design. Mediums can include photography, drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media, ceramics, film, printmaking and a variety of design presentations from industrial, environmental and visual design.
‘2020 has been particularly tough for our school kids, teachers and families. What better a way to offer hope, and have something to look forward to in 2021 than a new exhibition celebrating creativity from North Central Victoria’s youth,’ explains SAM Director, Dr Rebecca Coates.
‘FRESH will be the first show to open in our new SAM building. It will be an opportunity for us to share and own a new space, and through the creative ideas of a new generation, explore, share, and enjoy. We really encourage you to chat with your teachers, contact the SAM team, put in an application, and get involved and inspired,’ says Dr Coates.
In the past, SAM’s student shows have provided inspiration and at times career pathways into the arts and creative industries:
‘Exhibiting in SAM’s student show in 2016 was a big step in the start to my career and creative journey,’ said Abram Rasmussen (pictured), former Shepparton Christian College student. ‘It helped me realise that people enjoyed what I was making and that I am able to create things of value that people care about. This gave me the confidence to pursue a career as a “creative”.’
‘So fast forward to now – I run a successful photography/videography business, creating all sorts of content for different brands and businesses over the past few years. I am also about to start a full-time position at a local marketing agency as their creative director. So, SAM and particularly that 2016 VCE exhibition gave me the confidence to pursue what I was passionate about and now I am able to do what I love and provide for my family – which I may not have thought possible otherwise.’
FRESH: GV Top Art and Design will form part of SAM Squared, a new space that will launch the new building’s opening program. SAM Squared will host a range of exhibitions, programs and events designed to foster, engage and rejoice creativity from the vibrant arts and creative community of North Central Victoria.
Applications will be accepted from the following shires, Alpine, Benalla, Campaspe, Greater Shepparton, Indigo, Mansfield, Mitchell, Moira, Murrindindi, Strathbogie, Towong, Wangaratta and Wodonga.
Applications close on Tuesday 8 December at 4pm, and can be completed via SAM’s website www.sheppartonartmuseum.com.au.
For more information, or if you wish to discuss your application for FRESH, please contact SAM’s Visual Arts Educator, Linda Bryan on lbryan@sheppartonartmuseum.com.au
Direct link: https://sheppartonartmuseum.com.au/support-get-involved/exhibit-at-sam/fresh-gv-top-art-design/
SAM presents new online project with artist Sarah crowEST
30 September 2020
In a first for Shepparton Art Museum (SAM), Sound Seen launches the art museum’s Artist Projects online platform. This is a newly commissioned artwork by Melbourne based artist, Sarah crowEST, available on SAM’s website from Thursday 1 October 2020.
Sound Seen will consist of a series of artworks conceived from visual scores for experimental musical responses but that can also function as dynamic visual artworks in their own right. CrowEST has produced five open-source, diagrammatic scores, developed and documented through a shifting, graphic process, which will be free to download and interpret on SAM’s website from 1 October.
“We’re delighted to be working with Sarah crowEST to present the first of SAM’s online, digital art projects.” SAM Artistic Director/CEO Rebecca Coates said. “This continues SAM’s commitment to presenting artist-led projects that connect with our community across platforms. Truly democratic and participatory, Sarah invites our audience to experience her work through sight, sound and musical responses.”
CrowEST explores connections between text, drawing, painting, noise and sound. Her works invite audience members to engage directly with the work. Her work spans discipline boundaries of contemporary art, publishing and performance. Her often collaborative projects involve sound artists and the production of diagrammatic scores, instructional works and word-events presented in the form of paintings and backdrops. With a focus on interpretation, she regularly engages in collaborations where experimental translations produce performative outcomes.
“This new commission by Sarah crowEST explores the dynamic, multi-form possibilities of language.” SAM Curator Lara Merrington said. “Her symbolic visual scores are informed by and in turn provide; infinite possibilities of interpretation. In the current context of a screen saturated world, the work is a refreshing plunge into experimental and cross-art form practice involving aural experience, collaborative work and performative outcomes. We are looking forward to seeing the public interact with this project in their own diverse ways.”
Score #1 has been co-developed with sound artist AHI (aka Luke Whitten) and Rara Zulu, who have produced a recording to be heard online in conjunction with the visual scores. Another of the scores will be co-developed with local musicians from Shepparton, to be made available from late-October.
Sound Seen: Sarah crowEST
From 1 October 2020 and ongoing online
ENDS
Find new ways to be creative with SAM these school holidays!
22 September 2020
This Spring, Shepparton Art Museum’s school holiday program is going digital. Over the next two weeks, artists Jahnne Pasco-White and Kenny Pittock will be delivering online workshops via the SAM HUB on SAM’s website.
Drawing Wall artist Jahnne Pasco-White will be delivering a fabric staining workshop using natural found items such as plants and flowers, fruit peels and rocks, while Kenny Pittock will be delivering an equally fun workshop on how to create ceramic fruit.
“Holiday programs should be a great way to get inspired and have a bit of fun. Some of our visitors might remember Kenny Pittock’s vending machine which we installed at SAM as part of our exhibition Cornucopia,” explains SAM Director, Dr Rebecca Coates.
“The ceramic hand-painted contents, including chocolate bars and humorous titled brands, were so realistic that many of our visitors asked us why we had installed a vending machine selling chocolate bars in the gallery,” says Dr Coates.
“Have a bit of fun these holidays with a new take on what makes Shepparton’s orchard economy unique.”
School holiday material packs can be purchased from the SAM website for just $10. The packs include a small bag of clay, green or yellow underglaze (clay paint), tote bag or hand puppet and SAM pencils.
The SAM hub can be accessed via the website, https://sheppartonartmuseum.com.au/education/sam-hub/
Tag #SAMHUB in your creations.
Applications now open for VCE students to showcase artwork at new SAM
22 September 2020
Shepparton Art Museum is calling for VCE students to register their artwork for display in FRESH: GV Top Art & Design 2021, an exhibition that will celebrate the creativity and quality of artistic talent of young artists throughout the North Central Victorian region in the first half of 2021.
Applications are open to Year 11 and 12 students who have completed VCE Studio Arts, Art and Visual Communication Design. Mediums can include photography, drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media, ceramics, film, printmaking and a variety of design presentations from industrial, environmental and visual design.
‘2020 has been particularly tough for our school kids, teachers and families. What better a way to offer hope, and have something to look forward to in 2021 than a new exhibition celebrating creativity from North Central Victoria’s youth,’ explains SAM Director, Dr Rebecca Coates.
‘FRESH will be the first show to open in our new SAM building. It will be an opportunity for us to share and own a new space, and through the creative ideas of a new generation, explore, share, and enjoy. We really encourage you to chat with your teachers, contact the SAM team, put in an application, and get involved and inspired,’ says Dr Coates.
FRESH: GV Top Art and Design will form part of SAM Squared, a new space that will launch the new building’s opening program. SAM Squared will host a range of exhibitions, programs and events designed to foster, engage and rejoice creativity from the vibrant arts and creative community of North Central Victoria.
Applications will be accepted from the following shires, Alpine, Benalla, Campaspe, Greater Shepparton, Indigo, Mansfield, Mitchell, Moira, Murrindindi, Strathbogie, Towong, Wangaratta and Wodonga.
For more information, or if you wish to discuss your application for FRESH, please contact SAM’s Visual Arts Educator, Linda Bryan on lbryan@sheppartonartmuseum.com.au.
SAM temporary closure.
6 August 2020
In line with state and federal government advice, the Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) will be closed to the public from Wednesday 5 August until current restrictions ease.
“Whilst this closure is disappointing, our priority remains the safety of our community, artists and staff” said SAM Director Rebecca Coates. “We have built up a strong collection of workshops, exhibition tours and educational resources online and will continue to share our work and collections through our virtual channels.”
Current exhibition
SAM currently has three exhibitions on display: A Finer Grain: Selected Works from the SAM Collection; Showcase #26: Irene Grishin Selzer, a partnership with Pepite; and SAM Drawing Wall #38, with Jahnne Pasco White. Details of these projects and exhibitions can be found on the SAM website. A series of activations for these projects will continue to be rolled out over the next few months. Check the #SAM Hub for updates and information.
These exhibitions will remain in the museum during this period and we hope that we can share this with you again once this period has ended.
Digital and online
The SAM team have worked with a series of artists and our creative community to create a wide variety of online content to engage all ages and audiences. From workshops on clay building to art inspiration for kid’s projects, there is plenty to keep hands and minds active on the SAM Hub. We have plenty of new artist contributions planned over the next few months.
Collection
All artworks are safe, and will continue to be carefully monitored, as they are when we are open.
SAM Transition
Work will continue on SAM’s transition to the new building. While there may be disruptions, we are keen to continue to work towards what will be one of the most exciting, and certainly highest, buildings in our region.
Visit SAM online at www.sheppartonartmusum.com.au or on Instagram or Facebook.
SAM partners with pépite to bring emerging artists to the Showcase space.
6 August 2020
Shepparton Art Museum is thrilled to be partnering with Melbourne based gallery pépite, to bring emerging contemporary art and design artists to the popular SAM Showcase exhibition space.
The Showcase series at SAM is designed to support object artists in the development of their work, the opportunity to hold an exhibition in a gallery setting, and to enable the public to purchase works from a diverse range of exciting creators.
This is the third in a series of partnerships we have developed with other leading contemporary organisations focusing on supporting and showcasing artists and creatives – first with Mr Kitley, second with Craft, and now pépite. Each is designed to grow SAM’s links with like-minded organisations, their audiences and stable of artists. For our partner, it is a unique opportunity for their artists to show and present in regional Victoria, and for SAM, to bring new and emerging talent to Shepparton’s doorstep.
“SAM Showcase is such an important space at SAM, as it enables us to support creativity through our makers and designers. It provides an opportunity for collectors and design enthusiasts to admire and purchase unique pieces from Australian artists,” says SAM Director Dr Rebecca Coates. “We are so pleased to partner with pépite, as we share a similar vision when it comes to lifting up and sharing the sensational work that is produced by our artistic community,” Dr Coates explains.
Representing more than 40 emerging contemporary artists from their Melbourne based showroom, pépite features a collection of one-of-a kind and limited edition works, predominantly ceramics, alongside sculpture, glass pieces, illustration, jewellery and accessories.
Every object and happening at pépite has been curated by founder Irina Rybakov. Irina is committed to supporting local talent and has been involved in Melbourne’s creative scene since she moved to Melbourne 10 years ago (from Lyon, France). After having spent a few years working with frankie magazine, Craft Victoria and The Big Design Market, Irina founded pépite in 2017 to follow her passion for contemporary art and design.
“I’m looking forward to be working with such a respected institution on creating three outstanding showcases of local talent, and present fresh and interesting new works to SAM’s visitors and supporters,” says pépite founder Irina Rybakov. “This partnership with SAM will be an opportunity to provide an additional platform to our emerging artists to experiment and create new work, present their practice to a wider audience and have their pieces exhibited alongside SAM’s exceptional collection of ceramic works by leading artists. It is also an exciting opportunity for SAM’s visitors to discover new talent through pépite’s wider community of emerging ceramic artists,” Irina explains.
The pépite partnership will consist of three showcase exhibitions. The first is Irene Grishin Selzeris, an Australian artist, based in Melbourne, who works predominantly with ceramics. Her art practice engages with the notion of transience in nature, the shape of time and the sense of place.
Her practice takes two separate, but interconnected forms. The first is the clay paintings and clay drawings, the second is object-based pieces. The clay paintings can be regarded as a form of abstracted cartography-sprawling maps where scale is difficult to fathom, but we encounter pockets of energy, the movement of tides, electromagnetic waves and the build-up of deeply encrusted topographical layers. The object-based pieces may be thought of as individual points of focus, tiny areas of exploration, sandwiched cross-sections that pierce the surface or enigmatic relics and artefacts that carry the traces of ancient forms of spiritual energy.
SAM Showcase #26: Irene Grishin Selzeris.
25 June – 1 September 2020
at SAM.
Celebrate the return of SAM with Drawing Wall #38.
6 August 2020
Shepparton Art Museum is delighted to be reopening to the public, after closing due to COVID-19 recommendations.
Now on to its 38th iteration, the SAM Drawing Wall has become synonymous with celebrating creative talent and connecting artists and the Greater Shepparton Community. This series of large scale commissioned artworks enliven the foyer space at the entrance to the museum.
‘We are thrilled to be back at SAM, safely connecting our artistic community, and providing some out-of-home engagement for our visitors,” says SAM Director Dr Rebecca Coates. “Jahnne’s work presents ideas that are so embedded within Shepparton and surrounds, and encourages reflection on issues that are important to us as a regional city,” Dr Coates explains.
Jahnne Pasco-White is an artist currently living and working on Dja Dja Wurrung land and waters, or Chewton, Victoria. She often works with the re-purposing of previous works, and incorporating organic materials and pigments drawn from natural matter alongside the traditional medium of acrylic paint.
Pasco-White’s Drawing Wall Becoming-other, responds to the environment of Greater Shepparton and the agricultural and aqua industries. She has sourced waste-product fruit from local suburban areas and independent fruit and vegetable farmers to extract natural dyes and pigments for use in the artwork. Using organic materials against those traditionally identified with art making, such as acrylic paint, results in swathes of rich colour and texture.
Pasco-White completed a Bachelor of Fine Art, Honours (First Class) Victorian College of the Arts in 2015. Her work is held in the Bendigo Art Gallery collection, as the recipient of the 2019 Arthur Guy Memorial Painting Prize. She was the recipient of a 2018 Art Gallery of New South Wales’ Moya Dyring Memorial Studio scholarship at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris and was awarded a Martin Bequest Travelling Scholarship for Painting (2018-20).
Jahnne Pasco-White is represented by Station Gallery.
SAM Drawing Wall #38: Jahnne Pasco-White.
Exhibition Dates: 12 June – 7 January 2021
Location: at the SAM Entrance from Riverlinks Eastbank.
Image: Jahnne Pasco-White, Messmates (detail), 2019.Image by Christo Crocker.
SAM, it’s like you are virtually there!
6 August 2020
SAM invites you to experience current exhibition A Finer Grain: Selected Works from the SAM Collection from home with an interactive, self-guided virtual tour.
The virtual tour allows viewers to ‘walk’ through each of the galleries in the museum, zoom in on works, listen to artists talk about their work in the exhibition, and provides extensive opportunities to learn more about the artworks featured.
A Finer Grain: Selected Works from the SAM Collection presents key and lesser-known works by Australian women artists across several decades. This exhibition spans the full breadth of SAM’s 83 year collection history, features a range of mediums and subjects, and showcases the breadth of SAM’s material focus in works on paper, painting, and Australian ceramics.
‘Even those that have visited the exhibition in the museum will find new delights in this tour’, explains SAM Director, Dr Rebecca Coates. ‘It is a pleasure to work with our artists to provide additional benefits to our online visitors, and we are committed to continuing to provide these opportunities to professional artists during such a challenging time for the arts sector,’ says Dr Coates.
The A Finer Grain: Selected Works from the SAM Collection virtual tour joins a growing list of tours, workshops and activities that are available for free on SAM’s online content portal SAM Hub.
SAM continues to engage students and artists.
6 August 2020
SAM is working hard to develop a range of activities and resources to engage, inform and inspire kids and families during this time of increased social isolation.
After a well-attended opening night, and successful first school group session, the interactive SAM eduLAB sessions with talented artist Nadia Hernández sadly had to close due to advice regarding COVID-19.
Rochester Secondary College teacher Meg Doller brought her students into the exhibition prior to closure and commented, “I had my year 7’s in and was truly astounded by how much they retained and all the specific things they could write and talk about. An enriching experience for so many of them.”
SAM had the pleasure of working with Nadia Hernández to create alternatives for all students to share in this opportunity, even if the physical exhibition is not available. SAM are pleased to present two virtual workshops inspired by the work and themes that informed the eduLAB sessions planned for the students in the museum.
These workshops are designed to walk students through activities with purpose, using materials they are likely to have around the house, and would be suited to both primary and secondary aged students.
“It is so important that SAM stands by our artists and community during these challenging times, and the result is that we are able to continue to bring these deep thinking creative opportunities to our students and teachers, at a time when they are likely most needed.” explains SAM Director Dr Rebecca Coates.
“We are very keen to work with our talented educators to support them and their students with any resources they might need, and I encourage them to get in touch with SAM to see how we can help.” Dr Coates says.
Workshop 1, Out Loud! Express Yourself. This workshop encourages students to think about what they are passionate about, and consider how they would like to present their ideas and views. Nadia then walks them through some creative techniques she uses in her own practice, and touches on the symbolism of how to display your message.
Workshop 2, Sculpt It. Nadia shares the idea of ‘Querencia’ (an inner sense of strength), and how it influences her work. She then leads participants in the process of considering and expressing their own Querencia with a three dimensional object, and includes techniques they can apply with limited tools and supplies.
La Trobe University Shepparton has once again sponsored the SAM eduLAB for 2020. “It was very sad to have to close the exhibition soon after opening, so we are even more delighted that Nadia has worked with SAM staff to create some wonderful virtual workshops for students of all ages.” says La Trobe University Shepparton’s Head of Campus, Elizabeth Capp.
“The joy of creative expression is able to be shared even more widely through these activities and resource. We love that eduLAB successfully connects to formal school curriculum, and also makes these opportunities available to students who might otherwise miss out.” Ms Capp says.
Nadia Hernández’s workshops for SAM eduLAB are available to view on SAM’s online content portal SAM Hub.
https://sheppartonartmuseum.com.au/samhub
Educators or community groups that would like to use the workshops in their learning plans are encouraged to contact SAM for additional support and resources.
SAM facilitates connections between young and old.
6 August 2020
SAM is delighted to team up with local project I Wish I’d Asked to connect young and old in an exciting new initiative. Children are invited to participate in SAM‘s Wednesday morning virtual art lessons, and then send their finished creations along with a letter to a pen pal at a local retirement home.
Tackling issues of loneliness in our community is now more important than ever, with both children and seniors experiencing reduced social interaction in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. SAM and I Wish I’d Asked both run vibrant programs that strive to connect our communities, now with the added fun factor of snail mail!
“No matter your experience, everyone can get involved in this project. Whether it’s with a letter, a drawing, a wish, a message, a painting, a photo, every thought will be appreciated. All ages are encouraged to participate, there will be a pen pal for everyone!” says SAM’s Public Programs Officer Lisa Linton.
SAM Director Dr Rebecca Coates says “The idea of everyday kindnesses and little gestures that connect us with others is something that artists have often explored. SAM’s new project acknowledges a seminal work by the great Fluxux artist, Yoko Ono. Ono’s Wish Tree, 1996, invited people to write their personal messages of peace and hope and tie them to the branches of a tree. The work became a symbol for home in the face of natural and social trauma and disaster.”
“Given that our community can’t visit the gallery at present, instead, we are taking part of the gallery out to the community. Wishes and messages are being delivered direct to people’s own homes. This is about little gifts and everyday kindnesses.” Dr Coates explains.
So, how do you get involved?
Each Wednesday morning SAM will post a tutorial video on our website, Facebook, and Instagram account to inspire your creation, or you are free to come up with your own artwork. Send an email with a picture of your artwork with your name and postal address to lisa.linton@shepparton.vic.gov.au to receive your stamp and standard sized envelope in the mail. Whilst we would love to send oversized works of art, it needs to fit in a standard letter envelope.
Once you receive your stamp and envelope from SAM, fill it with your artwork and a personal message to your new pen pal. Drop your letter into your local mailbox and wait for a reply!
Along with anticipation, one of the benefits of traditional post is that it adheres to health advice relating to person to person contact, due to the time frame it takes to be delivered.
Stuck on what to ask your new pen pal? I Wish I’d Asked have created a list of questions to ask your new friend here: https://www.iwishidasked.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SampleQuestions.pdf
SAM is working hard to bring engaging content online. The SAM Hub is our online collection of content for all ages and includes workshop videos, virtual exhibition tours and more. Visit https://sheppartonartmuseum.com.au/samhub or @SAM_Shepparton on Instagram or Facebook.
SAM closes… for now
25 March 2020
In line with state and federal government advice, the Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) will be closed to the public from today Wednesday 25 March until current restrictions ease.
“We wish all of our colleagues, artists and wider community good health and best wishes in these trying times,” said SAM Director Rebecca Coates.
“We will continue to share our work and our collections through our online channels, in an effort to support our artists and to bring some colour to the current climate.”
Whether on site or virtual, the SAM team wishes to advise you on what is happening behind the scenes:
Current exhibitions
All exhibitions will remain in the museum during this period and we hope that we can share them with you once this period has ended.
Digital and online
The SAM team are also working to get content up online and on digital platforms for our audiences to share. There will be plenty to engage all ages, and we look forward to also sharing the work of our colleagues and artistic community.
Collection
All artworks are safe, and will continue to be carefully monitored, as they are when we are open.
SAM Transition
Work will continue on SAM’s transition to the new building, which will continue either at SAM or remotely. While there may be delays, we are keen to continue to work towards what will be one of the most exciting, and certainly highest, buildings in our region.
Visit SAM on Instagram or Facebook. You can also call on (03) 5832 9861 or email art.museum@shepparton.vic.gov.au
SAM celebrates all things local
5 March 2020
Showcasing and celebrating local talent across all areas of the gallery is the driving purpose behind the popular SAM Local exhibition, which will return with a bang this month.
Opening Friday 13 March, the five exhibitions that make up the 2020 SAM Local exhibition are full of exciting and diverse artists and creatives that will surprise and delight visitors.
SAM Local Spotlight: Madeline Wright
Madeline’s solo exhibition of object based works in metal, ceramic and glass, is based on her upbringing near the Goulburn River in Arcadia. Inspired by the objects and colours of this landscape, A Field Guide to Utopia will encourage the viewer to slow down and observe nuances in our surroundings.
SAM Local eduLAB: Nadia Hernandez
Working with schools and education groups, artist Nadia Hernandez will engage children of all ages with her vibrant 2D and 3D immersive exhibition. Not just to be viewed, eduLAB is designed for engagement and visitors are encouraged to add to the ongoing artwork over the course of 4 weeks.
SAM Local Best of Friends: 35 Years On
Celebrating the works of Friends of SAM, this open access exhibition provides an insight into the diverse artistic talents within our community.
Showcase #25: Sandra Bowkett
Local ceramicist Sandra Bowkett’s showcase is a window into the creative process. Fired in a wood-fired kiln she built herself, Sandra’s pieces show the result of the wood-firing on the finished piece, in the form of patterns, markings and colours.
Drawing Wall #38: Troy Firebrace
Well-known local Yorta Yotra artist Troy Firebrace will be the 28th artist to take on the SAM drawing wall, a temporary wall based mural in the SAM Foyer. Troy’s work draws from his culture, identity, the environment, life experience and inspiration found in street art.
The importance of celebrating our local talent is clear to SAM Director Dr Rebecca Coates. “These exhibitions engage artists and communities throughout Greater Shepparton and beyond. It encourages us to delve into our imagination and get involved across a diverse range of activities. We welcome all to come and support our local artists, and join in the fun!”
Exhibition Dates: Friday 13 March – Sunday 3 May 2020
Official Opening: Thursday 12 March, 5pm – 7pm
RSVP: email or call (03) 5832 9861
Programs and events: Click here.
Shepparton Art Museum Cafe and Functions Partner
24 February 2020
Shepparton Art Museum is seeking expressions of interest from high quality, experienced food and beverage operators to provide food, beverage and functions experience for visitors to the new museum in Victoria Park, Shepparton.
The provider will partner with SAM to provide hospitality services across the site for guests, visitors and the community of Greater Shepparton. Services will operate under an exclusive arrangement across the site and will be an integral part of the visitor experience at SAM.
Operations will include the SAM café, as well as function catering for corporate events, exhibition openings, internal catering, functions and private/special events. The café space is approximately 260m2 and alfresco area 90m2. The level 4 function space is available for special events.
Commencement of the contract will be November 2020 for three terms of two years, six years in total.
Expression of Interest applications are to be submitted electronically via Tender Search. Applications open on 17 February 2020 and close on 13 March 2020. The question period ends on 28 February 2020. Shortlisted applicants will be requested to quote after 30 April 2020.
Community treasures to be discovered.
5 February 2020
From the artwork that a great Aunt passed down, to a collection of Sammy Newman footy cards, many Greater Shepparton residents would have something in their collection they have often wondered about.
Inspired by the television show ‘Antiques Roadshow’, SAM’s Collector Roadshow will see SAM host 3 valuation experts from Melbourne Auction House Leonard Joel, who will provide insight and guidance on pieces from our community’s collections.
Presented on Sunday 23 February as part of the Collector/Collected exhibition, the SAM Collector Roadshow presents a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the history and value of our local treasures.
“We are looking forward to sharing stories and seeing some of the many treasures and discoveries that this event brings forward,’ says SAM Director Rebecca Coates. “In true Roadshow style, the event is sure to be part adventure, part history lesson and part gamble!”
Those who do not wish to have a piece valued, are most welcome to come along and enjoy the exciting atmosphere. There will also be a free curator’s floor talk showcasing the current exhibition Collector/Collected, running at 2pm on the day.
Valuation sessions are $10 each, running for 15 mins, with a maximum of 3 pieces per session. All sessions must be pre-booked via either the SAM website or by phoning the SAM shop on (03) 5832 9861.
When booking, you will select from three categories:
Decorative Arts: Includes fine European and Australian furniture, porcelain, silver, clocks, portrait miniatures, works of art and sculpture.
Fine Art: Offers expertise and extensive market knowledge in traditional, modern and contemporary fine art, such as paintings, drawings and graphics.
Jewellery: An experienced specialist who is a certified gemological and diamond technician.
All proceeds from the day support SAM’s acquisitions and the collection.
SAM Collector Roadshow.
Date: Sunday 23 February 12pm to 4pm
Location: Eastbank, next door to SAM.
Cost: $10 per valuation session. (3 pieces per session).
Bookings essential: www.sheppartonartmuseum.com.au
Collector/Collected Curator’s Floor Talk.
Date: Sunday 23 February 2pm to 2.30pm
Location: SAM, 70 Welsford St Shepparton.
Cost: Free
Bookings: www.sheppartonartmuseum.com.au
Collector/Collected Exhibition.
Date: Now until 1 March 2020
Location: SAM, 70 Welsford St Shepparton.
Cost: Free
Popular local ceramicist featured in SAM Showcase #25
5 February 2020
Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is delighted to announce Tallarook artist Sandra Bowkett as the 25th artist to exhibit their work as part of the SAM Showcase series.
Showcase #25: Sandra Bowkett, Clay // Fire is a collection of ceramic vessels that explore and make visible the energy of wood-firing on earth materials.
The ceramic pieces featured in the exhibition were fired at Bowkett’s home studio in Tallarook, in a wood-fired kiln she built herself in 2013. ‘I was inspired to build the kiln after comments made by some traditional Rajashani potters I occasionally work with. They were astounded by the quantity and quality of the timber/fuel lying about our property, and encouraged me to make use of it in my ceramic practice,’ explains Bowkett.
The impact of heat, ash and vessel position in the wood fired kiln result in distinctive markings and patterns that form on the works. The artist finishes the pieces with glazes that enable the natural variety of designs caused by the firing process to be the highlight.
Sandra Bowkett’s retail pieces have long been popular in the SAM Shop, and this exhibition allows her to experiment further with presentation in a gallery setting. The installation will include elements from the firing process, including bricks and kiln inserts, and gives the viewer an insight into the creation of the vessels.
Collectors of Bowkett’s work will be excited to learn they are able to purchase these unique pieces during the exhibition.
Showcase #25: Sandra Bowkett Clay // Fire
Date: 7 February 2020 – 6 May 2020
Location: SAM showcase display – at the entrance to SAM
Cost: FREE, works available for purchase
Image – Sandra Bowkett in her home studio. Photo: Lara Merrington
Community art project for the new Shepparton Art Museum
13 December 2019
Greater Shepparton City Council and the Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) are inviting the community to contribute to a community art mural project that will be displayed at the new SAM construction site.
The art mural will be displayed on panels around the new SAM building site facing Victoria Park Lake for several months. The project will build strong ties within the diverse landscape of Shepparton through collaboration and art-making.
Shepparton Art Museum Public Programs Officer, Lisa Linton, said every member of the community is invited to book into a painting session. “The new SAM will be a space for our whole community to be inspired and get creative.”
“Each group will have one panel to paint, which will make up a large series of panels. We will have a planning workshop first where a design for the panel will be discussed and created. The group will then receive a selection of four colours chosen from the SAM colour palette, to paint the design onto the panel, with the assistance from the SAM team.”
“It is an exciting opportunity to get creative with some friends and other members of our community,” said Ms Linton. “No painting experience necessary, it is a great opportunity for people of all skill levels, ages and interests to participate in creating art and to have some fun.”
To express your interest and be involved in this project, please register via Eventbrite, or email lisa.linton@shepparton.vic.gov.au or alternatively call 5832 9522 to book in. The workshop dates are:
Thursday 16 January 9-3pm
Friday 17 January 9-3pm
Thursday 30 January 9-3pm
Tuesday 4 February 9-3pm
Thursday 13 February 9-3pm
Wednesday 19 February 9-3pm
A light lunch will be provided for participants.
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/community-mural-project-tickets-85744402817