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