The Frank Saxby Bequest Acquisitive Prize 2009, currently on display at the Gallery, continues to attract considerable interest from visitors. Our gallery directors, assisted by independent selectors including Richard Holloway from Arts Mid North Coast, have selected three outstanding works for possible acquisition. As negotions to purchase these works are not yet complete I cannot name the three selected works, but all involved in the selection process agree that they will be very significant additions to the Greater Taree City Art Collection. I hope to be able to present details and images of these works in our next newsletter.
If you haven’t yet viewed this current exhibition, there is still time to come and enjoy these exciting works from outstanding contemporary Australian artists.
Preliminary Outcomes from the Gallery Visitor Survey. This survey is being conducted to ascertain visitor satisfaction with the Gallery and its programs and visitor response has been outstanding, with user satisfaction very high. Sue has identified the following as signifant issues arising from this survey:
1. The Gallery should provide more art classes and workshops. This will now be possible given that the newly constructed Professional Services area is now complete.
2. Works from the Greater Taree City Art Collection, our permanent collection, should be displayed more frequently in the Gallery. The collection contains a range of exciting and significant works and selections will be showcased in future Gallery exhibitions.
3. The grounds at the rear of the Gallery should be developed as a more user friendly place and integrated into the exhibition space of the gallery. Work to achieve this will commence this year as FOGS has received a NSW State Government Community Builders Grant of $42,000 and has committed further funding from its own funds for this purpose.
4. A larger and more varied retail area is needed in the Gallery. This is a difficult area but the operation of the retail area is under review.
5. More gallery staff is required. This is a contentious area given the current GTCC staffing freeze but it remains a high priority issue both for existing gallery staff and FOGS, who have made several approaches regarding an increase in permanant staffing hours to GTCC in recent times.
6. The Gallery should be open more days in the week. Tuesday is a possibility but again staffing issues may determine outcomes.
7. Cleaning of the Gallery. Currently cleaning takes place during normal opening hours. Comments included the following – cleaning should take place outside of opening hour, preferably on a Tuesday so that the Gallery is freshly cleaned at the commencement of each week’s opening cycle. Sue is currently examining possibilities.
Several other issues have been identified from the survey, including a perceived need for more art competions with appropriate prize money, the establishment of a cafe in the Gallery and the provision of suitable ambient background music throughout the Gallery.
If you have not as yet completed a visitor survey form, there is still time.
The Generations Project Tour – The Mark Ginsburg Band, will be featuring at the Gallery, 7pm Wednesday 17th March. This touring award winning jazz band has attracted many accolades including Air Awards 2009 Nominee for Best Independent Jazz Album. For an exciting evening of jazz in an outstanding venue, don’t miss this concert. Cost is $15 per head, including a complimentary glass of wine. Booking is essential, contact Sue or Jane at the Gallery to secure your seat.
ART WORKSHOP AT THE GALLERY ‘LIFE DRAWING – DRAWING LIFE’ Commencing February, Enroll Now!
The workshop presenter is well known local figurative artist Jo Ernst, who returns in 2010 to continue her very successful series of life drawing classes held during 2009.
Jo will be teaching a structured course running for 12 weeks, one day per week at the Gallery. The classes work on the expansion of perception and the fine tuning of the senses. An instinctive response to the subject is encouraged, whilst engaging the principles and essentials of drawing.
All classes employ the human figure, the ultimate concentration of form and feeling. Classes are energetic, challenging and fun! The series of classes is suitable for for beginners as well as experienced artists needing to refresh or discipline their practise.
Enrolling now! Early booking is essential as spaces are limited. For further enquiries contact Jo on 6550 5773.
The figurative work shown below is ‘NATALIE’, as drawn by Jo.
AUSTRALIA DAY AMBASSADOR ROXANNE MINCHIN VISITS THE GALLERY.
On 25th January, the Australia Day Ambassador for Greater Taree, artist Roxanne Minchin will visit the Gallery for a Meet and Greet ceremony.
Roxanne, well known and recognised for her paintings of Australian landscapes, is from Broken Hill and is the partner of the legendary Brushman of the Bush, Eric Minchin.
Roxanne will be welcomed to the City of Greater Taree by GTCC councillors led by Mayor Paul Hogan, Gallery Directors Sue Mitchell and Jane Hosking, FOGS committee members and invited local artists.
How wonderful for the gallery, the community and our local artists that this year’s Australia Day Ambassador is an artist!
This event is by invitation only, time 5.15pm to 6.15pm at the Gallery. Champagne will be served.
CULTURAL MEETING TO DISCUSS THE PROPOSED PITT STREET DEVELOPMENT.
A meeting of interested people involved with cultural organisations will be held on Wednesday, February 17th, at the Manning Entertainment Centre. This meeting is being held under the auspices of GTCC and will be chaired by Richard Holloway, Regional Arts Development Officer, Arts Mid North Coast. The main item on the agenda is the future development of cultural facilities within our community, including a possible venue in the proposed Pitt Street development.
Those attending the meeting will include Mike Collins, Manager Manning Entertainment Centre, Sue Mitchell, Gallery Director and representatives from interested cultural groups within the Manning. Further enquiries to Mike Collins, telephone 6592 5466.
That’s all for now. HAPPY NEW YEAR and please diarise 7pm Friday February 5th,as the Opening Night of the definitive Hossein Valamanesh 3D exhibition.
