Diverse works at spring show
LOCAL and regional group exhibitions, one exploring individual subjects, the other pursuing a theme, plus a gem of a solo show, offer much for the viewer to enjoy.
THE CULLIFORD AND PERINET GALLERIES
at the Toowoomba Art Society, 1 Godsall Street, are hosting the annual Members’ Spring Exhibition.
Works for this award show were chosen by an independent selection panel from a record number of some 150 entries.
The open theme meant the artists were free to indulge in favourite subjects, media, and techniques.
This has resulted in an eclectic, sometimes uneven, but tangibly enthusiastic exhibition ably demonstrating the inclusive, encouraging, and informative role of the society.
The many equally rewarding works include Ian Hay’s exquisite graphite studies, Jacqui Rahley’s raku turtle, bold flowers by Diana Battle, and the succulent Ben Quilty-like surfaces in John Archibald’s paintings.
The delicate details in the shibori-dyed fabrics by Jenny Burgess, the woodblock print by Betty Tan, and William Church’s weirdly wonderful werewolf are also pleasing submissions.
The Anne and Fred Gardiner Award for best picture was won by Frank McCormick.
The Nancy Culliford runner-up prize went to Deidre Rutherford, and the Harry Hart Award for best experimental work was won by Peter Fitzpatrick.
THE WARWICK ART GALLERY
is presenting a comprehensive textile exhibition, Margaret: Contemplations, Conversations, Creations by the Broadstrokes Art Group.
The body of work has been three years in the making and is the result of discussions, journals, research, and art making by nine artists.
The catalyst for this event was a visit to the Margaret Olley Art Centre at the Tweed River Gallery in Murwillumbah.
Olley’s bower bird collections of teacups, straw hats, colourful shawls, cushions, vases, and jugs, many of which were included in her paintings are here re-worked in quilts, wall hangings, and assemblages.
Themes of fruit, flowers, friends, and faded memories have been translated into collaborative installations also in response to Olley’s world.
THE FOYER GALLERY
at the Warwick Gallery is featuring The Artist’s Kitchen ,a delightful exhibition by Ipswich artist, Annamaria Mays.
The watercolour still-life paintings of flowers, fruit and table settings offer a bird’s eye view that gives a charming tilted perspective to the objects.
The nature of the work, the personal collection of the utensils, and the decorative details are a perfect complement to the exhibition that pays homage to Margaret Olley.
One of the best aspects of the show is the comments book illustrated by the artist.
THE ORANGE WALL GALLERY
at the Warwick Gallery is showing In Sight 2, a selection of task-driven work by visual arts students in Years 9-12 from Warwick State High School.
The application of drawing skills, the investigation of specific disciplines, and experimentation with media and process culminate in the Year12 self-directed responses to the theme Exploring Humanity.