Friday 18 July 2008
	Cultural Capers Entertainment, Arts and Culture from Across the North East Region		In This Issue Cultural Capers Overview Music, Theatre, Film & Literature Festivals & Events Awards & Opportunities Regulars Who Meet Visual Arts & Exhibitions Workshops & Activities

Cultural Capers Overview A Red World - Textile Exhibition 21 Jun - 27 Jul Tread Softly (Art Exhibition) 1 - 30 Jul Italian Heritage Exhibition - Call for Contributions Term 3 Arts Programs at Pangerang - 14 Jul - 19 Sep Moyhu Farmers Market - 19 Jul GOTAFE World of Food - Masterclass Program - 27 May - 2 Sep Generation X-Posed (Art Exhibition) 5 - 31 Jul The Bald Archy (Art Exhibition) 5 - 25 Jul A Red World Coffee Morning & Curator's Talk - 23 Jul Heritage Victoria Grants - Closing 24 Jul Printmaking Workshops - 26 - 27 Jul Signature of M Art Prize - Entries Close 29 Jul Steinway Grand in the Library (Live Music) 30 Jul Ned Kelly Weekend - 1 - 3 Aug Fleurieu Biennale - Entries Close 1 Aug Dwell Exhibition - Call to Artists - Closing 8 Aug Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize - Entries Close 8 Aug Janet Holmes a Court Artists Grants - Closing 15 Aug Literary Lunch with Shane Maloney - 23 Aug Community Grants - Applications Close 12 Sep Cafe Concert Series 08 - 22 Feb - 21 Nov Regional Arts Australia Conference - 3 - 5 Oct Ostinato - Meets Every Tuesday Art, Community & Education (Graduate Course @ LaTrobe) Music, Theatre, Film & Literature Cafe Concert Series 2008 Until 21 November 2008 The Vine Hotel, North Wangaratta Following a sell-out performance in May, there are two remaining concerts for 2008 : General Store on 29 August, and Bric-a-Brac on 21 November. Tickets are available one month prior from Disclocation, Wangaratta, phone 5721 4594 : $22, and $20 concession. Unless the concerts are again sold out, tickets at the door are $25 (non concession). Steinway Grand at the Library Wednesday 30 July 2008 Wangaratta Library, Docker Street Wangaratta Hundreds of people have attended the recitals arranged in June by Wangaratta Arts Council to showcase the glories of the Rural City of Wangaratta’s magnificent grand piano - housed in the library while the Performing Arts Centre is being built. Join them this month, when three students from the Northern Rivers Academy of Music, Wangaratta’s renowned music education facility directed by Wayne Robinson, play the piano. You can sit close to the instrument and performers and hear a hour of lovely music. Entry $5. Enquiries: Margaret Brickhill 5721 6523. Literary Lunch with Shane Maloney Saturday 23 August 2008 The Gateway, Riley Street Wangaratta Shane Maloney is the creator of Australia's most successful crime series, the Murray Whelan novels, Stiff, The Brush-Off, Nice Try, The Big Ask, Something Fishy and Sucked In.  So if you would enjoy some time with a fine writer - gaining insight into his literary success then the Wangaratta Art Coucil's Literary Lunch is for you.  As well as being a witty writer, Shane Maloney has a reputation as an engaging speaker and for just $43 dollars you can enjoy a delicious three-course meal and some stimulating dialogue.  Tickets are $43 or $40 concession with bookings or 10 or more eligible for a discount.  Tickets are available from Harvey World Travel, 42 Murphy Street Wangaratta, phone 03 5721 5888.  Festivals & Events Moyhu Farmer's Market Lion's Park Moyhu / Moyhu Memorial Hall (wet days and winter months) Saturday 19 July (Third Saturday of the Month) 8am - 12pm A small but popular market this is a great opportunity for local producers to put thare wares on sale.  Straight from the farm to you - great fresh food and produce you will love.  Espresso Coffees, hot farmer's breakfast, plants, cakes and breads, organic jam and berries - Yummy!!  For further information contact Sarah on 03 5727 9229 or sarheathcote@hotmail.com Ned Kelly Weekend 1 - 3 August 2008 Beechworth Beechworth's famous Ned Kelly weekend returns from 1 - 3 August with a lively program of re-enactments, theatre, art, music displays, market stalls, competitions and talks by leading authorities on the subject of the life and times of Australia's most notorious bushranger.  Highlights from this year's program include; a theatrical staging of The Jerilderie Letter in the historic courthouse, Ned Kelly Weekend Heritage Market - featuring buskers, food stalls and demonstrations of traditional crafts and the Ned Kelly Tial Re-enactment.  For further information telephone 1300 366 321 or go to www.beechworthonline.com.au Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE - World Of Food Masterclass Series The Tower Restaurant, Docker Street Wangaratta 29 July 2008 - Allen Woo from Laksa Me. Allen's extensive knowledge of Asian cuisine has led this master chef to be awarded the gong for best modern Asian restaurant by The Age Good Food Guide from 2001 - 2004.  Cost is $75 which includes a selection of wines from the Alpine Valley 2 September 2008 - Yasu Yashida from Ocha Kew. Yasu is known to many as Melbourne's "Iron Chef" with his restaurant receiving cult status.  Cost is $75 which includes a selection fo wines from the King Valley. For further information or to book, contact Gabrielle Redfern on 1300 468 233 Italian Heritage Exhibition Call for Contributions The Viva Italia Festival Committee in conjunction with teh Wangaratta Rural City Council is developing an Italian Heritage Exhibition to be presented in March 2009.  Celebrating and acknowledging the rich cultural heritage of our local Italian Community we would like to invite residents in the Rural City to contribute items for exhibition.  The display will be presented as part of the inaugural Wangaratta Viva Italia Festival in 2009.  So if you have significant documents, photographs, slides, physical objects or stories.  For further information contact Maz McGann on 03 5722 0762 or Maria Bevacqua on 03 5721 3298. Awards & Opportunities Heritage Grants Victoria Applications Close 24 July 2008 Heritage Victoria is please to present its 2008 funding round.  Funding is available in four categories; 1. Repair and Conservation of Heritage Places & Objects; 2. Interpretation of heritage places and objects including heritage trails; 3. Local Government Heritage Studies and Advice; 4. Community Collections Management.  Further information can be obtained from their website - www.heritage.vic.gov.au or via phone on 03 9367 9475. Signature of M Art Prize Entries Close 29 July 2008 Melbourne Is … the art and "Signature of M" is the search to explore the question ‘What is Melbourne?’ The aim is to create a new iconic, artistic emblem for Melbourne, that gives the city a contemporary image. This is a visual time capsule for Melbourne - A personal signature for the city.  The SIGNATURE OF M ART PRIZE with its $150,000 first prize and a total prize pool of $180,000 will be one of the largest arts projects in this nation’s history. The theme for the artists to work with was decided by the public: “Melbourne is Unforgettable… Melbourne is Unforgettable for its fashion, its culture, its lifestyle and unforgettable for Australian Football.  Most importantly, the winning artwork will capture Melbourne’s culture. SIGNATURE OF M will be viewed as a historical footprint for the city and a time capsule that future generations can look back on and ponder. This is not just an arts Competition. The winning artist will give Melbourne a lasting icon!  For further information go to www.signatureofm.com Fleurieu Biennale - Landscape Painting Prize Entries Close 1 August 2008 Valued at $50000, the Fleurieu Art Prize is Australia's richest for landscape painting.  An entry fee of $40 is required with only one painting per category accepted from artists.  Along with the Fleurieu Art Prize, there are other categories such as The Art of Food and Wine Prize, the Water Prize and a Youth Scholarship.  Further information can be obtained from the website - www.artprize.com.au or via telephone, 08 8323 7984.  The works are exhibited from 7 - 30 Novembera at the various locations around the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia. Dwell - An Exhibition About Where We Live Call For Artists Submissions accepted until Friday 8 August 2008 The Dwell Exhibition will be installed from 20 September until 5 October 2008 and will then be toured to a variety of locations around the North East.  Proposals for artwork in any media will be accepted based on the theme of "Where we Live".  For further information contact Sally Huguenin on 03 5722 0865. or email s.huguenin@wangaratta.vic.gov.au   Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize 2008 Entries Close 8 August 2008 The Woolahra Small Sculpture Prize is the first and only national award for an original, freestanding small sculpture of up to 80cm in any dimension.  There are three prizes valued at $13000.  For further information contact Woollahra Council on 02 9391 7135. Janet Holmes A Court Artists Grants Applications Close 15 February, 15 May, 15 August & 15 November A grants program managed by the National Association for the Visual Arts to provide assistance towards the costs of public presentation of visual arts, craft and design – which can include, but is not limited to: framing, media releases, media photographs, advertising, space rental, installation costs, promotional printing, mail outs, documentation, freight, travel, equipment rental, insurance, technical assistance and opening costs. Amounts available are: $500 for individuals and $1,000 for groups. Website www.visualarts.net.au/grantsprizes/vcags Rural City of Wangaratta Community Grants Program Applications Close 12 September 2008 Your organisation is invited to make an application for a 2008/2009 Rural City of Wangaratta Community Grant.  The aim of the program is to provide funding of up to $5000 towards community projects and events that benefit the whole community and would not normally attract funding from other sources.  Grant guidelines and applications forms can be found on the Wangaratta Rural City Council website www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au or at the Wangaratta Government Centre, Cnr Ford and Ovens Streets Wangaratta.  For further information contact Bridget Lindsey on 03 5722 0876 or b.lindsey@wangaratta.vic.gov.au Regional Arts Australia Conference Art at the Heart - Alice Springs 3 - 5 October Registrations Open now until the 15 September 2008 The sixth biennial Regional Arts Australia national conference will be presented by Regional Arts Australia and the Northern Territory Government.  Providing an opportunity for artistic and cultural exchange, cross cultural collaboration and best practice approaches to working in the arts, Art at the Heart will be a once in a lifetime experience.  Artists, actors, academics, artsworkers, curators, filmmakers, musicians, performers, producers, students, volunteers and writers are invited to attend and contribute to the dialogue.  For further information go to www.artattheheart.com.au Regulars Who Meet Everton Open Mic Session Everton Hotel Beer Garden 2nd Sunday of each month -  from 8 June, starting at 1pm. If you can sing, play and instrument, recite poetry or tell a good yarn come along to the Everton Hotel for fun family friendly activity.  Contact Cheryl and Allan on 03 5725 1998 for further information. Wangaratta Ukulele Showband Beginner's Classes and Rehearsals Pangerang Community House, 38 Ovens Street Wangaratta Thursdays from 5.30pm For experienced ukulele musicians the Ukulele Showband meets on Thursday evenings at 5.30pm. Pangerang Community House.  All Welcome - $5.  For further information contact Maz McGann 5722 0762 or m.mcgann@wangaratta.vic.gov.au  Ostinato Choir St John's Village, Williams Road Wangaratta Tuesday Evenings from 7.30pm Ostinato is a Community based Choir which welcomes members of all ages.  For further information telephone 03 5721 3639. Visual Arts & Exhibitions A Red World Wangaratta exhibitions Gallery, 56 Ovens Street Wangaratta 21 June - 27 July 2008 Coinciding with teh 2008 Textile Festival, this is a showcase of Australian textile art curated around the theme of the colour red and all the multitudes of connotations, emotions and responses it invokes.  Featuring nationally and internationally recognised artists including Ilka White, Sara Thorn, Pamela Fitzsimons and Beth Hatton.  For further information contact the Wangaratta exhibitions Gallery on 03 5722 0865. Tread Softly - Environmental Issues Exhibition 1 - 30 July 2008 Beechworth - through the windows of Beechworth traders. Enjoy this street-based art exhibition featuring works inspired by the environmental issues of contemporary life.  A range of professional artists from North East Victoria are featured, with each one exhibiting in the shops and businesses of Beechworth's central business district.  Generations X-Posed an exhibition of works by emerging artists Muse Gallery of Milawa, Milawa Cheese Factory. 5 - 31 July 2008.  Open Thursday to Monday. A unique gallery setting, the Muse Gallery provides the perfect location for an istallation of contemporary artworks by emerging artists.  Artists featured in the exhibition include ceramicist George Piercy, painters, Mandy Cunningham and Anneke de Wilt, sculptors Adam Hoss Ayers and Sam Anderson  and mixed media artist Wesley Harrison. The Bald Archy - Exhibition Bright Gallery and Cultural Centre 5 - 25 July 2008 The Bright Art Gallery is the only gallery in Victoria where the Bald Archy exhibition will be installed this year.  A satirical and comical exhibition of paintings that is a must for all to see.  It features 62 artworks from across the country.

Edition 119 Friday 18 July 2008 Welcome to another edition of Cultural Capers .  With the weather so cold and wet, it is a great chance to participate in some indoor activities.  A stroll around one of many galleries in the region or perhaps a piano recital on the Steinway Grand at the Library is more your style - either way - don't let the cold be your excuse not to get out and joy the rich cultural activities that are on offer in North East Victoria. Workshops & Activities   A Red World Textile Exhibition - Curator's Talk and Coffee Morning Wangaratta exhibitions Gallery, 56 Ovens Street, Wangaratta Wednesday 23 July at 11am.  As part of the Gallery's Public Program, Exhibitions Officer and "A Red World" Curator, Sally Huguenin will present an informal tour of the exhibition.  A great way to discover the ideas behind the art and its creators.  Light refreshments provided RSVP Tues 22 July on 03 5722 0865. Arts and Craft Programs at Pangerang Community House Term 3 - 14 July - 19 September 2008 Pangerang Community House, 38 Ovens Street Wangaratta Painting and Drawing - 17 July - 18 September 2008 Mosaics - 22 July - 9 September 2008 Working with Digital Cameras and Computers - 22 July - 12 August 2008 Mandalas - 12 August - 16 September 2008 For further information contact Pangerang on 03 5721 3813 or go to www.pangerang.org.au Printmaking Workshop - Artist In Residence Bright Art Gallery - 28 Mountbatten Avenue, Bright 26 - 27 July 2008 Experience printmaking at a workshop run by Aileen Brown, national printmaker and book illustrator.  Learn how to make your own cards and works of art using lino-cut printmaking.  No previous experience necessary - Aileen's classes cater to all levels.  Cost is $75 per day all inclusive - all essential materials provided.  For further information contact the Bright Art Gallery on 03 5750 1660.  Image by Wesley Harrison and will be featured in the Muse Gallery's Generation X-Posed Exhibition Muse Gallery looks at the Generation Next Artists Muse Gallery of Milawa is pleased to announce ‘Generation X-posed’, a forthcoming exhibition of diverse, selected new works by six up-and-coming artists. Gallery owner George Piercy says, ‘this is an exhibition devoted to a group of young artists who (other than myself) haven’t previously had their work showcased at the Muse Gallery. These are young, happening artists who are excited about what they’re doing, and the work is of high quality and serious intent.’ George Piercy, who is also a ceramic artist, will be exhibiting for the first time a series of large love-heart shaped teapots entitled ‘Pouring from the Heart.’ Simple in form with boldly coloured glossy glazes, they are a celebration of love. ‘For a potter, making teapots is special,’ he says. ‘There’s such a sense of history behind them. Everyone has a connection with teapots: there are so many cultures where they’re important.’ Melbourne-based Adam Ayres works in both glass and metal, often combining the two media to produce sculptures with organic forms derived from nature. After an apprenticeship in the steel trade led him into steel sculpture, he was able to add glass sculpture to his skills after being mentored by well-known Melbourne glassmaker Peter Crisp. While Adam describes some of his recent kiln-fired ‘slumped glass’ sculptures as ‘glass alien jelly-fish type things,’ he adds that new works increasingly draw upon a ‘deep realm with darker motifs.’ The pop art paintings of Melbourne-based Anneke deWilt depict strong women. Her bold ‘art noir’ characters speak to the viewer through comic strip-styled voice bubbles with an air of coolness that suggests they don’t suffer fools gladly. Describing his style as a ‘contemporary derivative of comics,’ Bendigo artist Wesley Harrison produces black and white three-dimensional ‘layered paper collages’ in cardboard relief. His works depict figures in what he describes as a ‘disjointed narrative,’ with the interpretation deliberately left open to the viewer. ‘This way viewers can involve themselves in the picture and draw their own conclusions.’ Melbourne painter Mandy Cunningham produces joyous and colourful paintings that reflect on nature and its surrounds. ‘I paint what I love, the beauty of what nature holds and the sensuality of its colours and textures… its wonderful mysteries and surprises that disguise themselves in many forms.’ Mandy says painting helps her to deal with the chronic illness Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), with which she was diagnosed in 1994. Eldorado-based Sam Anderson produces sculpture that he says ‘recreates nature in metal.’ Often impressive in scale, Sam’s works have included birds, sharks and goannas, as well as abstracts. Originally trained as a jeweller, Sam says he’s gravitated naturally towards sculpture and now works exclusively in recycled steel, tin and timber, all sourced locally. ‘I buy from local farmers, and find materials though word-of-mouth,’ he says. ‘I’ll see something in one piece of metal which provides the inspiration, and it just goes from there.’ Running from July 5th to July 31st, ‘Generation X-posed’ promises a fresh and challenging experience. The formal opening of the exhibition is Saturday the 5th of July at 2pm, and George says, ‘We’re looking forward to having a great day.’ The exhibition will be opened by guest speaker John Stokes of Wood Park Wines, with live music by string duo ‘Ludwig & Moor’ and wine & cheese from Wood Park Wines and the Milawa Cheese Company. Members of the public are cordially invited to attend. Dianne Firth, Cell Structure #4, 2006, heat fused, stitched and cut wollen felt