Prom Coast on show

BRIMMING with artistic talent, the Prom Coast is serviced by an eclectic mix of local galleries, studios and workshops that are a drawcard for both locals and tourists.

With just two days until the official start of the 2015 Prom Coast Seachange Festival, many exhibitions listed on the program have already started.

“Even though the festival runs across two big weekends in April there is an array of exhibitions on the festival program that are already underway,” explained festival chairperson Deb Bray. “There are many quality exhibitions that will run throughout the festival and a number that extend into May and June.”

The Gecko Studio Gallery in Fish Creek has two events of note during the festival. Currently installed is The Whole Shebang – a survey of recent works by Fish Creek artist Susan Quinn. Colour, line and form are the primary drivers in Susan’s art, which is acrylic on canvas and includes mixed media works on paper.

Following on from Susan, Kerry Spokes opens her exhibition Blown Off Course at the gallery on Sunday 19 April, showcasing her talent in drawing and printmaking and expertise in iPhoneography. The Gecko Studio Gallery is open 10am to 5pm Thursday to Monday. For further information regarding the two exhibitions, contact Michael Lester on 5683 2481.

Renowned botanical artist Celia Rosser is most celebrated for The Banksias, a three-volume series of exquisite paintings depicting every known Banksia species. In association with Monash University Museum of Art, twenty-eight watercolours from Volume III are on exhibit at the Celia Rosser Gallery in Fish Creek until 14 June 2015. The gallery and café are open from 10am to 4pm Thursday to Sunday.

An important photographic exhibition, timed for the Anzac Centenary, opened on March 28 at the Foster Museum. South Gippsland At War – 1914 to 1918 focuses on the part played by the communities of the Shire of South Gippsland before, during and after World War I, and reflects on local soldiers and nurses who served, died, were wounded or taken prisoner.

Open each day from 9.30am to 5.30pm, the Sandy Point Art Gallery is showing watercolours of Italy and Portugal by local artist Mary Shaw. On exhibit now and until Sunday 3 May, these recent works of Mary’s are on display with other paintings featuring local scenes including seascapes that are quintessentially Prom Coast.

Celebrated author and Fish Creek local Alison Lester will not only have her door open to local primary school students already booked in for workshops, but her gallery will also host a special showing of WWI prints exhibited by Books Illustrated April 17-26.The Alison Lester Gallery will be open Thursday to Monday throughout the festival.

Now in its 10th year, the Great Southern Portrait Prize is an intriguing collection of artwork portraying members of the South Gippsland community. The exhibition will be on display at the Stockyard Gallery from 16 April to 10 May with the presentation of awards at 2.30pm on Sunday 26 April. To celebrate the 10th anniversary, Prom Coast Arts is also curating a retrospective that will showcase winning artwork and memorabilia from the past 10 years. Exhibited at the Foster Community House, the retrospective will be open on the 18 and 25 April (10am – 4pm) and on Sunday 26 April (12 – 4pm).

While visiting the Foster Community House make sure you take in the exhibition of beautifully decorated tiles handcrafted by senior primary school children who were inspired by traditional Turkish styles and patterns.

During the festival, stroll the main street of Foster where twelve traders are partnering with local artists to turn their shop windows into exhibition space. Exciting works of art will be created that utilise or depict elements particular to the hosting trade.

Grant Flather of Gone South Studio in Yanakie, well known for his detailed and life-like wire animal sculptures and up-cycled machinery and salvaged timber creations, has teamed up with County Brothers Hardware to craft something special for the festival.

“I’m sure I speak for the other artists when I say this is an exciting opportunity for us to get our work out of the galleries and onto the street,” Grant Flather enthused. “We are taking over entire windows this year so there is scope for breaking out a bit from what we normally do.”

Visit the festival website for a list of participating artists and their partner business.

“With so many great events being organised by local community groups, sporting clubs and traders it’s impossible to list them all,” Deb Bray explained. “Keep checking the festival website www.promcoastseachangefestival.org and Facebook page for event updates and booking details.

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