Winter Solstice exhibition underway

FOR the Winter Solstice exhibition this year at ArtSpace Gallery Wonthaggi, artists were asked to respond to the theme of climate change issues and the concept of ‘uncertainty’.

The Winter Solstice itself is acknowledged as the shortest day of the year and in Australia this year 2023 it is effectively Thursday 22 June 12.57 am.

It is a seasonal time celebrated by diverse cultures offering their stories in efforts to explain the mysteries of our planet, seasons, night and day, weather and climate changes, shifts in the environment and nature, times of growth and times of dormancy and hibernation.  Art has been a vehicle of communication and imparted vital information from early ancient times to the present day.

This year’s winners were selected by judge John Mutsaers, a renowned and professional artist whose career spans over 40 years with his art sold internationally, and nationally as well as locally. Residing in Inverloch, he is proactively involved in the arts culture of Bass Coast Shire.

“IMPACT is the main aspect and criteria I’m looking for in these art works,” he said. Apart from technique and skills in communicating visual expression in response to the theme, Impact is what stands out and it is also a parallel feature of climate change issues.

With over 50 attendees, the exhibition was officially opened and addressed by Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Councillor Michael Whelan.

His informative comments around the climate change issues affecting global, national and local communities were insightful and aligned with the aim of this exhibition.

ArtSpace president, Deb Watson explained “As a community gallery, ArtSpace is keen to support local artists to connect with the communities and regional Victoria through art.  From the ‘Uncertainty’ exhibition this high standard of art is a vehicle to create more awareness of the serious impact of climate change as an emergency.”

ArtSpace gallery is run entirely by volunteers which includes our professional curatorial team. The curation of an art exhibition is an art in itself. Our team, Ursula Theinert, Susan Hall and Karin Murphy Ellis are not only professional artists, but they have remarkable talents for designing an exhibition.

“We often have no idea what the art works are until we come in on the day to do the hanging. For this exhibition of about 90 entries we had to select and hang in one day. What I love is how well we work together as a team with an incredible natural synchronicity.” said Karin Murphy Ellis, who also provided the outstanding catering for the official opening.

First prize winners are awarded $400 each for 2D and 3D artworks for the open section and $200 for 15-25 years /emerging.

A People’s Choice Award of $100 goes to the artist whose artwork has the most votes by viewers over the duration of the exhibition, so please make your choice and place it in the box provided at ArtSpace Gallery. Only one vote per viewer.  The Winner will be announced at the end of the exhibition on Sunday 25 June

Emerging -   1st prize - Liane Arno “Do I or, Don’t I?”

                      Highly Commended - Sarah Barrot. “Dolphin”

3D - 1st prize - Regina Dudek “Watching, Waiting”.

         Highly Commended – Mandy Gunn “Burnout”.

2D -   1st prize - Anita George “Colours of the Wet-lands”.

         Highly Commended – Joy Brentwood “Fragile World”

Honourable mentions to - Phil Henshall. “I want that Sherrin”

• Ken Downs. “Changing Seasons”

It is encouraging to note, that also until June 26, Meeniyan Art Gallery representative of South Gippsland shire is running Rising Tide, an exhibition from artists inspired by the natural environment and climate action.

Selected works are on exhibition now and open to the public until Sunday June 25, 2023.

All art works are for sale.

ArtSpace is open seven days a week 11am – 3pm