22 October to 8 November
Annual Exhibition by studio artists from Newcastle Community
Arts Centre
The Newcastle Community Arts Centre studio artists are
showcasing their individual styles and artistic adventures in this new
show. This exhibition marks the tenth
anniversary of the annual event which has undergone a range of name changes
along the way - Artists Annual Show, Members and Tenants Show, MATES and Spring
Salon.
Each artist has a dedicated studio space in which to
work. I talked briefly to some about
their studio and what being a part of the Newcastle Community Arts Centre means.
Andrew Finnie spoke of the necessity of having one home, one
place to belong and make art, one place to meet with the other six painters in
the Seven Painters Group.
Malcolm Sands referred to himself as being “an artist who also has another job (teacher)”. Having this dedicated space defines and
constantly redefines his commitment to his art practice, dictating a
professional art level of response.
Andrew and Malcolm collectively talked of the valuable interaction
with other artists in the Arts Centre, sharing of ideas, gaining
support and valuable critical analysis of their work.
The shared studio time gives them
opportunities for collaborative projects and to market their work collectively
to the world. Andrew has recently had a
work acquired by Adamstown Arts (Adamstown Uniting Church Centre).
Another of the Seven Painters, Jennifer Finnie
has gained an opportunity to take part in an art project with Lake Macquarie
Art Gallery.
Pablo Tapia said… “Having
this studio makes me feel more professional.
Being part of the Community Arts Centre says I am part of something
bigger than myself, outside of myself – a community of artists.”
This year Pablo was a finalist in the Moran Portrait Prize,
the Gosford Art Prize and the Kilgour Art Prize.
Jennifer O’Brien talked about… “Having my own professional studio space validates my art practice. I am part of a community and I have a sense of
belonging.”
This year Jennifer was a finalist in the Iconic Art U Wear
Competition in Sydney (as part of the Craft and Quilt Fair) and invited to be a
guest artist for the Stitches and Craft Fair in Newcastle.
Laraine Palmer talked of her studio providing a quiet, private space to work without distractions, but not isolating due to the outside interactions and communication opportunities with all the tenants and community visitors.
Laraine continues to teach art to the general community.
The Arts Centre is the artistic home for the family of
artists, their extended families, friends and workers at 246 Parry Street
Hamilton East. There is always someone
to talk with and share ideas and experiences.
There are always interactions between the artists and the wider
community through exhibitions, open days and weekly and monthly hands-on art
classes and events. It is a true
community of professionals working at their own pursuits while at the same time contributing to increasing Newcastle’s reputation in the national and international creative arts market.
If you haven’t been to the Newcastle Community Arts Centre come along this Saturday 31st October from 10-4 to the ARTFEAST day
with open studios, talks, entertainment, food, stalls and lots more activities
for the whole family.
Chris Byrnes
NAS Committee
