Rolling into summer at the Arts Hub

Posted on November 27, 2019 by kirlarwill

Shift

Come celebrate Newstead Arts Hub’s last show for the year – Saturday 7 December 4-6pm with artists Julie Patey, Chrisanne Blennerhassett and Tony Day.

Flowing on beautifully from the previous exhibition at the Hub, this upcoming group show draws inspiration both from our changing environment, and the fluctuation of the lives we live.

The exhibition brings together the work of three central Victorian artists who met through their art practice and connected over their shared exploration of their immediate environments and experiences. All three artists love observing, reflecting, and giving visual form to their impressions, as well as the ongoing exploration of working across media and arts disciplines.

We look forward to celebrating the results of their work, and to being amongst a loving crowd at the ‘meet the artists’ gathering, Saturday 7 December from 4 to 6 pm.

Shift opening hours are Saturday 7 – Sunday 22 December, 11am-4pm (weekends only).

Above: Works by Julie Patey (at top) and Tony Day (detail, at bottom), part of Shift, opening Saturday December 7, and running until Sunday 22 December.

Celebrating Crosscurrents

Lovers of art and artists filled the rooms of the Hub for the opening of Crosscurrents – an exhibition of works by Cherryl Fyffe, Barbara Semler, Anne Tyndall, Judith Warnest, Joan Halpin and Liz Carkeek.

The ties that connect these six artists was evident in their opening words, and could be felt in the harmonious flow of the show from one gallery to the next. Prints, ceramics, drawings, collages and textiles communicated a deep empathy with the environment and an abiding love of materials, marks and textures.

Judith Warnest also ran a Visual Thinking Workshop in the Hub, where participants played with words, materials and ideas, getting hands-on amongst the works on exhibition.
“The group looked at images and social media that is ‘fed’ to us constantly, then reworked some of our thoughts through clay into tangible objects” (Judith Warnest).

So lovely to have art-making and art-showing in the one space!

Instrument Makers’ Gallery

Newstead Live at the Hub 25-26 January 2020

As part of Newstead Live, the Arts Hub will host a gallery of hand-made instruments and their makers.

A chance to see and hear some of the most skillfully crafted instruments around, and to talk to the makers about their work and their music. A perfect opportunity to buy a unique and beautiful instrument.

Gallery times: Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 January 2020, 10am – 5pm.

Find out more about Newstead Live, view the full program and buy tickets here.

Welcoming artists to the Hub in 2020

“With a number of rooms, you can have an individual artist in each, and focus on the output of that one artist” (Hub exhibition visitor).

“I love the space, the light is lovely, and there’s a view out every window!” (Artist).

We are excited by the responses we have received after our call-out to artists to propose exhibitions, workshops, talks, community activities or events for the Newstead Arts Hub’s 2020 program. Thank you!

The Hub committee is looking forward to reviewing them and talking with the artists involved over the coming weeks.

As a community-run space, we like to be able to respond to new ideas, and embrace the unexpected, so we plan to leave a few windows open in our 2020 programming for just that!

So, if you are just at the ‘musing’ stage of your workshop, event or exhibition idea, or know of artists or arts organisers ‘in the wings’ who may be more spontaneous in their making and exhibiting, please encourage them to think of Newstead Arts Hub and get in touch.Our door is always open.

Hub volunteers

Volunteers are the foundation of our lovely Hub! Once again we are struck by the generosity and willingness of our local community. Interested locals have answered our call for a photographer and a handy-person, and we are in conversation with them at present. Wonderful!If you are interested to contribute as well, in either of these roles or another of your making, please get in touch. There may well be something you can do, and are willing to offer voluntarily, that we don’t yet realise we need!Email us at newsteadartshub@gmail.com, or phone Julie Patey on 0408 528 536.

Friends of the Hub

Become an integral part of the Newstead Arts Hub Community!We are always ready to welcome more Friends of the Hub!Through donations, Hub Friends support the development of the Arts Hub. In return they are invited to a special annual Friends event each year.You can become a Friend of the Hub with a donation of $20 or more. For more information or to make your donation email us at newsteadartshub@gmail.comAnd a big thank you to all our current Hub Friends. Your valuable support goes a long way!

Our supporters

Newstead Arts Hub – in full Spring Swing!

Posted on November 4, 2019 by Chris Johnston

Apologies for cross-postings while we convert our eNews to a new system.

Crosscurrents – Open each weekend during November

Artists – Cherryl Fyffe, Barbara Semler, Anne Tyndall, Judith Warnest, Joan Halpin and Liz Carkeek

This exhibition draws on creative ties that bind with works by a group of women who have maintained a deep shared interest and connection with mark making and creative practice since working together through Visual Arts studies at Bendigo TAFE.

All six artists have an affinity and connection to their surrounds, a potent source of inspiration. The work on show includes printmaking, drawing, watercolour, collage and textiles, ceramics and contemporary image making processes.

And for those who want to get all hands-on, come join the Crosscurrents artists for a:

Visual Thinking Workshop
A hands-on exploration of thought, word and material
Saturday 16 November, 1-3pm
Free event, all welcome!

Crosscurrents will be on show 3 – 24 November, 11am-4pm on weekends.

[Image: Judith Warnest]

[Image: Elizabeth Carkeek]

Arts and Community Events wanted!

Expressions of Interest are sought from artists and community members who would like to be part of Newstead Arts Hub’s 2020 program.

2020 will see an expansion of our current exhibition program to include a wider range of activities and groups using the space. So we warmly welcome proposals for exhibitions, performances, talks, workshops, events, and other activities from the arts and broader community.

The Newstead Arts Hub has multiple light-filled exhibition spaces suitable for solo and group shows, and “the platform” is a great outdoor space for projections, performances and dinners.

Our workshop space can accommodate half, full and multiple day workshops. The Hub has a well-equipped kitchen, wifi, tables and chairs on hand, and is wheelchair accessible.

We encourage proposals that will:

Build and strengthen creative networks in our region
Support arts activities in Newstead
Connect with Newstead community and Newstead and district events

For more information and to submit your Expression of Interest via our online form visit the Bookings page of our website. Proposals are due by Sunday 10 November 2019.

Hub Volunteers

Now recruiting!

Volunteers are the foundation of our lovely Hub! We would be delighted to hear from you if you are interested in either (or both!) of these opportunities – roles you can definitely put your own stamp on:

photographer

Seeking someone (or someones!) who could provide photographic documentation of our events, shows, gatherings, community moments …. be part of telling the Hub’s story as it continues to unfold.

handyperson

Seeking a go-to person for the little maintenance tasks that crop up now and then in a community facility like the Hub … help us keep this lovely space ‘on the rails’.

If you would like to know more, or make an offer related to either of these positions, we very much welcome you to get in touch.

You can email us at newsteadartshub@gmail.com, or phone Julie Patey on 0408 528 536.

Friends of the Hub

Become an integral part of the Newstead Arts Hub Community!

We are always ready to welcome more Friends of the Hub!

Through donations, Hub Friends support the development of the Arts Hub. In return they are invited to a special annual Friends event each year.

You can become a Friend of the Hub with a donation of $20 or more. For more information or to make your donation email us at newsteadartshub@gmail.com

And a big thank you to all our current Hub Friends. Your valuable support goes a long way!

Supporters

Maldon & District Community Bank

Newstead Arts Hub – October Update

Posted on September 27, 2019 by Chris Johnston

A SPRING WELCOME!

If you are receiving this Post, you are following us through our website. If you want to keep receiving our News, you’ll need to opt in to our MailChimp mailing list. To do this, please add your details to our mailing list form.

How lovely to be enjoying Spring weather! We invite you to come along and enjoy our current and upcoming shows at the Newstead Arts Hub. See below for more on Selina Wilson’s exhibition Endless BeauTEA (hurry last days!) and our upcoming group show Platform 4.

We are also welcoming Expressions of Interest from artists and community members who would like to be part of our 2020 program. Do you have an event or exhibition you would like to run at the Hub? Then we would love to hear from you! See below for more info.

And perhaps you’d like to join as a Friend of the Hub. Our Friends are at the heart of our community and are great supporters of all the creative things that happen at the Hub. Look below for more info on how to join us.

Above: Newstead Arts Hub has a range of welcoming, light-filled spaces and is much loved by the Newstead and district creative community.

CALL FOR ARTISTS & EVENTS

The Newstead Arts Hub is inviting Expressions of Interest from artists and community members who would like to be part of our 2020 program.

The Newstead Arts Hub has multiple light-filled exhibition spaces suitable for solo and group shows, and “the platform” is a great outdoor space for projections, performances and dinners.

Our workshop space can accommodate half, full and multiple day workshops. The Hub has a well-equipped kitchen, wifi, tables and chairs on hand, and is wheelchair accessible.

We encourage proposals that will:

Build and strengthen creative networks in our region
Support arts activities in Newstead
Connect with Newstead community and Newstead and district events.

For more information and to submit your Expression of Interest via our online form visit the Bookings page of our website.

Proposals are due by Sunday 10 November 2019.

Above: Selina Wilson, Endless BeauTEA, works from the Teacup Series

Selina Wilson: Endless BeauTEA

Until Sunday 29 September

The series of works in Selina Wilson‘s exhibition Endless BeauTEA came to her in a dream.

Upon awakening she followed her intuition and came upon her first antique tea cup at a local op shop, and so the series of mixed media artworks began.

Reminiscent of tea at Nana’s, and evoking the other worldliness of Alice in Wonderland, the works enchant and soothe. If there’s a message, says Selina, it’s “laugh, live for now and drink in the joy.”

The teacup works are accompanied by additional works on canvas and board, as well as the charming Petri Dish Series, of small alcohol ink and resin works. Created using silicone moulds, the resin repels and resists the ink, with the piece only revealed to the artist once it’s cured and turned out. A process Selina describes as a “practice in faith.”

Come see the show on its final weekend:
Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 September, 10am – 4pm
or by appointment.

COMING SOON: Platform 4

Diane Thompson, Jodie Curtis, Marcela Olea, Libby Noblet
Saturday 5 – Sunday 27 October
Opening Saturday 5 October 2-4pm

Artists Diane Thompson, Jodie Curtis, Marcela Olea and Libby Noblet came up with the name Platform 4 in reference to the Newstead Arts Hub’s past life, and recognition of the platform a collective show would offer their group.

This exhibition will feature a rich array of sculptural works by Diane and Marcela using such media as feathers, textiles, resin and clay, as well original etchings, collagraphs and silk screens on paper and fabric by accomplished printmakers Jodie and Libby.

Throughout October the artists will also present artist talks and demonstrations and a free pop-in & print studio where members of the public can try their hand at silkscreen printing.

Open 10am – 4pm on:

Saturday 5 – Monday 7 October
Friday 11- Monday 14 October
Friday 18 – Monday 21 October
Friday 25 – Sunday 27 October

or by appointment.

Above: Works by Selina Wilson, (L to R from top) Diane Thompson, Big Mouth Strikes Again 2019, resin and mixed media; Jodie Curtis, from the Circles series 2019, multiplate collagraph; Libby Noblet, Rose and Dahlia Show 2019, silkscreen on cotton; Marcela Olea, Holding Balance Together 2019, resin.

Friends of the Hub

Become an integral part of the Newstead Arts Hub Community!

We are always ready to welcome more Friends of the Hub!

Through donations, Hub Friends support the development of the Arts Hub. In return they are invited to a special annual Friends event each year.

You can become a Friend of the Hub with a donation of $20 or more. For more information or to make your donation email us at newsteadartshub@gmail.com

And a big thank you to all our current Hub Friends. Your valuable support goes a long way!

OUR SUPPORTERS

We are located at: 8A TIVEY STREET, NEWSTEAD, VICTORIA 3462

Endless BeauTEA

Posted on September 20, 2019 by Chris Johnston

Enjoy the colour and beauty of Selina Wilson’s exhibition – Endless BeauTEA at the Newstead Arts Hub this weekend, open Saturday and Sunday 10am-4pm.

Selina’s art is both vibrant and subtle, and definitely whimsical.

Open each weekend until Sunday 29 September.

Newstead Arts Hub – What’s on in September

Posted on August 28, 2019August 28, 2019 by Chris Johnston

The Arts Hub is blooming: it might almost be spring.

Welcome Friends

Welcome to all our new Friends who signed up at our morning tea on Sunday June 23. If you are not a Friend yet, please become an active supporter of the Arts Hub. In exchange we’ll run a Friends event each year and you’ll be invited to other special happenings. To join as a Friend, download the form, make a donation, and send or drop it in to the Arts Hub.

Building Stronger Connections project

We were delighted to receive funding under the Mount Alexander Community Grants Program for Building Stronger Connections a project designed to expand the range of activities at the Arts Hub, streamline our communications, and get to know more about what our communities want from their Arts Hub. Creating our Friends group is one of our first steps. The project runs until the end of 2019.

To support the Building Stronger Connections project, we are pleased to announce that Melissa Proposch and Kir Larwill from Artpuff will be working with us, bringing fresh eyes, great connections and a wealth of experience. We were very fortunate to have had many talented people apply for the role, and we look forward to them getting involved in other ways.

Selina Wilson’s stunning colours – Endless BeauTEA

Our next exhibition is by Newstead local Selina Wilson: 31 August – 29 September, weekends, 10am-4pm. Opens 2pm, 31 August.

Selina’s recent works, created over the last 18 months, speak to her love of colour and play. Not one to take herself too seriously, her paintings aim to offer a smile and some joy. Colour, beauty and fun remain her primary sources of inspiration. Selina explores these themes across a broad range of media including synthetic polymer (acrylic) paint, resin, inks, porcelain, cloth and paper. Selina is a regular contributor in Arts Open, Newstead Open Studio Arts Trail and the Castlemaine State Festival.

Looking to 2020

Watch out for our call for Expressions of Interest for exhibitions, workshops, talks or other activities in October. Or if there is a workshop you’d love to go to, let us know too! The Arts Hub is open to all kinds of creativity.

Earth and Stone exhibition – Open Sat-Sun, 10am to 4pm to 26 August

Posted on August 9, 2019 by Chris Johnston

Welcoming people to the opening of Earth and Stone, an exhibition of paintings and sculptures by John A. Smith and David Waters, local printmaker Diana Orinda Burns drew attention to the strong sense of place evoked in the exhibition. She pointed out how the exhibition conveyed the sensations of being in the landscape, not only seeing, feeling, but how hearing and imagination help channel a new understanding of place.

Both artists use earth and stone in their works, John in his ground gravel and earth pigments, David with his volcanic basalt sculptures and pigment paint. Both engage the viewer in ceremony and ritual, whether it be a mark in the landscape or a pattern on a rock, reminding us of the fragility of the earth we stand on, and the importance of creativity to bridge time and cultures.

Referring to John’s paintings, Diana said: “We are not outsiders, we are one with country, this is not a landscape but an actual place of being, it has no artifice or pretence, the paint surface rises up to meet us, inviting us to just be. We travel through exterior spaces to the interior space of place where imagination meets the mysteries of history and what has happened before.”

The Celtic weaving patterns on some of David’s sculptures and paintings, also drew her attention. Diana noted that the method is simple, with a simple figure-of-eight or infinity sign creating a pattern that is said to bring harmony, balance, unity, and rhythm. The clay-rendered weft pattern in his paintings are subtle and considered, conveying a sense of connectedness and belonging. In Diana’s eyes, harmony with oneself, others and the environment are at the heart of David’s work.

David’s pigments are not permanent; he causes no harm to the environment nor to each rock’s natural form and surface. In time, his drawings on the volcanic basalt collected from his home in Redesdale will wash away, but the invisible networks that express his intention will remain. Rock paintings and the rituals associated with them take us back to the beginnings of art history as we know it.

John Smith, Diana Orinda Burns, David Waters

Diana concluded that, for her, the exhibition is refined in its material content but very raw in the questions it provokes. It offers a humility where reverence prevails.

Open each weekend until 26 August. Don’t miss it!

Nature Photography on the Goldfields

Posted on November 25, 2018 by Geoff Park

Nature Photography on the Goldfields

The expression “taking photographs” is a curious and revealing usage. In English, we don’t “make” photographs, we “take” them. When photographing nature – wildlife, plants, landscapes – it can seem that the photographer “captures” a beauty already there, taking something that belongs to the subject, but without diminishing the subject.

Bronwyn Silver, Geoff Park and Patrick Kavanagh roam the goldfields of Central Victoria, stealing images of the beauty they find. Birds, mammals, plants, insects. Not even mosses and lichens are safe from their pilfering ways!

While the targets of their larceny are unaffected by the process, these thieves have been profoundly altered by the images they’ve stolen from the wild, seeing more deeply into the wonders of the natural environment. They are happy to share their bounty at Newstead Arts Hub this December.

Opening Hours 10 am – 4 pm

Sat 1/12 & Sun 2/12
Sat 8/12 & Sun 9/12
Sat 15/12 & Sun 16/12
Sat 22/12 & Sun 23/12

Exhibition launch Sunday 2/12 11 am

Expression of interest to exhibit – 2019

Posted on November 8, 2018November 14, 2018 by Geoff Park

Newstead Railway Arts hub is accepting expressions of interest to exhibit in 2019.

We would be delighted to be contacted by artists who live or work in our local community or from further afield. The exhibition space is suited to solo or group shows.

The conditions of entry can be found on the website here:

Please email us newsteadartshub@gmail.com by December 20th 2018 to indicate your interest, providing the following information:

Your name and address
The preferred dates to exhibit (exhibitions run monthly)
Two representational images which is indicative of your work/ your groups work
A short description of the work in three sentences.

A shortlist will be in accordance of the Arts Hubs priority which is:

Building creative networks in our region
Supporting arts activities in Newstead
Working with the Newstead community

After the expressions of interest close the management committee of the Arts Hub will shortlist the applications according to the diversity of artistic ideas, fit the creative rationale with the Arts Hub priorities and the dates proposed.

The Hubs decision will be final but some feedback will be provided if desired.

Diversity on show in November

Posted on November 6, 2018 by Geoff Park

Diversity is an exhibition of Ellen Hansa, with her siblings, Merete Hansa, Kari Tanberg, and Sean Stanyer, and friend Joan Ledwich.

Menagerie: Tegan Wheeldon & Laura Gibbs

Posted on September 16, 2018 by Geoff Park

Menagerie is an exhibition of new works by Tegan Wheeldon and Laura Gibbs. The artists utilize methods of printmaking and painting to explore their interest in the natural world, with particular focus on avians and insects. Gibbs’ birds, finely painted in watercolour, are drawn from her immediate environment; the vast countryside and lakes of northern Victoria. Wheeldon utilizes techniques of frottage and relief printing to explore a fusion of insect and textile in her mandala-esque compositions. Together these artists weave a menagerie of feathers and antennae, beaks and mandibles, within the exhibition space.