Save Our “Festival” State

Save Our “Festival” State is a campaign to raise the awareness of the desperate need for more medium sized community theatres in Adelaide. With so many theatres having been closed and the imminent demolition of Union Hall, possibly limited or no access to the Scott Theatre and restricted access to the Odeon Theatre - the availability of performance space in Adelaide is at crisis level. What to do when there are no longer any theatres for community groups to buy and return to their former glory. Surely the arts are as valuable to this State as our great sporting heroes and scientists. If so, where is the infrastructure for the masses? In order to address this issue we must join ranks and raise our glorious voices in unison. We, the Arts Community, want more theatres in Adelaide so that everyone who loves to perform has the opportunity to do so. We would be pleased to work with the State and Federal Governments to ensure the best outcomes for the whole community. Let's start talking.Save Our “Festival” State is a joint campaign initiated by Kate Warren (Rosebud Consulting and Secretary of The Gilbert & Sullivan Society of SA) and Benjamin Finn (Urban Myth Theatre of Youth and local performer) DrinksFrom the huge on-line demand this week since the launch of the Save Our "Festival" State fan page (950 fans in five days), we thought it would be a great opportunity to meet sooner rather than later. Special guests and key industry speakers will be attending. Come and have your say and meet like-minded people who are passionate about this current issue and cause. Sunday 8 November at 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm at Mantra on King William, 36 King William Road, Goodwood. Entry is free. TShirts will be available at the end of the week for $20 and will also be available to purchase on Sunday.FORWARD TO EVERYONE AND ANYONE YOU KNOW!For more information contact: Kate Warren (kate@rosebudconsulting.com.au) or Ben Finn (admin@urbanmyth.asn.au).

While posh galleries are scratching their heads...

"With relation to the blog site, there are considerable copyright issues and marketing concerns we need to address for our own business. For this reason we have a policy generally of not authorising the taking a photographs for personal or public use or the use of images from our website for any purpose other than what we ourselves have contracted between us and the artists involved. Therefore I must also advise that you will be unable to include our gallery, links to our website or extracts from our website in any way on your site, or to take pictures in our gallery".

Whatever....

On the other hand, the Chainsaw Chicks are taking off from Melbourne to the Outsiders Festival

Adelaide - 1 - 30 November 2009.

2009 Adelaide Cathedral Art Show

Recession? - What recession? - the three paintings at the top of this image have been sold on the night.

The 2009 Adelaide Cathedral Art Show is being held at St Peter’s Cathedral from Friday 9th October, opening night, through to Saturday 17th October.

A very appropriate venue for the City of Churches.
Still a few days to go and, with the winter weather outside, a very good occasion to absorb a variety of art on display and to purchase one or two pieces to match your couch.

The show closes Saturday 17 October
Contact Rosie Hamilton at
rhamilton@stpeters-cathedral.org
or on 82674551

Reflections on the Murray

Reflections on the Murray
An exhibition of new paintings by Peter Wallfried (2 - 30 October 2009)

This exhibition continues Peter's theme of exploring the varied and unique aspects of the South Australian countryside.

The 25 paintings on display portray the magnificent and diverse landscapes of the iconic Murray River.
All paintings are acrylic on canvas and include images of the paddle steamers and paddle boats 'Marion', 'Oscar W', 'William Randell' and 'Industry' as well as the 'Captain Proud', 'Expedition' and 'Murray Princess'. Peter has once again shown his interest in the reflective qualities of water. His paintings capture the reflections of cliffs, house boats, paddle steamers, trees, and old wharves.
This exhibition is a must see, don't miss out!

Address: Pepper Street Arts Centre558 Magill Road, Magill(Corner of Pepper Street and Magill Road)

Open Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 12noon-5pm

Contacts: Alex Cornwell and Sally Patterson

Phone: (08) 8364 6154

Email: pepperstreet@burnside.sa.gov.au

Peter Wallfried was born in Hamburg, Germany in 1952. His family emigrated to Australia in 1955, moving from state to state until finally settling in South Australia. His childhood was spent in the Port Adelaide/Semaphore area. Tertiary studies were completed at the S.A. School of Art (Stanley Street), Western Teachers College and the University of S.A. Peter is primarily a teacher of art but has concentrated more on his own work in the last 8 years, having four solo exhibitions in that time as well as entering various competitions and prize.

His works have very strong tonal qualities and demonstrate a lively observation of nature and its surrounds. They capture the very real image and transpose the viewer into a relaxing and peaceful space. His handling of reflections is entrancing, and one of the most noticeable features of his work.

www.peterwallfried.com.au

Uta Mooney and Adam Oehlers at the Greenhill Galleries

I know, I know - it looks as if there is only one gallery in Adelaide.
Fact is, that seems to be the case. There is one gallery that has four venues, that takes risks in promoting new artists and opening in pubs and wineries and hotels. It is also a gallery that has openings on Sundays.
I will also add that it is a gallery that doesn't mind me taking photos and talking about them.
But enough of this.
I must say that I admire Russell for taking a gamble with this show today. He is a business man and he needs to make money to be successful and he knows that people are reluctant to buy new and untested artists. I believe this show, and the very pertinent introduction by James Schoff (a rare occasion to listen to someone so profound) is a great chance for Uta Mooney.
Uta Mooney has good technique, the idea behind her show is good, the subject matter needs at times to be looked at to make it less mundane. I loved the boots and the message they convey and I would have bought them (various reasons, amongst which the price was a factor stopped me from doing this).I see a great future for her if she can use this opportunity (and others that are being presented to her) wisely.
Adam is a brilliant illustrator that is currently working in London where the money is. It is almost impossible to describe properly his work, so I would suggest you to seek him out. I'm sure we will hear about him quite a lot in the near future.

Art schools in Adelaide

A question I've asked about art classes in Adelaide a year ago on artforum has been still unanswered. Again, something that points to the fact that Adelaide may, in fact, be the backwater of Australia.
In saying that, I must confess that I have been to quite a few art classes in Adelaide, and so far the Life Drawing classes at the Thebarton Senior College have been the ones that have taught me quite a lot.
The courses at TAFE are sadly trying to teach students to loosen up, you see a lot of action painting and drawing being encouraged there.
For me, who started throwing housepaint on canvas this is not what I was looking for.
If anyone out there has suggestions about some art classes where one can learn how to paint and draw, I would very much appreciate it.
In the mean time I will continue with the life drawing classes at the Thebarton Senior College.

An afternoon with Mike Barr

The invitation said:

"Ever wanted to see a painting develop from start to finish? Well, now you can watch 5 paintings do just that on Sunday, September 6th at 2pm. In the space of about 2 hours I will put together 5 little beachscapes from start to finish. Each painting will be signed and available for purchase on the day for $225 and, they will be ready to hang. So, why not drop around to Red Opus - sit and watch some paint dry with a coffee and a piece of cake and pick up somethng special for Fathers Day."

I went, and had the time of my life. Nothing like watching an artist work, apart from watching yourself work (same thing, I guess, just different artist).

I did get my Fathers Day present, and so much more.

Thanks, Mike

Mike has his own room in the newly open Red Opus gallery.

The room features Mike Barr's best work and new paintings will be hung as they are completed. Red Opus is open Wed to Sat from 10am - 4pm - Sunday from 1-4pm. 119 Payneham Road, St Peters. SA 5112

And while you're there, take a look at Bromley's work. It is most likely the largest collection of his works on display.