Neil Sheppard at Artistic License Gallery

One of the most prolific artists I've ever met, Neil Sheppard continues his journey into discovering new themes and styles. A must see exhibition.

A real pleasure to see a politician touching a painting.

(The Leader of the opposition, Isobel Redmond opening the Neil Sheppard show at Artistic License Gallery).
Funny thing - I was there and she didn't drive off.

In fairness, Ms. Chantelois wasn't there either.

The Fleurieu Art Prize - Australia’s richest art prize - will move to 2011

Just when I thought nothing can be worse that the Premier cancelling his presence and opening of the traditional Australia Day Art show at the Greenhill Galleries, thanks to Jim Thalassoudis we learn in consternation about the cancellation of the Fleurieu Art Prize for 2011

The Government would not say how much it paid Lance Armstrong to be in Adelaide for the Tour Downunder, but one has to wonder.

Is Adelaide the backwater of Australia?

I'm glad you asked.

Open letter to the Premier of South Australia, the Honourable Mike Rann

Good afternoon, and thank you for taking the time to read my message.

I am disheartened to hear about South Australia losing tourism dollars to other states due to the lack of funding in the arts and I have decided to do something about that. I would appreciate your consideration and help on the matter.

A bit about myself.
I am a 52 years old Electronics Engineer and Project manager originally from Romania, now living in Adelaide.
I have Masters degree from the Polytechnic Institute in Bucharest and 17 years ago I came to Australia, after a few years in Research in Romania, to help fill in the skills shortage in my field.
I could never find work in Australia in research, apart from six months with a small enterprise in biotechnology that went bust.
My 17 years in Australia have been dedicated to moving manufacturing offshore, a very sad endeavour for our state.

After successfully making my jobs redundant so many times, I have become unemployed again.
One doesn't have to be Premier to realise that at 52 the chances of finding meaningful (even menial) employment are extremely slim.
I am a living example of a policy based on innuendo regarding the skills shortages in this country.
At the moment I am using my right hand side of the brain by painting abstract and impressionistic paintings which reveal my journey through a range of mediums and techniques to keep the brain evenly, but not fully, occupied.

I am also organising the second edition of the Outsiders Festival - Adelaide - September 2010.

After the success of the first Outsiders Festival, there is a very strong interest in the festival from interstate and overseas.

Hearing that you are philanthropists amongst other endeavours, I am writing to you to ask for help.

Money would help in advertising the event and pay my bills, a dedicated space for a permanent exhibition would no doubt make the Outsiders an all-year-round event.

Many thanks, in advance.

Faithfully Yours,

Stefan Maguran

www.maguran.com

www.outsiders-festival.com

ART Gallery of SA director Christopher Menz has refused to renew his contract in protest at inadequate State Government funding.

It is increasingly difficult, with the local government ignoring the arts to combat the Victorian theory about Adelaide.
A shameful day for the State.

http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,26578467-5006301,00.html

Gen Y Romance - Dan Stefan