Trains, music and art competitions unveiled at Gatakers Artspace
Maryborough’s history of train building, the changing natural world, the wonder of music, an annual art competition and artworks made of glass are the focus of five exhibitions showcased at Gatakers Artspace this month.
Fraser Coast Regional Councillor David Lewis said June would be a big month for Gatakers Artspace in Maryborough, cementing the centre’s reputation as an arts hub for the region.
“The Fraser Coast has a colourful and vibrant cultural life, and Council is keen to ensure the community has opportunities to appreciate arts, heritage and cultural diversity,” he said.
“We want to create connected, inclusive communities through our places, spaces and people.
“The new exhibitions opening at Gatakers Artspace this month are very diverse and help showcase what makes our region so unique, as well as the creativity of our local artists.”
All exhibitions are free and can be viewed from 9 June 2023.
The 150th Anniversary of Maryborough Trains exhibition showcases artefacts, models, photographs, and artworks celebrating Maryborough's long engineering history.
The Mary Ann was the first locomotive built here in 1873 by John Walker, the forerunner of Downer EDI, which now builds high-speed trains.
The exhibition will officially open on Friday, 16 June 2023. Doors open at 6pm for 6.30pm start.
Please RSVP your attendance through the Our Fraser Coast website https://gatakers.ourfrasercoast.com.au.
The 76th Annual Art Competition of the Maryborough Regional Art Society includes works in various mediums from local and regional artists competing for a prize pool of just over $7,000.
The competition categories include:
- Open Category (Acquisitive)
- Landscape/Seascape
- Portaits/People
- Australian Flora & Fauna
- Still Life
- Abstract
- 3D/Sculpture
- Peoples' Choice Award
The Maryborough Regional Art Society was first formed as the Maryborough Art Group in 1947.
The exhibition will officially open on Saturday, 10 June, at 2pm at Gatakers Creative Space, 311 Kent Street, Maryborough.
While the event is free, please register through the Our Fraser Coast Website https://gatakers.ourfrasercoast.com.au to register your attendance.
Consequences by Kelli Mac is a series of works inspired by the changing natural world: Its beauty and cruelty; Its hostility and hospitality….and the consequences of our actions.
Kelli feels strongly that the balance of the planet’s ecology has been severely compromised and that we must use the tools at our disposal to preserve and restore the natural world.
She hopes that those who cannot be reached by the news and the media may be reached by images of nature’s beauty and the threat imposed on it.
Her landscapes encapsulate the essential elements, colours and features of the Australian landscape and recreate the ambience and the 'feel' of being there.
Typically, her work is exuberant, vibrant, confident and eye-catching. Most pieces are charged with positive energy and overflow with dazzling colour.
Born in country Victoria, Kelli later lived in several places, including Perth and Alice Springs and Darwin, before finally moving to settle in the Fraser Coast QLD, where she is based.
“I'm fascinated to see how people react to both their environment and with each other, so I try to express body language and mood rather than a realistic image,” she said.
“I didn't set out to be an environmental artist or to create artwork relating to social commentary, but I do want to capture the relationship we have with our natural environment.”
The exhibition will officially open on Friday, 16 June 2023. Doors open at 6pm for 6.30pm start.
Please RSVP your attendance through the link on the Our Fraser Coast website https://gatakers.ourfrasercoast.com.au.
Residents can speak with Kelli Mac at the gallery from 11am to 11.30am on June 17 to learn more about the artist and her works.
While the event is free, please register through the Our Fraser Coast Website https://gatakers.ourfrasercoast.com.au.
Music for Life by Mark Crocker is a series of portraits showcasing the joy and wonder of music through the lens of the Maryborough school's music program from 2021 to 2023.
Inspired by the Baroque master Caravaggio and his chiaroscuro lighting, Crocker uses light and shadow to focus on the young musicians' faces, hands, and instruments.
The impact of music on cognitive development, including language and mathematical skills, is undisputed in education.
Music affects us all emotionally, which is amplified when learning and playing music. Whether it is classical, pop, folk or rock, listening to music makes us feel better, reduces stress and anxiety, and promotes relaxation.
The exhibition will officially open on Friday, 16 June 2023. Doors open at 6pm for 6.30pm start.
Please RSVP through the Our Fraser Coast website https://gatakers.ourfrasercoast.com.au.
The Glassery by Jo Bone, Lucy Quinn, Aaron Micallef, Jarred Wright and Christine Atkins showcases new works and propositions in the medium of glass.
The five independent artists occasionally collaborate to create contemporary sculpture, design objects and installations to foster creative and innovative studio glass practice and share skills and a passion for the seductive medium.
The exhibition will incorporate abstract sculpture, light installation, interdisciplinary sculpture and fine art and design objects.
The exhibition will officially open on Friday, 16 June 2023. Doors open at 6pm for 6.30pm start.
Please RSVP your attendance by registering through the Our Fraser Coast website https://gatakers.ourfrasercoast.com.au.