From the President

Hi All,

With NBN roll out , bumping out the exhibition and catching our breath this newsletter is likely to be a little late. But better late than never. Thanks again to our editor Jenny for getting all the news to us.

Well yes another successful Annual Exhibition has finished. Was it successful? Well we had some very happy award winners, very happy exhibitors who sold works and in my time spent at Bourke Place, I saw and listened to some very happy sculptors meeting other sculptors learning more about their techniques, materials and making new friends. From where I sit that is a successful exhibition. Of course not perfect. We have received both negative and positive comments about the venue. Most of the comments about the exhibition itself from exhibitors and viewers have been positive. But some negative comments about unsuitability of the venue. Wrong end of town. Not open at weekends. People too busy on phones. All true but it is a huge challenge to find a venue that fits all the criteria. Over the years we have exhibited in a variety of public spaces, commercial buildings and galleries. None have been perfect. While there is a strong chance we can return to Bourke Place we are happy to look at other possibilities. If you have any ideas please investigate them and let us know what you have found. What is the cost, accessibility, parking, opening hours, Management guidelines etc.

All help would be appreciated.

While on the subject of help I intend standing down as president at the AGM. It has been a rewarding and enjoyable experience but I believe that after five years you should vote someone else in.

Finally some of the Members met at McClelland Gallery for the celebration of the life and work of one of our past members Tina Wentcher. It was a very pleasant afternoon and her work is really inspiring. Well worth a visit.

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Peter Lamell presents Jenny Whiteside with her prize.
Image courtesy of James Nolan

Here are some of the very apt observations that our guest speaker Peter Lamell made at the opening of the exhibition. He commenced by saying "You will have chosen your favourite. But every sculpture has a story and when you have heard that story you will see the sculpture differently. We have 118 different stories here.

Peter was president 3 times for the Lorne Biennial and has a passion for sculpture. His favourite time during these events was during set up when he spoke with sculptors, learning their stories and understanding their work.

He asked, "why is sculpture so great?" It is not elite, it tells a personal story, it is 3 dimensional and can be made from so many different materials. It is tactile. You can close your eyes and experience sculpture through the sense of touch and it gives a great introduction to art. It has no boundaries.

That’s why he loved the Exhibition theme of "Sculpture has no Boundaries" Why is this exhibition so important? Introduces sculpture to the public, makes it accessible. It gives sculptors the opportunity to exhibit and the opportunity to sell their works and become commercial. It is educational in that it gives both adults and children an introduction to the arts. He congratulated the prize winners but added that everybody exhibiting was a winner.

Happy Sculpting.

Gillian