Autum Newsletter 2018

During the first part of 2018 a lot of changes have taken place at our premises at 211 Mount Street in Upper Burnie. The opening of our new entry area was celebrated with an exhibition with guests enjoying a high tea at the opening. A big thank you to the Tasmanian Community Fund for their contribution to make some our dreams of an updated gallery come to fruition.

Our Opening

A special thank you to the Tasmanian Community Fund.

As we do each year we also held our MEMBERS MAY EXHIBITION which opened on the 5th May. The exhibition was opened by our Patron Jeremy Rockliff. This year there were four awards given at this exhibition: Patron’s Award – Jude Howard, Anita Dow MP Award – Wendy Ellen, Wynyard Newsagency Award – Sandra Henderson, Not Just Books Award – Jan Jones.

Burnie Coastal Art Group members who paint at Margaret Brown’s Studio at Boat Harbour were also involved in an exhibition at the Schoolhouse Gallery which is part of the Rosny Farm Arts Centre and coordinated by Clarence Arts & Events. The exhibition was opened on 6th May by the Mayor of Clarence, and Lyn Andrews was the guest speaker. Congratulations to the artists involved, it is a privilege to hold an exhibition in such a sought after venue.

As everyone is aware the majority of our members are in their more mature years, so it is important for us to encourage young artists to exhibit their work. The Youth TASART Competition is an opportunity for local students to show their artistic talents. It is open to students in classes 9-12 attending High Schools and Colleges from Ulverstone through to Wynyard. The theme for the exhibition is “Open”. It is hoped that the exhibition will be at Studio2eleven during June. If you know any students who you think would be interested encourage them to contact Suzanne Hennessy.

ART IN JULY is also on again this year. It is an opportunity for not only our members, but also other artists in the community, to exhibit their work. Please encourage all your creative friends to take part. There is a judged award of $100. The exhibition opens on 7th July at 2pm. Enquiries to Jo Lawrence on 0447 231 357 or studio2eleven@burniecoastalartgroup.or.au.

While on the subject of exhibitions, a huge congratulations to Eleonor Austin who has had wonderful news that she is a finalist in the “Bay of Fires” art competition.

WICKER WONDERLUST: Weaving Workshop with Aunty Patsy Cameron and Audrey Frost

Design Tasmania in conjunction with the Burnie Coastal Art Group presented an interactive exhibition exploring the unique relationship between Tasmanians and wicker. Participants learnt about Tasmanian plant fibres and some basic weaving techniques. This was a great experience and everyone was unanimous in their appreciation of the teaching and sharing of traditional aboriginal skills. Aunty Patsy and Audrey have been asked to come back for another session and they are very happy to do this - probably in November and maybe for two full days - working with bull kelp and shells, plus more of the basket weaving which was just great and not too difficult.

FEATURE ARTIST

Peter Weldon

Peter was born in Northamptonshire in England in 1936. He attended school there until October 1951 when he emigrated to Tasmania with his Mother, Father and sister Rosemary. Like many who lived in Burnie Peter was employed at the Pulp, working as an engineering clerk, and retiring in 1992. In 1962 he met Jennifer Moore, they were engaged  in 1963 and then ultimately marrying in September 1964. Their daughter Trish came along in 1965, followed by Tim in 1970. Sadly, Peter’s parents both passed away from cancer, his Dad Tony in 1972 and his Mum Mary in 1987.

 During his time at the Pulp Peter studied art part-time from early 1988. He then went to full time studies at TAFE obtaining an Associate Diploma of Art, Craft & Design majoring in painting, art history and business studies. After graduating from TAFE Peter joined the Burnie Coastal Art Group and painted with tutor Margaret Brown. In 2009 Peter took a break from painting to care for and spend time with his Jenny until she passed away in July 2010. He started painting again in September of that year. Peter says he has a passion for painting and hopes he will never have to give it up. He has been fortunate to sell quite a few of his paintings, which he says appeals to him to have a hobby that pays for itself. He has donated the proceeds of many sales to the Menzies Research Institute to help with research for Motor Neurone Disease. Peter started his art journey painting in watercolour, along the way experimenting with acrylic and pastel, but now prefers to work in watercolour and pastel. He mainly paints landscapes as his subject matter, with the occasional animal making an appearance. He has made a lot of friends through his art and being a member of the Burnie Coastal Art Group, but especially one!

Why can’t you trust an artist?

Because………

They’re shady!

They’re Sketchy!

And they might try to frame you!!!

Introductory art classes are being held once again at Studio2eleven during the winter months. An opportunity for members to try something new - or encourage your friends who might have wanted to dabble in artistic ventures to come along! If you haven’t received the list of classes by email contact Suzanne on 0419 504 539 or suzart1954@gmail.com