​‘#15’ – Bruce Buckley
 
Number 15 is a painting from an image created by a photographic process. Using a photograph circumvents some of the problems artists encounter with drawing, but not all. Whilst the looking and putting of lines and tones is avoided the other pictorial elements remain. Composition, colour, translation of one medium to another.  The process brings its own unique challenges to resolve before a successful compelling image can be created.
 
Number 15 has some very close tonal values – the nose, the eyes and the number fifteen ticket are the three elements which allow us to see the image. They enliven the image, the rest is mainly the black hair of the coat.
 
The animal looks directly at us. Its baleful stare states facts and asks questions.
 
Simon Klose
NEA Exhibitions Coordinator

Hello all,

​We have started some planning for a Yarn Bombing event (Benalla Rugged Up) for August 2020.  To keep everyone informed, we are planning a meeting to discuss and share ideas. This will be on Sunday, 15 March at 2:00pm.  We will be meeting at 40 Salisbury Street, Benalla

Our initial ideas include the theme for the 2020 event –  “The colours of the Rainbow”.  We hope to have enough articles to cover the areas from the corner of Smythe and Bridge St to the Monash Bridge as well as side streets – Carrier, Nunn and Mair Streets, and the area around the Library.  And we are trying to come up with a more stable way of decorating the bridge with flowers.  As in the past, the articles need to be made from acrylic yarn as that survives the elements the best.  To provide flexibility we thought that we could use:

• long strips of knitting or crochet 25cm (around 10 inches) wide,
• strips that are around 10 cm (around 3 inches) wide,
• 25 cm or 10 cm squares,
• Beanies for the bollards 25cm wide and 20cm tall, and
• flowers for the bridge.

With the strips, we can wrap the trees, pergola posts, seats, bike racks etc, or join strips using the squares for the trees.  Or if you have a specific idea for a tree, such as the aprons last year, they will also be great to include.

We will start pulling all the articles together from 5 July, so will need any contributions by then.  As in previous years, there will be various points around the town where articles can be dropped off.  And we do have some yarn available and this will be at the meeting on 15 March.

I will send a reminder message closer to the date, but please put this date in your diaries and come along with ideas as to ways that we can brighten the town through yarn bombing.  And if you know of someone who would be interested in participating, please invite them along as well.

Joy Shirley
0417 065 351

'Unlock your Creativity' is a new partnership program with Waminda Community House. Participants will be given a chance to explore a range of different creative experiences including painting, drawing, paper making, acrylic pouring, jewellery making....among many others. A full program will be available in the March Newsletter.
 
The program will run on Friday during school terms, commencing 21st February 9:30-12:30 in Gallery 2.
 
The cost is $50/term but Waminda members can attend for the member rate of $20/term (Waminda membership is $5/year and has lots of advantages).
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A $10/session casual rate is also available for specific sessions.
 
For further enquiries ring Sally: 0438 063185

Want to be a part of the Wall to Wall Festival 2020? The Wall To Wall Festival committee is looking for Benalla locals who have space for this year's artists to stay throughout the weekend. If you have a spare room and would like to be a part of this year's festival, please complete and return this Expression of Interest form by the end of February.m before the end of February.

Congratulations to Benalla Rural City for inspiring, to Killer Pig Productions' Jake and Sam Bowtell for producing and directing, and to the community members who took part in the making of this thought provoking and wonderfully edited, video which premiered at Benalla's Australia Day Event at BPACC on Australia Day.

With impeccable timing, Geoff Achison's Gallery Gig happens to land on the first day of this years annual Wall to Wall Festival!

Geoff Achison Music is an internationally acclaimed guitarist, vocalist & songwriter from Melbourne AUS.  .After serving an apprenticeship with veteran bluesman Dutch Tilders, Geoff released his first solo album Big Machine in 1994. He held some popular residencies around Melbourne most notably at The Espy and St Andrews Hotel. In 1995 Geoff represented the MBAS in Memphis, USA winning the Albert King Award in and scoring an endorsement deal with Gibson Guitars’ acoustic division. By 1997 Geoff had relocated to London and established a presence on the UK scene.

To combat the difficulties of travelling internationally, Geoff expanded on his Souldiggers concept, hiring the best local musicians available whether in the USA, UK, or at home in Oz.
In Melbourne he gathered what became known as the ‘A-team’ featuring the legendary Mal Logan on keys, the great bassist Roger McLachlan and the incredible Gerry Pantazis on drums. Inventive and adventurous, this line-up gained a reputation for delivering spontaneous and exciting improvisations within Geoff’s original compositions. “The songs are all designed to be fluid so they can take whatever turn we want on the night. To achieve this, the musicians need to play instinctively; from the heart. That’s what ‘Souldiggers’ is meant to convey”

The group has always had a home in the blues/roots scene but to call it a Blues band or even a Soul outfit (as the name suggests) is a misnomer. Certainly there is blues & soul influence at the core, but like many contemporary roots music acts, the Souldiggers transcend any specific genre. In 2014 the group celebrated 20 years with the release of a live concert album & DVD. Mal Logan departed for sunnier climes (in sub-tropical Queensland) and Richard Tankard took over keyboard duties. In 2016 the group was employed to record Geoff's next studio album. Featuring 14 new original songs and delving stylistically into blues, country, folk and a little funk, 'Another Mile Another Minute' has enjoyed wide critical acclaim (including 5 trophies at the 2017 'Chain' Australian Blues Music Awards) and provided more touring opportunities for Geoff in the UK and US.
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Geoff also performs a variety of blues, soul and folk styles including some world-class original songs as solar acoustic shows. Performing with a simple acoustic guitar he also includes fascinating stories and anecdotes that have led him from shy country kid to international touring artist. He tells of finding his first guitar and ultimately jamming with musical heroes in New York City. Geoff relates these tales with his lively sense of humour and encourages anyone with artistic ambition to dream big and follow their heart.

Local support act Gabe Chowanetz will be warming up the night with some guitar shredding antics.

Drinks at bar prices.
Strictly NO BYO alcohol.
Tix available at NEA or Trybooking until sold out.
Under 18's must be accompanied by a responsible parent/guardian.