The brainchild of NEA's Exhibitions Coordinator Simon Klose, the $50 Christmas Exhibition is now underway in the Exhibitions Gallery (Gallery 2). Featuring works by NEA members, early sales are promising - new works will be installed as works sell! If something takes your eye, our Gallery Shop volunteers will assist you. 'NEA' merchandise fundraising products are occasionally offered for sale. A memorable product - the Between the Walls fringe festival event T-Shirt in 2017 - another the 'In Your Face' Portrait Exhibition's Poster collection, In late 2017 Cornelia's memorable 'Nudie' design was printed in a very limited edition poster to accompany a weekend life drawing workshop offered by Frank Burgers. . Then, early in 2018 a poster designed by Cornelia 'We are Here' began to be sold - this can be seen in the Foyer Gallery along with 'We are Here' cards which can be purchased in the gallery/shop. The idea of a T-Shirt which could be worn by artisan volunteers on duty in the gallery shop had often been discussed and this seemed a good time to do this. Cornelia suggested using the 'We Are Here' and/or 'Nudie' artwork for the T-Shirts. It was decided to use Cornelia's 'We Are Here' map design for a generic T-Shirt range and to use her 'Nudie' artwork for a more 'limited edition artwork' T-Shirt, perhaps the first in a series drawing on the artwork of NEA artists. Cornelia adapted her artwork for possible designs and colour ways. A meeting was held with Jason from local FOBIA industries to discuss designs, colours, sizes and more. Cornelia further refined the design work, sizes were decided on, and the order sent through to FOBIA. FOBIA were 'flat out', but promised they could deliver. The first day of our 'Brush with NEA' event arrived and Jason arrived early carrying a large box of T-Shirts. Pricing was finalised, signs written and Lise Darcy did a wonderful job counting stock then presenting it for display on Chris Seeley's 'board table' in the gallery. There was a swoop of early ordering by NEA artisans keen to have a Cornelia original nude or 'We are Here' T-Shirt to wear in the gallery. Initial prices - We are Here - $30; Nudie - $40, with a discounted price for early bird NEA Artisans and volunteer members With the Wall to Wall Benalla weekend fading into the distance, We Are Here' map design White & Black T-Shirts are now $25, 'Nudie limited edition Red T-Shirts for $30., . Printed by local FOBIA Industries, the T-Shirts are same brand as 2017's Between the Walls T-Shirt. Where to from here? Cornelia has suggested different colour ways for other 'editions' of 'Nudie', such as the following, which could also be be reversed with black T;s and white lines. The plan was to have them available throughout the year with no expectation of an early sell out, then if it seemed appropriate, do a reprint of the generic shirt and perhaps commission the work another artist for a new limited edition T-Shirt. Update 18/9 - It has been six months since the T-Shirts were launched at Benalla Wall to Wall 2018, most of them wintery non-T-shirt months, We still have quite a number of T-Shirts in stock, though stock available in some sizes, particular in the black range, is quite low. Occasional Blogger - BL Last 9 May 2018 Jenny Paull held a two day Pastel Workshop at NEA as part of 'A Brush with NEA' during the street art festival on the Labour Day weekend. Participants learnt to use underpainting techniques with water colour, acrylics and pastel to experiment with different effects in landscape and portraiture.another. Jenny's workshops are very popular, with a number of participants returning each time to continue to develop as pastel artists.
Maggie Hollins offered an eco-printing workshop on Saturday 10th March as part of NEA's 'A Brush with NEA' during the Wall to Wall street art weekend in Benalla. Eco printing is a direct print method that obtains colours from plants and creates beautiful designs on material. Participants, pictured learning the basics of eco printing with Maggie, created an eco-printed scarf. Photographs: Bev Lee and Helen Jeffree
A message from Meralyn Vincent from 'A Brush with NEA' team.
"Thank you to everyone, including Ruth Mollison, Edie, Kylie Pitts on the coffee cart, Justin and Simmon with the kids murals, Cornelia for her T-Shirt design and all the volunteers who put in hours during 'A Brush with NEA. (Please accept my apologies if I’ve missed someone) I just wanted to say THANKYOU for all the effort you all put in... it was a cracker of an event for NEA and I’m pretty proud of the results. We did a wonderful thing for the community and I feel like we’re on the map in a lot of people’s minds. High five everyone, Meralyn. A MARCH SPECIAL EVENT
A BRUSH WITH NEA complementing the WALL to WALL Street Art Festival March 9th-12th 2018 A selection of workshops and activities to celebrate the joy of creativity. Preparatory workshop for 'Paint Presto' with Janet Leith Create a painting or drawing of a Benalla building or street scene using selected techniques & mediums whilst working plein air. Students will be instructed through various approaches & techniques to develop confidence working out on the street. Paint Presto is an art event held in November at the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues where artists paint an artwork in a day and then exhibit the next. Intro to Jewellery Making with Sally Wallace Learn the techniques for making your own earrings, bracelet or necklace. This taster workshop is a chance to discover whether this hobby is for you. Gold Coin Donation for materials and use of tools. Felting with Annie Longmuir An all ages activity following a demonstration of felting a flower, you will be guided in making a felt bangle. Cost: $4. Eco Printing with Maggie Hollins Eco printing is a direct print method that obtains colours from plants and creates beautiful designs on material. In this workshop you will learn the basics of eco printing and create an eco printed scarf that you will love to wear. Wood Carving with Seamus Whittling wood has been around for as long as there have been implements with which to do it, stone, bone, bronze, iron. It is a gentle meditative activity where the doing is as important as the end result. Learn some basic cuts and how to use a knife safely. Have a go at shaping a piece of wood into something beautiful such as a small figure, or something useful such as a spoon. You might also want to let the wood inspire you to create an abstract masterpiece. The workshop will be run on an informal basis, with opportunities to watch before having a go, sit around and chat, and meet people. Making dragon eggs demonstration with Merv Beamish A magical demo on how to make your own Dragon Eggs. Personal Mandala Workshop with Meralyn Vincent A lovely opportunity to take time out. Commencing with a meditation to quieten the mind you'll be guided in creating a simple mandala arising from the stillness. Woodwork Demonstration with Chris Seeley Chris will demonstrate the creative skills of wood turning. Round Robin drawing with Frank Burgers A fun session of building upon what has come before... Graffiti Mural with Justin Hunter An all ages event guided by street artist Justin in painting a mural for one of our courtyards. Art Mural with artist and monk, Simmon Tan An all ages event incorporating Bhuddist and Australian themes in creating a courtyard mural for NEA. Keep an eye on this website for further details of dates and costs. If you are intersted in doing any of these workshops please register at the NEA front desk. |
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