Click on  the poster image to go to the online exhibition!

​Title       : Greta Thunberg leading the Next Generation  (work in progress)
Medium: Oil on canvas
Artist     : Tim Bowtell
 
Although this painting is not finished – there is more to do, the artist Tim Bowtell has kindly agreed to the request to exhibit it for this collection of NEA Studio Artists’ work.
 
This is a traditional painting with a contemporary and topical subject. Actually, the idea of a traditional painting with a contemporary and topical subject is traditional as well. Artists such as Delacriox, David, Picasso, Arthur Streeton and Juan Davila and an army of others have successfully stung the public consciousness with artworks which bring timeless ideas and values to the fore.
 
Jacque Louis David’s  “The Oath of the Horatii” (1875) depicted a Roman patrician holding swords upward for his sons to take in commitment and pledge to defend Rome. Originally exhibited in the Paris Salon, the painting created a great controversy which carried across to the evolving political climate in France at the time. 1875 was the year of the establishment of the Third Republic in France. The painting now stars in the Louvre.
 
Arthur Streeton painted “The Last of the Messmates” in 1928. The painting depicts a lone tree standing in a cleared landscape. Cleared as far as the eye can see. The land is littered with the trash of the former Dandenong Ranges forest. Streeton and the Australian painters of his “Impressionist” group focussed on the Australian land, the environment and its particular beauty. “The Last of the Messmates” was a protest painting, foretelling the end of the forestation of the Dandenongs – once called the lungs of Melbourne….
 
The centre of this composition is Greta Thunberg. The three figures on the ground in blue suits raise their arms and form a pyramid composition drawing the eye to Greta. Behind Greta are her followers. They are all young. She leads them away from the devastation of the landscape ravaged with fires and polluting smoke. The blue suited figures in the foreground attempt to stop Greta, but her eyes are firmly raised above their entreating arms. One of the raised hands holds a lump of coal.
 
This painting was commenced well before the current fire season began. Some people will find it quite unsettling.

The two untitled works by Simon Klose  in NEA's current 'Upstairs Downstairs' exhibition do not refer to any specific experience or subject. They are intended to be autonomous experiences in their own right, although others may understand them through their own associations or experiences.
 
The works are intended to be read as an ‘object’ and a ‘subject’ where the object and subject are as close as possible to being the same. They employ the traditional relationship of viewer and subject, although they differ in that the smaller is closer to a pictorial representation whilst the larger work is enhanced by the wall on which it is located.
 
What may be experienced by a viewer at best will reflect the many and layered processes and decisions which have led to the present works. The process of their making employed sensing as well as thought, a form of engagement that best communicates making and meaning that is embedded there in the work. A work is completed to attain a ‘truth’, not simply a preference or a liking – that comes from having a primary objective in mind.
 
Then, I naturally discover beauty as well, so the traditional trilogy of perception, truth and beauty is there.

Simon Klose
Studio Artist 
Exhibitiions Coordinator
​

​‘#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

'Upstairs, Downstairs' exhibition, NEA Exhibitions Gallery,  12 January  to  7 March 2020 

In 2019 the 'Lessen the Pollution, Better Their Lives'; 'Identity', 'Postcards from New York's Hudson Valley', 'Postcards to New York' and 'Creativity Untamed' exhibitions all resulted from applications to exhibit at  NEA. 

We would like to invite artists or groups from NEA or the community to showcase work in our large Exhibition Gallery space in 2020.  There is a very reasonable weekly room hire fee; Curating and organising all aspects of the exhibition are the responsibility of the artist/s or group, with mentoring provided if required by NEA's Exhibitions Coordinator, Simon Klose. 

The NEA exhibitions for the year have not been finalised - quite a few months are still free. Applications will be considered based on availability.

Please refer to the Exhibitions Application below for details.

If anyone has any requests or theme ideas for NEA exhibitions this year,  please contact  Simon Klose 0412 545 656

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.  

​$50 is an exhibition of artworks by members of the North East Artisans made or selected to meet the Christmas Season’s tradition of giving gifts and presents which are thoughtful, individual and have high personal and human value. Although the price of the artworks is fixed at a ridiculously low $50 – this is meant as a humorous and ironic gesture – it is the choice of the artists to determine their own contribution to the equation of principles and ideas.
​
Don’t expect works to be glazed and framed = although some may be – but expect a great gift opportunity provided by people who share the North East with us and want to provide a positive human contribution to the seasons character.

Simon Klose 

This slide show is under construction - More to come!

We've just received the news that the Postcards response show is opening later today (November 9) at Beacon Arts Riverwinds Gallery in New York.   Love the title = 'Air Mail:  Artist Postcards from Oz'.  We've received first image, along with a link to the exhibition information on the Gallery's website.  If you are planning a trip to NY, the show runs through to December 8.  Find out more:  https://beaconarts.org/events/air-mail-artist-postcards-from-oz/

It's almost time for the end of year exhibition of work by students from the Flexible Learning Centre, which is scheduled for Tuesday 19 to Saturday 30 November. 

This round up of April's exhibition of work 'Kaleidoscope of Colour' on the NEFLC website is interesting to read.  (Click on the image for a clearer view).

The Wisdom and Experience exhibition held at NEA during Seniors Month proved to be a reflective and valued experience for many visitors to the Exhibitions Gallery..

A People's Choice award of $200 was shared by Berni Hurst, for her work 'Down the Hillside' and Cathy Pianta, for her oil pastel 'Freedom'.  Honorable Mentions were accorded by the people to Bruce Buckley for 'Love'', Mary Kennedy for 'Cleopatra' and Rob Matthews, for Memories of Coming Home;

Berni Hurst wrote about 'Down The Hillside'  ' It's amazing how resilient our Bush is after a Bushfire.  The new growth coming up in stark contrast to the Blackened tree trunks and Rocks.  The smell of the Bush and beautiful colours of the Australian Bushlands have always fascinated me as is evident in this piece.'  

Like Berni, Cathy Pianta received votes for both her works, however 'Freedom' was awarded the joint winner. Cathy wrote about 'Freedom', (Oil pastel on board 2019) "The striking combination of strength, colour, youth and beauty in the face of a young West Papuan independence fighter (2019) prompted my attempt to capture this.  ' 

Broken River Painters who exhibited in Wisdom Experience this year included Jan Burge, Jacquelie Durand, Carol Perry, Norah Waghorne, Marian Wroe and Lee Voight.  Jan, Jacqueline, Carol, Norah and Marion are pictured in this gallery of photos with Denise Ellison, Rob Matthews and Cathy Pianta.  

A major component of Benalla’s Seniors Festival, the exhibition “Wisdom and Experience” presents the work of over forty senior artists within a special theme..
 
The wide range of subjects and media is initially quite amazing. But after reading a few of the artists’ statements it becomes clear that the whole exhibition is a wonderful story of thought, care and the wise assessment of what counts in life and the world we all share.
 
From the beauty of a tranquil lakeside setting, with a sole individual communing with the majesty of nature to the over life size couple sharing and embrace with real affection and dignity, the exhibition is an uplifting revelation of the value of a life well lived and an inspired artwork well produced.
 
Visitors can vote for their favourite artists and make a donation to the people’s choice prize. Its very voxpop, but here at NEA we believe visitors will be quietly moved and deeply impressed  at the depth of talent and thought Benalla’s community can draw together.
 
Wisdom and Experience was officially opened by Cr Barbara Alexander AO with additional remarks by NEA's Exhibitions Coordinator Simon Klose..  The exhibition, which received finding support from  Aged Friendly Benalla, runs until 26 October. Most of the works are for sale at very reasonable prices. Add to your store of Wisdom ….

Wisdom and Experience Exhibition 2019
Exhibitions Gallery (Gallery 2)
8th to 26th October
Tuesdays to Fridays 9 - 4; Saturday 9 - 2
 
For further information contact
Simon Klose, Exhibition coordinator 0412 545 656 

​The 'Postcards to New York' exhibition at NEA came to an end on Saturday 28th September.  Exhibitors, their family and friends, and members and friends of NEA farewelled the postcards at a celebration on Friday 27 September.   We will include news of the installation and exhibition at the Riverwinds Gallery in Beacon, New York, in upcoming news posts. Just a sample from the 83 postcards contributed to  this community exhibition. and international postcard exchange: .

Friday night. It was a mild evening; the departure lounge gallery was quietly filling with members and friends. Light music from the talented Benalla Guitar Ensemble floated across the room. Wine and finger food circulated.
 
The pictures on the wall were gathered together, ready to go, a lot of them, over 60 works. Compared to the pictures which came across from New York to Benalla, the local products look slightly wild, off the wall and energetic, ready for anything.  Did I hear them humming there on the walls?
 
When they hit New York, crowded onto the gallery walls, telling their story to anyone who will look, I think the message will be loud and clear. Energy, invention, directness and a staggering diversity of image and subject. It’s a great message and a great project. Congratulations to the artists and the curator Irina Korotkow... look out New York….

Simon Klose
Exhibitions Coordinator

BogARTS is a group of Strathbogie residents wanting to practice and promote the imagination in all her wonderful guises.

This year BogARTS have taken on the running of the Strathbogie Art Show, part of a week long art festival being staged by BogArts from the 1st to the 9th of November 2019. The Festival kicks off with a grand opening on Fri 1st then public exhibition on the 2nd and 3rd . From Saturday 2nd to Sunday 10th there will  be an outdoor sculpture walk . The week caps off with spoken word, singing workshop and a Gypsy Punk Masquerade Party with Hello Tut Tut – all on Sat 9th.
 
There is a link to the  BogARTS Entry form below.  Please note - entries close at 4pm on Friday October 4th!   
 
More information is available at https://bogartsfestival.org/ or contact
 
John O’Brien
0439 818 366
https://bogartsfestival.org/

The Exhibitions Team is calling for entries for NEA's second ‘Wisdom and Experience' exhibition, 'an exhibition of the work of older artists focused on their observations of our world through their art and craft'.  The exhibition opens on Tuesday 8th October, with works to be delivered to NEA on Sunday 6th and Monday 7th October from 10am  to 12 midday. 

'Wisdom and Experience' 2019  is open to older artists (over 55 yrs) who live within the North East Artisans catchment’ area of within 100 kilometres radius of Benalla.

Each work is to be accompanied by a text outlining the motivation behind or the significance of the subject for the artist/craftsperson.

This second 'Wisdom and Experience' exhibition continues to bring forward the special advantages in wisdom and experience that comes with age.   Benalla has a high proportion of older people in its population and this event is one of the ways this advantage can be brought forward in a positive and engaging way.

The exhibition runs in NEA's Exhibitions Gallery from 8th to 26th October, with an opening celebration on Friday 11th October from 5.30 to 7.30 pm.. Special tours will be available to visiting groups.