Nature is the focus at Sarina Art Gallery’s first exhibition for 2011

Be one of the first to see Sarina Art Gallery’s first exhibition for the year, next week on Wednesday, February 16.

The exhibition, Great walks: Art & environment will feature a selection of works created during a Great walks public art initiative of artist residencies carried out in conjunction with the development of six walking tracks by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Queensland.

During the initiative in 2005, residencies were carried out by nationally recognised Queensland artists in each Great Walk region where the artists created artwork within the landscape of the newly developed walking tracks.

For example, Glen Skien completed a residency in Eungella National Park, creating site specific artworks in response to the rainforest environment and conducted art and environment workshops for local aspiring artists. One of Skien’s works created during this time will be on display at Sarina as part of Great walks: Art & environment.

Community Services and Facilities portfolio councillor Karen May said pieces from the Great walks exhibition are based on the concept that art making has the potential to generate a point of union between nature and culture.

“All pieces on show were all created within, and in response to the environment of Mackay and the Whitsunday’s regions,” Cr May said.

The selected works showcase some of the finest contemporary art practices currently taking place in Queensland, including work by notable local artists Glen Skien, Ruth Parry, Holly Grech and Shane Fitzgerald.

Cr May said the Sarina Art Gallery nested in the Field of Dreams Parkland in Sarina alongside the Sarina Sugar Shed, Sarina Historical Centre and the Sarina Tourist Arts and Craft Centre is a great place for tourists and locals to stop and explore.

“It is primarily offered as a community exhibition space, open to all artists in the Mackay region to hold solo or group shows of their artwork, artists can reserve space by contacting Artspace Mackay,” she said.

All are welcome to attend Great walks: Art & environment opening celebrations to be conducted by Cr Karen May on Wednesday, February 16 from 6pm at Sarina Art Gallery.

The exhibition is on show for one week, 16-22 February. For school tour bookings, to RSVP to opening night, or for more information, please contact Artspace Mackay on 4961 9722.

Contact: Melissa Dunn

Phone: 1300 MACKAY (1300 622 529)