The show stopping exhibitions keep on coming at Artspace Mackay
In what has already been an exciting year for Artspace Mackay, the gallery’s next two exhibition opening from May 6, the Ranamok Glass Prize 2010 and Clem Forbes: Recent Additions to the Mackay Regional Council Collection, are sure to impress local audiences in the Mackay region.
2011 has already seen unforgettable exhibitions from prominent international, national and local artists, ranging from works of photography and printmaking to interactive installations and street art.
The highlight exhibition opening next week in the McAleese Gallery is the Ranamok Glass Prize 2010, which helps to break down the gallery stereotype of showing classic works on walls and introduces residents to the world of contemporary glass art.
Ranamok brings the best of contemporary glass from Australia and New Zealand.
Now in its 16th year, Ranamok aims to encourage creativity, skill and innovation in contemporary glass from Australia and New Zealand and has become a pivotal event in the Australian visual arts and craft calendar.
Community Services and Facilities portfolio councillor Karen May said attracting over 100 entries throughout Australia and New Zealand in 2010, this exhibition displays stunning contemporary glasswork from the award’s finalists and includes the winner of the valuable annual prize.
Complementing Ranamok in the Artspace Mackay Foyer is, Clem Forbes: Recent Additions to the Mackay Regional Council Collection.
Renowned local artist, Clem Forbes was a major driving force behind the visual arts in Mackay.
Cr May said although Mr Forbes passed away before he saw the realisation of his dream that the Mackay region would one day have its own regional gallery, his legacy remains intrinsically linked with both the region and its gallery.
“In 2009, Mackay Regional Council accepted two generous donations of a number of Mr Forbes’ works,” she said.
These works, displayed for the very first time at Artspace Mackay, showcase a wide cross-section of his practice, spanning approximately 20 years of his career, and ranging from synthetic polymer and oil paintings to pastels.
Works on display highlight a period of Forbes’ life when he was most active as an artist (throughout the mid ‘70s and mid 80’s).
Themes such as the rainforest and tropical lifestyle are present in his works as he celebrates living in the tropics and his unique experiences in the Mackay region.
Both exhibitions will be on show at Artspace Mackay from May 6 until June 26, 2011.
Residents are encouraged to join Artspace Mackay for an inclusive insight into the Ranamok works on show when glass artist and expert, Emma Varga presents a floor talk on her contribution to the exhibition on Saturday, May 7.
On Saturday (May 7) meet the collection from 10.30am, followed by Emma’s floor talk at 11am.
For more information contact Artspace Mackay on 4961 9722 or visit their website www.artspacemackay.com.au.
Contact: Mackay Regional Council
Phone: 1300 MACKAY (1300 622 529)