Proposed Life Drawing Classes Mid-November 2010

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Anyone interested in LIFE DRAWING CLASSES starting mid November 2010 ?? Drawing the human figure from a live model.  Draw form, light, tone and shadow; try out contour, gesture and tonal drawing through a series of weekly art classes.  

Contact Tracey Cass for details on 0740696949

Below is a Youtube video illustrating Life Drawing.  Naturally some of those attending our Cooktown classes will be at a less expert level to start with.  

If you have always been interested in drawing then give it a try!

Cooktown Art 'Cube'

Check out the Coktown Art Cube on the What Makes Me website by clicking the link below. 

Cooktown Art:  What do you think?  Is this a good way to spread the word about us?

Elizabeth Guzsely Gallery Video Tour

Cooktown Country Show Was Colourful & Fun

Cooktown Country Show Monday 23rd August 2010 is supported by Cook Shire Council to showcases the produce of the local pastoral and horticultural industries. A range of activities, competitions and stalls, food, fun and attractions for the whole family to enjoy.

Art, craft, photography, horticulture and baking entries inside.  Local produce display - fruit and veggies and home brew.  Horse events, riding demonstrations and cattle, goats, chickens and ducks.  Kids enjoy the Animal Nursery where they can pet and cuddle some cute farmyard animals or Side Show Alley with rides and attractions.  Community group’s stalls to find out about services they offer.  Also a watermelon and pie eating competition. Refreshments at CWA Tea House and all your favourite food stalls from the local markets.

Celebration Jean Haack's 80th Birthday! Congratulations!

Jean had a great suprise!

Happy Birthday Jean!

A truly dedicated member of the Cooktown School of Art Society, Jean Haack, will be celebrating her 80th birthday on 16th August 2010.  She will be on duty in the Elizabeth Guzsely Gallery as usual that Monday.  

Jean was involved when the Cooktown Art Society was formed in 1978 by a group interested in improving their artistic skills.  In 1977 Elizabeth Guzsely who had arrived in Australia as a refugee came to live in Cooktown.  With a Diploma in Fine Art from Hungary she had the expertise and agreed to hold art classes for all those interested. Various venues were utilised for the classes; the local school, the Shire Hall, and the first exhibition of paintings was held in the then rather dilapidated RSL Building. Elizabeth had a dream of a gallery space for Cooktown. 

The small group of artists worked hard to raise sufficient funds to achieve this seemingly impossible goal.  Then it was discovered in old cadastral maps dating back to 1874, that there was a piece of land, which had once housed a School of Arts. Cook Shire Council records indicated that the land was officially reserved for this purpose by Government Gazette in 1879. Negotiations with the Lands Department resulted in a name change for the artist’s group to the Cooktown School of Art Society and cleared the way for construction of the long hoped-for gallery building on the site.  In 1988 the Cooktown Art Society became incorporated as the Cooktown School of Art Society Inc and the Gallery was officially opened.  

What started with a small group of hard working people interested in art has continued to be successful over the last 32 years thanks to the individual efforts of people like Jean.  

Drop in to say hi and wish her the best.  We don't see many volunteers with the dedication of Jean nowadays!

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Cairns Show 2010 Visual Arts Competition Results

The show also has more than 4000 competition entries in 26 categories including arts, crafts and livestock.  See the list of Visual Arts Winners Cairns Show 2010 Click link to view the list

Mareeba Art Society's 48th Annual Exhibition Results

PHOTO: "The Senate": a necklace by Jana Iriyadi

Water Colour Award.......................Ludij Peden
Oils Award....................................Marina Hooper
Acrylics Award..............................Narelle Boys
Sculpture Award............................Darryl Ely
Mixed Media Award.......................Elaine Seary
Drawing-any medium Award...........Mary McKenzie
Pastels Award..............................Louise Derry
Fibre Art Award............................Ann Leighton
Works in Clay-Wheel Thrown.........Lone White
Works in Clay-Hand Built..............Daly Alford
Woodturning Award......................Jim McConnachie
Works in Wood............................John Beasley
Jewellery Award...........................Jana Iriyadi
Glass Art Award...........................Esther Hodi
Mosaics Award, glass or ceramic..Joan Cairns
Photography-Portrait Award...........Eve Stafford
Photography-Scenic Award............Irene Shanks

Digital Art Award...........................Buck Richardson

Junior 6-11years
Art Award ...................................Sarah Harriman
Sculpture Award...........................Edward Phillips
Photography Award......................Edward Phillips
Encouragement Award..................Glen Cambage

Junior 12-17
Art Award....................................Joy Musch
Sculpture Award...........................Sarah Booth
Photographic Award......................Piper Lili Berry-Porter
Encouragement Award..................Hope Musch
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Winners 32nd Annual Art Exhibition 2010 Photos of Art Works

Winners Art Works

Photo shows pastel by Louise Derry titled 'Roy'

Winner of Elizabeth Guzsely Memorial Award for 'Best In Show' and also Winner of the Peter Pini Memorial Portrait Award

Anyone using Facebook can view all the art entries photos in this album 32nd AAE Entries

Or view on Flickr 32nd Annual Art Exhibition Album

32nd Annual Art Exhibition 2010 WINNERS of Art Awards

2010 Art Judge Paul Brinkman - Director Cairns Regional Art Gallery

ELIZABETH GUZSELY MEMORIAL AWARD "BEST IN SHOW" $800
Awarded to the artwork selected by the judge as the finest, most outstanding artwork entered in the exhibition, non acquisitive.

Winner: No 69 'Roy' - Pastel by Lou Derry

Section 1. COOK SHIRE AWARD $1,000
Framed painting depicting a recognisable scene within the Cook Shire. This award is open to Shire residents only and is Acquisitive. Any medium.

Winner : No 5 'Cooktown Waterfront' - Watercolour by Peter McGregor
Highly Commended:  No 6 'A Stroll Around the Lakes' - Oil by Trevor Maudsley

Section 2. ERGON ENERGY AWARD - CONTEMPORARY $500
Contemporary painting with any medium/subject, is open and non-acquisitive. Framed or unframed. Unframed works on gallery wrap canvas with painted edges.

Winner: No 11 'Grasslands' - Pastel by Lou Derry
Highly Commended: No10 'Earth Babes' - Mixed media by Christa Youngman

Section 3. HOPEVALE ART & CULTURAL AWARD Indigenous $400
Painting by a local indigenous artist, residing in Cook, Wugal Wugal and Hopevale Shires. Any subject, medium, non-acquisitive. Framed or unframed. Unframed works on gallery wrap canvas with painted edges.

Winner: No 32 'Fire' - Acrylic on canvas by Harold Bowen
Highly Commended: 
No 30 'Mungarruu & Garmbii (carpet snake and fruit bats) - Acrylic on canvas by Helen Gordon

Section 4. GREENFIELD MEMORIAL AWARD Black & White $300
Framed black and white, graphite, charcoal, pen & ink. Non-acquisitive, any subject open.

Winner: No 41 'Lure of a Beachcombers' Basket' - Graphite by Joanne Davis
Highly Commended: No 42 'Chubby' - Pencil by Elizabeth Josey

SECTION 5. COOKTOWN BOWLS CLUB AWARD Landscape $200
Traditional representational landscape painting in any medium, non-acquisitive, open. Framed or unframed. Unframed works on gallery wrap canvas with painted edges.

Winner: No 49 'Days End'- Pastel by Lou Derry
Highly Commended: No 52'Gently Flows the Normanby' - Oil by Trevor Maudsley

SECTION 6. WUJAL WUJA FAUNA & FLORA AWARD $200
Painting of animal and/or plant life in any medium, non-acquisitive, open. Framed or unframed. Unframed works on gallery wrap canvas with painted edges.

Winner: No 65 'Turtle - Breaching Over Sandbank' - Watercolour, mixed media by Michael Chatenay
Highly Commended: No 68 'Turtle' - Acrylic on canvas by Duka Gibson

SECTION 7.  PETER PINI MEMORIAL AWARD Portrait $200
Painted portrait of person or people in any medium, non-acquisitive, open. Framed or unframed. Unframed works on gallery wrap canvas with painted edges.

Winner and "Best In Show": No 69 ' Roy' - Pastel by Lou Derry
Highly Commende: No 71 'Rainy Day Girl Flicking Cigarette' - Watercolour mixed media by Michael Chatenay

SECTION 8. ENDEAVOUR LIONS YOUTH ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD $200
Open to high school age students only, painting with any subject/medium, non-acquisitive. Framed or unframed. Unframed works on gallery wrap canvas with painted edges.

Winner: No 74 'Grandpa' - Pencil by Zabrina Duncan
Highly Commended: No78 'Violets Love Dew' - Painting by Cheyenne Lee

SECTION 9. POBERAY MEMORIAL AWARD Miniature $150
Miniature Painting with any subject/medium, non-acquisitive. Maximum size of the painted image 10cm x 10cm, no larger than 20cm x 20cm with frame.

Winner: No 80 'Pink Ginger' - Acrylic by Christa Youngman
Highly Commended: No 83 'White Bowl' - Acrylic on Canvas board by Claudine Marzik

SECTION 10. COOKTOWN CREATIVE ARTS ASSOCIATION AWARD Textiles $150
Handmade textile art form, non-acquisitive. Hanging or freestanding works.

Winner: No 88 'Beachside' - Appliqued cotton by Wendy Ruscoe
Highly Commended: No 89 'Frond' - Hand dyed appliqued textile by Diana Burns

SECTION 11. CCAA & CSAS AWARD Handmade 3D Art-Form $300
Handmade 3 Dimensional art form, non-acquisitive. Hanging or freestanding works.

Winner: No 103 ' Mosaic Bamboo Mirror' - Glass and mosaic by Kim Fowler
Highly Commended: No 100 'Neptune's Garden II' - White stoneware by Gail Walker

32nd Annual Art Exhibition Opens Tonight

Drop into the Elizabeth Guzsely Gallery at 7pm tonight for the official opening of the exhibition and art awards presentations by our Art Judge Paul Brinkman, Director, Cairns Regional Gallery.

ENTRY FORMS - EXTENSION to 19th May

32nd Annual Art Exhibition 
Entries now closed

$5,000 plus in prize money up for grabs

Giant Spotted Sea Cucumber Sculpture a Hoax ‹(•¿•)›

Is this what a Giant Spotted Sea Cucumber Sculpture would look like? 

Don't worry!  Not going to happen!

Nicole Jakins - RADF Committee - is asking local artists and Cooktowner's to give feedback on public art for the Community Events Centre.

Any ideas? What would you like to see as public art in, on or around the centre? Think of things for the grounds, landscape, walls, spaces etc.

Go to the Community Events Centre Blog to leave comments and suggestions.

** Click on Comments at left to enlarge and read  **

Giant Spotted Sea Cucumber Sculpture for Events Centre ? ? ? ? ! ! ! No!

If you’re happy with the idea of installing a contemporary sculpture depicting a giant spotted Sea Cucumber outside the new Events Centre, then this message isn’t for you…

However if you’re not that fussed about this idea - then Cook Shire Community Events Centre would really be chuffed if you were able to give feedback on what public ....art you would like to see at the new centre.

This is an opportunity for local artists to have their say about possible art installations on the grounds and/or exterior walls/interior space of the building. Your feedback is vital.

Please…mull it over and get back to us. Email your ideas or make comments online at http://cookeventscentre.blogspot.com where the floor plans and concept designs for the centre are available. You can also jot down some notes [rough sketches would be fabulous] and slip them under the door of the Elizabeth Guzsely Gallery at 125 Charlotte Street.

Thanks for your time. Warm regards
Nicole Jakins Regional Arts Development Fund [RADF] Committee Member www.purpleshoes.com.au (in progress)

Guurrbi Tours, Cooktown: Yirmbal - The Creation Story

Guurrbi Tours, Cooktown: Yirmbal - The Creation Story

Judy Pomroy Acrylic Art Workshop Cooktown April 2010

Some of the acrylic paintings produced at Judy Pomroy's Acrylic Art Workshop in Cooktown. 

At the time these photos were taken the paintings were yet to be completed.  The close up pictures show what participants 'found' in a textured, coloured background created in stage one of the process.  When a decision was made the subject was blocked in and further enhanced by building up layers, contrast, highlights and form.

Judy Pomroy Acrylic Art Workshop!

The Judy Pomroy Acrylic Art Workshop held in Cooktown at the Elizabeth Guzsely Gallery was a great success.

All the art work produced was exciting and inventive.

Judy showed us how to use all types of acrylic mediums and painting techniques to create interesting and textural backgrounds as the basis for a found painting.

Have a look at more photos pf the paintings on Cooktown Art Facebook album.  The paintings are not completed at the time the photos were taken but it certainly gives you an idea.

Elsie Meyer and Betsy Carpenter Retrospective Exhibition

Now on at the Elizabeth Guzsely Gallery 125 Charlotte Street, Cooktown, an exhibition showcasing the paintings of Elsie Meyer and Betsy Carpenter.  Members of the Cooktown School of Art Society over many decades, Elsie and  Betsy passed away last year.  They are missed by fellow artists.  Over the years they contributed so much to the success of the art society and volunteered their time to run exhibitions and art workshops.  See the paintings of local scenes completed over the years at Cooktown Art on Facebook
Some paintings are for sale.

Flying Arts Workshop

Rain affected the turn out to the Cooktown Flying Arts Workshop 'Project Belonging' but those who attended enjoyed discussions with artists Alfredo and Isabel Aquilizan.  Working together a  layered cube sculpture was created to demonstarte the process.

Alfredo and Isabel have held successful exhibitions of 'Project Belonging' where cube sculptures in the hundreds are used to build a walk through structure. 

Hopevale and Rossville children enjoyed the 'In Flight Art Workshops' with good numbers attending.

Paul Brinkman Director Cairns Regional Gallery 2010 Art Judge

The Cooktown School of Art Society  CSAS has recently secured Paul Brinkman - Director of the prestigious Cairns Regional Art Gallery as judge of this years’ 32nd Annual Art Exhibition held in conjunction with the Cooktown Discovery Festival.

Paul is charged with managing the largest regional gallery in Far North Queensland, servicing an area that encompasses Cape York and the Torres Strait. Having 13 specialist staff, the gallery is recognised as one of Queensland’s most entrepreneurial regional galleries.

Paul’s tertiary qualifications include a Bachelor of Secondary Education in Art and Design, a Graduate Diploma in Management (Arts) and a Masters of Management (Arts and Cultural Management) through the University of South Australia. In 2005, he was selected by the Gordon Darling Foundation to participate in the prestigious Museum Leadership Program through the University of Melbourne’s Melbourne Business School.

Spokesperson for the CSAS Diana Burns said that “We’re thrilled to have someone of this stature come on board, raising the profile of the exhibition.  We’re equally pleased that Paul has seen that this community arts event is worth supporting and look forward to utilising his expertise as an arts judge”.

The Cook Shire Council has also pledged its support, by kindly donating the $1,000 prize for the Cook Shire Council Award, in which a painting depicting a recognisable scene of the Cook Shire will be acquired for its collection.

With a substantial prize pool of over $5,000, artists are encouraged to put their entries of painting, watercolour, sculpture and textiles in by Tuesday 11th May.  For entry forms go to: www.cooktownart.com.au, email cooktownart@bigpond.com.or phone 07 40 695 322.

Cooktown Local News - This Week Heather Willcox

Local artist, Heather Willcox took up a brush and started painting five years ago. Before this she was used to pottery but when she branched out into painting she discovered a relaxing pastime. Trying the mediums of acrylic, pastel and oils she started producing representational works that many admire. She is pleased if the works sell and is happy to pass on and share her interest at weekly painting get togethers at her home on Wednesday between 2 and 4pm. If anyone would like to join the Wednesday Art Group phone Heather on 40695691. Heather is a member of the Cooktown School of Art Society and the Cooktown Creative Arts Association and volunteers her time to assist both organisations. You can meet Heather at the Old Railway Building Arts and Craft Shop on Tuesdays. These photos of Heathers art works speak for themselves!

32nd Annual Art Exhibition 2010

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Cooktown School of Art Society  32nd Annual Art Exhibition 2010  Opening Night and Awards Presentations Saturday 5th June at Elizabeth Guzsely Gallery Categories Entry Form and Conditions of Entry Completed entry form in by Tuesday 11th May 2010 at 5pm WHEN: Exhibition Sunday 6th June to Monday 14th June 2010 WHERE: Elizabeth Guzsely Gallery 125 Charlotte Street Cooktown WHAT:  Judged Art Award Categories in eleven sections Elizabeth Guzsely Memorial Award for Best In Show Over $5,000 in prizes HOW:  Exhibition opening night Saturday 5th June 2010 Art Judge Paul Brinkman Director Cairns Regional Art Gallery WHO:  Cooktown School of Art Society Contact cooktownart@bigpond.com Ph 07 4069 5322 (office not always manned) ENTRY FORMS? Cooktown Library Elizabeth Guzsely Gallery (not always open) Cooktown Art Website - download and print - click link above Please read the conditions of entry re sizes, presentation, transport and limit of liability.

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Home Grown Talent Turning Heads

Cooktown Local News
Art Buzz Column
Wednesday 3rd February 2009

In May 2009 the new Hopevale Arts and Cultural Centre Nganthanun Bamawi Bayan Gallery opened.  The same year three Hope Vale artists, Evelyn McGreen, Joyce Jacko and Phylomena Naylor, graduated from Tropical North Qld TAFE having completing a Cert 4 in Arts.     Evelyn is working towards a Diploma in Visual Arts.

Evelyn McGreen is a Guguu Yimithirr woman of the Thupi Warra clan. She is the daughter of Roy and May Dick, who were moved away from Hope Vale mission by American forces as a precaution during World War II. Born in Woorabinda, Queensland n 1942, her family moved back to Hope Vale in the early 1950s. Evelyn is an accomplished basket weaver and has practiced and taught traditional arts and crafts her whole life.

Recently her art caught the national attention of collectors and curators resulting in an exhibition titled Wawu Bajin - Spirit Baskets at Fireworks Gallery in Newstead Brisbane 4 March to 10 April 2010.

The hand coloured lino cut prints produced in collaboration with Theo Tremblay and Paloma Ramos at Canopy Art-space Cairns and the Hopevale Arts and Cultural Centre show eight woven basket designs.

Manager of Hopevale Arts and Cultural Centre, Troy Dennis, says that these art works were first launched at the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair in August 2009.

The print folio was purchased by Parliment House Canberra for their permanent collection and by Queensland Premier Anna Bligh and Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin and can be viewed and purchased at the Hope Vale Arts and Cultural Centre

Evelyn is now working at Canopy Arts-space with master printer Theo Tremblay on a suite of etchings to go into the 2010 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair.

Any arty news?
Contact Faye's Mobile 0434356362 or email cooktownart@bigpond.com
Also check on line at Website http://cooktownart.com.au/ or Blog http://cooktownart.blogspot.com/

Art Opportunities

FOR INFORMATION RE BOOKINGS  Email Cooktown Art via web site http://cooktownart.com.au/
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Flying Arts Workshop titled 'Project Be-Longing' with artists Alfredo and Isabel Aquilizan will be held on Saturday 27th March from 10am to 4pm at the Elizabeth Guzsely Gallery.  Places limited to 15 so book early. 

The workshop will explore the experience of travel, relocation and reorientation.  Participants are encouraged to bring a collection of their personal items and create conceptually rich unified sculptures. The box shaped sculptures contain layers of precisely arranged personal possessions such as clothing, toy cars, books, photos, bags and shoes.  Placement, installation and individual stories will be explored.  The artists will work with participants to transform their possessions into 15 sculptures which will then be exhibited in the gallery.


Painting Class with Elizabeth Johns starts from 20th February to 13the March to run over four Saturdays from 1:30pm to 4:30pm.  Cost of $10 per person.  Bring your own art materials. The class will cover the basics of colour, composition, and perspective and will encourage students to unleash their creativity painting from still life,  photos, outside (landscape) and their own imagination. 

The RADF funded Judy Pomroy Weekend Mixed Media Painting Workshop will be held on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th April at the Elizabeth Guzsely Gallery.

To see Judy's work see web site: http://www.judyzart.com/

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Local Art & Craft Shop - SALE Now On!

In January 1991 a public gathering led to the formation of the Cooktown Creative Arts Association.  Their first meeting was on 13th February, 1991.

Many workshops and classes have been held over the years, including design, drawing, wood carving, poetry, art history, painting, life drawing, silk painting and stained glass to name a few.

In the beginning classes were held at the school, CWA hall, members’ homes and Gungarde hall.  After the enormous success of an exhibition of local art and craft run by the Cooktown Regional Action Group, the group took on the Art-space in lower ground floor of Kindergarten.

In September 2001 the Kindy moved so CCAA obtained the lease and the new Art and Craft Shop was open!  Located at the Old Cooktown Railway Station in Charlotte Street it is staffed by artists and volunteers.  The Art-space beneath is in use for workshops and with a gas kiln now installed, for firing pottery.

The shop provides local artists with a source of income, as well as a wonderful venue to showcase their talents.

Wood work, furniture, paintings, jewellery, stained glass, quilts, baskets, silk paintings, T-shirts, post cards, etched glass and photographs are tastefully presented in this space.

Friendly staff are at hand to welcome customers as they browse through the shop.  Supporting local arts and crafts is easy with such a marvelous range produced.

Meetings are 4.30pm the last Friday of each month.  Artspace is available for use.  Ph 4069 5794

Current SALE has 25% off yellow spot items!  

Includes cane baskets, jewellery, timber furniture, mirrors etc.

Also new books have arrived in store!

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Photos on Photosynth Website

Go to Photosynth Website to view Kid's APT on Tour photos ina different way - like a 3D display.  Cool!

Kid's APT participants - Saturday 16th January 2010

Kid's APT on tour in Cooktown! What a Great Day!

On Saturday 16 January 2010, Cooktown hosted a free day of art activities simultaneously with the Queensland Art Gallery, as part of the Kids’ APT Summer Festival.  Website: http://qag.qld.gov.au/exhibitions/current/apt6/kids_apt/kids_apt_on_tour.  The Kids’ APT on Tour featured interactive activities for children and families created by a number of artists in the exhibition, including Ayaz Jokhio, Minam Apang and Runa Islam. All the materials to create the art using the different themes was provided free of charge and posted to Cooktown by the Queensland Art Gallery Gallery of Modern Art.  The projects were developed to reflect the themes of the Asia PacificTriennial exhibition and offered children and families insights into contemporary art across the Asia Pacific region.  The children who attended in Cooktown were enthralled and excited by the many art activities.  Creativity was very high and the results as seen in the photos show that the children produced many exciting and fun art works.  The adults were just as interested in participating and creating.  The day was a lot of fun.If you are able to open this site at Photosynth Kids APT it is also worth a look.

The Art Buzz Column Cooktown Local News Wednesday 13th January 2010

Cooktown Local News

ART BUZZ COLUMN

Lucky Cooktown is hosting the Kids’ APT on Tour program from the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art's sixth Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art.
Everyone with kids is welcome to attend a day of free activities at the Elizabeth Guzsely Gallery, from 10.30am-2.30pm Saturday, January 16.
The session will include drawing, craft and interactive activities developed by leading artists from Asia, the Pacific and Australia. 
This offers children and families insights into contemporary art and lets you express your creativity in new and exciting ways.
Activities include making a thaumatrope (optical toy); paper fruit language puzzle; a plane from everyday materials and found objects; a picture using Asian scripts; self portraits and a Funky Buddha. 
If we get a DVD/TV and computer on the day, we will view art films H the Happy Robert 2009 by Ho Tzu Nyen; Elsewhere and Trail by Hiraki Sawa, and a interactive computer program Patterns of Infinity by Monir Shahroudy.
With this kids event, we will be re-opening the Elizabeth Guzsely Gallery for 2010, following the Christmas and New Year closure to allow our hard-working volunteers to have a holiday. 
As we are staffed by volunteers we can't always open the doors every day, so any locals interested in manning the gallery for a couple of hours will be welcomed with enthusiasm!

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Lea Stevens in Art Buzz Column in Cooktown Local News

'Art Buzz' weekly column inaugural edition, in Cooktown Local News

By Faye Pini.
Ph 0434 356 362
Email cooktownart@bigpond.com

Wednesday December 16th 2009

Artist's First Solo Exhibition On Show

Local artist Lea Stevens is gaining increasing recognition for her paintings of animals and the environment as related to her indigenous cultural heritage. 

As a member of the Cooktown School of Art Society and volunteer at the Elizabeth Guzsely Gallery she has been successful with sales of her paintings and attracted a lot of interest from locals and visitors to Cooktown.

Now she has her first solo exhibition titled 'From the Land, Through the Rainforest, to the Sea'.  Two paintings sold on opening night, Friday 4 December and the exhibition is showing until Tuesday 19 January, at the UMI Art Gallery Martyn St, Cairns.

Lea comes from a large family of nine children with links through her father to the mbarbarum and Yedinjie groups and through her mother to the  KuKu Yalanji, and Guguu Yimidthirr. 

She first took an interest in art in the 1980's after watching family members painting and making artifacts. 

Lea says her uncle Joe and aunt Betty ran an Aboriginal arts and crafts shop, Anuaka, where they sold all their art work.  They encouraged her to paint boomerangs and clap-sticks and the tools the ancestors used.  She observed older cousins and local murris making and painting these artifacts. 

In 2007, Lea picked up a paint brush and started painting with acrylics on canvas. 

At the Naidoc celebration in Cairns Lea's sister helped to get a stall together where they sold family art works,  It was a real confidence boost when her art work sold to tourists and locals, and one of her paintings was purchased by a gallery owner. 

Lea then had a showing of her work at the Cooktown Art Festival, and later at Cardwell’s Land and Sea Conference Festival where she also did well.   

With the opportunity to showcase her paintings in Cairns, Lea's artistic career continues to develop.  Any locals who have the opportunity should call into UMI Art Gallery and support a talented new local artist.

Meanwhile, Cooktown's Elizabeth Guzsely Galley is closed for the summer and will reopen on January 16.

As volunteers are on holiday or out of town we don't have the staff to open on a regular basis - but the galley can open for a group that needs a place to meet or is interested in running an event. 

The gallery is in the centre of town, has a small kitchen area, tables and chairs, toilets and parking out the back. 

Anyone who wishes to make use of the gallery for a community event please phone me on  0434 356 362 or email cooktownart@bigpond.com as the members are open to other groups in town using the venue.  And please contact me with any and all 'art' news for this weekly column.

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