The Redlands annual celebration of its local arts groups, In Focus 2013, kicks off in December at the Cleveland and Capalaba galleries.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the event, which coincided with the key exhibition My Island: Textile designs by Oodgeroo Noonuccal (Kath Walker), highlighted the Redlands’ status as a vibrant regional cultural centre.
“In Focus 2013 is an exciting opportunity for a vivid insight into the outstanding contributions of talented local artists,’’ Cr Williams said.
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“The Redland Yurara Art Society, Coochie Art Group, Hilary Wakeling Art Group, Macleay Island Arts Complex, Russell Island Community Arts and The Old School House Gallery will be represented in this collective look at the Redlands’ thriving arts world.’’
Redland City Council Arts, Culture and Innovation spokesman Cr Paul Bishop said In Focus 2013 would be presented simultaneously at both galleries.
“It celebrates the wealth of artists living and working in the Redlands and the important role art groups play in the cultural life of the region,’’ Cr Bishop said.
“It also brings together diverse art groups, facilitating networking and collaboration between members across a range of media.
“Community connections are a vital part of creative arts events like this and it demonstrates our historic, present and future depth of talent is growing each day.‘’
The small scale art works are also ideal Christmas gifts.
In Focus 2013 opens at the Redland Art Gallery, Capalaba, on Monday 9 December and at the Cleveland gallery on Sunday 15 December.
My Island will go on show at the Cleveland gallery on December 15, with an opening by Cr Williams at 6pm on Friday 13 December.
The opening event will include a “welcome to country” by Aunty Joan Hendriks and a performance by Oodgeroo’s great grand-daughter Kaleenah Edwards. You can RSVP by calling (07) 3030 4163 or emailing [email protected] by Thursday 12 December.
There will be floor talks and morning tea with the curator artists from 11.30am on Sunday 15 December at Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland, for both exhibitions.
“My Island, a study of the textile designs of the late celebrated local author Oodgeroo Noonnuccal will be a feature,’’ Cr Bishop said.
“In the late 1970s Melbourne designers Robert and Ivana Perkins met with Oodgeroo on North Stradbroke Island to discuss plans for a range of textile designs for furnishing fabrics.
“Oodergoo infused the natural environment of Stradbroke Island in her creations.
“While the designs were further developed by the Perkins, Oodgeroo had final input and the resulting textiles hark back to funky Australian-flavoured 1950s interior design.’’
A large collection of fabric samples, pattern swatches, preliminary designs, photographs, correspondence and ephemera was recently donated to Redland Art Gallery by the Perkins through the Australian Governments Cultural Gifts Program.
