| Artwork in Five Categories |
|---|
| 1. Watercolour / Gouache |
| 2. Oil / Acrylic |
| 3. Mixed Media |
| 4. Drawing/Pastel |
| 5. Sculpture |
| In each category: |
| 1st PRIZE $500 |
| 2nd PRIZE $200 |
| Viewers Choice Prize |
| to the value of $300 |
| @ Byron Art Supplies |
| OPENING NIGHT: |
| Fri 8th August, 2008 at 7pm |
| with preview and |
| presentation of prizes |
| OPEN FOR VIEWING: |
| Fri 8th to Sun 10th August |
| Between 10am and 4pm |
| VENUE: |
| Ocean Shores Community Hall, Rajah Rd, |
| Ocean Shores |
Ocean Shores - 5th Annual Arts Expo / THEME: “BELONGING”
Ri in the hall 2006.
Guest outside painting 2006.
Spectators 2007.
| Support our Sponsors: | |
|
Andrew Sochacki - Solicitor C/- Eilliot & Sochacki Lawyers 97-99 Stuart Street, Mullumbimby, NSW 2482 |
18 June, 2008.
The Colourful Life Of Ocean Shores Arts Expo.
In 2004 a group of Ocean Shores residents who had bonded through organizing colourful and creative protests realized they needed a community event to continue bringing people together, but without the ‘opposition’ one has when fighting for a cause. They came up with the idea of an Arts Expo which would help express community ideas, ideals and local images, but in a free, positive and creative way.
The first Arts Expo was held in 2004 and the theme was “The Brunswick River Bridge” which at the time was under threat of demolition by the RTA to make way for a new super highway. One member of the committee remembered painting around the foreshores of Sydney in the ‘80s to find that in later years those paintings were historically valuable, as buildings and jetties had disappeared to ‘progress’. So the intention was, despite the inevitable demolition of the 70-year old little bridge which the locals cherished, we would help to preserve it and its memory by painting it. Therefore, today there exist about 80 paintings of the timber bridge spread around the region.
Our second Expo celebrated the Brunswick River itself, and the third expanded out to invite artists to depict “Colours of our Valley”. In 2007 as the world spoke through increasing disasters of the urgency of environmental awareness, we asked artists to paint on the theme “The Environment – Our Place, Our Face,” which produced some strong commentary about the fragility and beauty of the earth and our need to realign with its forces.
In 2008 the political year started with a deeply powerful and moving formal apology from the Commonwealth Government to the Aboriginal Stolen Generations. In the OS Arts Expo committee it was unanimous to theme our art show around this event. An Aboriginal person was quoted in the media as saying that the event should be commemorated each year as a day of Belonging. We adopted this title to invite our artists to give shape and form to this sense of belonging.
As a Lions project and with the support of generous sponsors, we are able to provide a high quality event for all the community. Professional artists to beginners, kids to elderly, all are welcome to enter artworks. It is inspiring for beginners to see their works alongside old-timers and for kids to exhibit alongside adults. Judges present awards in 5 categories at the Launch Party which this year is 7 pm on 8th August at the Community Centre. Every kids age group is awarded prizes.
Over the weekend art lovers and buyers have a chance to appreciate and buy affordable art from a huge variety of styles, sizes and prices. During the show there are two History presentations by local historians. This year is a special edition called “History of the Brunswick Valley through Black Eyes and White Eyes” hosted by Frank Mills and Lauren Jarrett. Local musicians give free performances, community art projects will be created and artists demonstrate paintings from start to finish. There is the popular Artists Café with home-baked goodies for a sit down and a cuppa.
This is a true community event, bringing all people together with a sense of belonging in a creative, fun, uplifting and inspiring event which is becoming a feature on the Regional Calendar. Every year it expands, with over 130 artworks and $3,500 in art prizes in 2007, and 1,200 people attending.
All are invited to attend the Launch Party and the Expo weekend to
participate in this premier art and cultural event, unique in the
region, breathing life through our collective creative spirit and
inspiring each other to experiencing deep connections to our unique
place and peoples.
by Ri Fraser