the Art Gallery of Ballarat

This international exhibition draws from the extraordinary collections of the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford to tell the story of the artists, their lives and loves, bringing to life the world of John Ruskin, William and Jane Morris, Edward BurneJones, John Everett Millais, Holman Hunt, Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Lizzie Siddal.

Image: Marie Spartali Stillman, Cloister lilies, 1891. Watercolour and bodycolour on paper. Ashmolean Museum. © Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Entry to both Pre-Raphaelites: Drawings & watercolours and In the company of Morris exhibitions is included in your ticket.

Image: Elizabeth Pulie, Italian, 1994. Synthetic polymer paint on canvas. Purchased with funds from the Colin Hicks Caldwell Bequest, 2019. Collection of the Art Gallery of Ballarat © Elizabeth Pulie

Recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Craft and Folk Art, Ballarat is the perfect place to switch off and choose your own analogue adventure. Our creative undercurrent is inspired by a rich history of entrepreneurship and traditional trades, with a new generation of creators drawing on near forgotten art forms.

Explore Ballarat’s thriving creative culture with the new series of Made of: Ballarat Experiences led by award-winning local makers and creators. From gold leafing in a bluestone cellar to capturing moody backstreets on film, these hands-on adventures will help you unlock your creative potential.

Other experiences include:

Paint a pot or vase with Bridget Veld from Ivy&Coco.

DEL KATHRYN BARTON: INSIDE ANOTHER LAND & RED

May 20 – August 6

Renowned Australian artist Del Kathryn Barton’s work is a celebration of body, self and sexual expression, a wild celebration of fantasy and self-expression which lures the viewer in like the thrill of a peep show. Inside another land is a large series of photomontages inspired by 1920s fashion, Victorian era decoupage, 1940s pin-up girls, scrapbooking, and botanical illustration. The exhibition includes Barton’s short film Red featuring Cate Blanchett and Charmene Yap from the Sydney Dance Company, which explores sexuality, gender, and power via the mating rituals of the redback spider.

Image: Del Kathryn Barton, RED 2016. Still from high resolution digital video, 15 mins, patron’s edition 3/3 (film still). Image courtesy of the artist

STEPHEN DAVIDSON: GREATEST FISHING STORY NEVER TOLD

April 29 – July 16

American-Australian artist Stephen Davidson has drawn from his migrant experience and his travels to create a significant body of new work in different mediums including prints, drawings and ceramics.

Image: Stephen Davidson, Fisher and koi, 2021 Synthetic polymer paint on paper. © Stephen Davidson

Wild Clay Adventure

TAMMY GILSON: BEENYAK (BASKET)

June 29 – August 13

In this installation, Indigenous artist and weaver Tammy Gilson recreates the lake floor of Lake Burrumbeet (Borombeet), a place of significance for her Wadawurrung ancestors. Drawing on her knowledge of traditional weaving techniques, she depicts fish traps found on the lakebed and eel traps used within living places and waterways, awakening Wadawurrung life with adornments and woven pieces, documenting sustainability through the lived experience of her ancestors and contemporary life today.

Take an adventure off the beaten track with visual artists and ceramists Steph Wallace and Kirsten Ives at Lake Esmond, an idyllic spot that’s one of Ballarat’s best-kept local secrets.

Take a guided walk around the clay banks of Lake Esmond whilst learning about the social and geological history of the area and how to responsibly forage for clay in your own backyard.

After this, you’ll join Steph and Kirsten as they provide tools and equipment to help you make and decorate your own wild clay pottery piece.

Abstract Art And Ballarat Gin

Discover two of Ballarat’s hidden gems and unlock your creativity at this gin and botanical painting experience led by passionate painter, mixed media artist and art tutor Laura Day.

Draw inspiration from Mount Pleasant – Ballarat’s oldest residential suburb. Begin this experience with a flight of gin in the rustic warehouse of Kilderkin Distillery. Explore the various styles and botanicals used in their Larrikin Gin.

Continue the botanical theme by using Laura’s garden studio as the inspiration for your own negative abstract painting using natural elements as stencils for your creation.

artgalleryofballarat.com.au

From Wax To Wearable Jewellery

In this workshop, you’ll make your own unique piece of botanical silver jewellery under the guidance of Ballarat silversmith Claire McArdle.

In the eclectic surroundings of Windflower homewares and floristry store, learn about the process of lost wax casting to make personalised silver jewellery drawing inspiration from Windflower’s extensive range of botanicals.

Once you’ve created your models, Claire will expertly craft one into an ever-lasting silver ring, a pair of earrings or pendant.

Slow down and photograph Ballarat’s historical CBD buildings using an oldschool analogue camera with award-winning photographer Jacqueline Matisse.

Step back in time in a bluestone cellar to learn the art of embellishing vintage prints with pure gold leaf with art tutor and art therapist Linda Franklin.

Join local poet, performer and artist Megan J Riedl on a walking tour around Ballarat, where you’ll be inspired to compose your own poetic creation.

To explore the full series of creative and cultural experiences, visit madeofballarat.com