Peter Lawson: Retrospect | Exhibition Summary | 2016
Exhibition Summary: Peter Lawson: Retrospect
Gallery Services Shane Fitzgerald Eric Nash Erwin Cruz Louise Cummins Rob Donaldson Jo Stacey Holly Grech-Fitzgerald Carly Sheil Andrea Schutz Sarah Welch Leonardo Valero Rurik Henry Jess Cuddihy Sarah Reddington Ruth Hughes Wendy Bainbridge Danielle Berry Damian Cumner Jillian Macfie Denise Weightman Kelly Bianchi
Manager Gallery Services Curator Exhibitions and Collection Coordinator Education and Programs Coordinator Digital Media and Exhibition Design Coordinator Team Leader Administration Gallery Services Collections Management Officer Digital Media and Exhibition Design Officer Digital Media and Exhibition Design Fellow Public Art Officer Exhibitions Officer Exhibitions Officer Education and Programs Officer Education and Programs Assistant Administration Officer Administration Officer Arts Officer Gallery Assistant Gallery Assistant Gallery Assistant Gallery Assistant
Cover Peter Lawson Townsville, Australia b.1946 Dry in the Bush [detail] 2009, oil, 82 x 107 cm Winner - Section 1 Open Award (acquisitive) from the Townsville Art Society 53rd Annual Art Award Acc. 2009.96 City of Townsville Art Collection Photo: Holly Grech-Fitzgerald
Contact Perc Tucker Regional Gallery Cnr. Denham and Flinders St Townsville QLD 4810 Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm Sat - Sun: 10am - 2pm
(07) 4727 9011 ptrg@townsville.qld.gov.au www.townsville.qld.gov.au @TCC_PercTucker PercTuckerTCC
Pinnacles Gallery Riverway Arts Centre 20 Village Boulevard Thuringowa Central QLD 4817 Tues - Sun: 10am - 5pm
(07) 4773 8871 pinnacle@townsville.qld.gov.au www.townsville.qld.gov.au @TCC_Pinnacles PinnaclesTCC
Contents OVERVIEW
PUBLIC PROGRAMS AND EDUCATION
DOCUMENTATION
VISITOR FEEDBACK
MEDIA AND MARKETING
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OVERVIEW
Overview Looking back, history will recognise Peter Lawson as one of the most prolific painters from, and of, the Townsville and greater North Queensland region. Born in Townsville in 1946, Peter Lawson grew up in Nelly Bay on Magnetic Island, and was schooled in Townsville. Family, both immediate and extended, played a defining role in Lawson’s career. The only son of Albury and Daisy, Lawson showed an interest in art at a very early age. He once remarked, “my mother tells me I always had a pencil in my hand.” Recognising not only an interest but also a natural gift, Lawson’s parents set him on the path to becoming an artist by enrolling him in a correspondence course at age 11, in which he was taught ‘the fundamentals of perspective and colour theory.’ As a representational artist, these key pillars informed much of his career. Lawson explains, “Art should be definitive and communicative. The work of an artist is to give a very clear and effective message to the viewer.” It is fitting that this major exhibition celebrating a lifetime’s achievement in the arts was staged as we entered Townsville’s 150th year celebrations in 2016. Indeed, Lawson’s career as a professional artist has spanned more than 50 years - longer than Perc Tucker Regional Gallery has been open. In a difficult industry, Lawson has endured on the back of his determination and talent. His love of Townsville and the outback - the land, its people, and its history - are immediately evident in exploring his formidable catalogue of works, of which a fine selection were displayed in this survey exhibition. Particularly, Peter Lawson: Retrospect provided examples of the artist’s skills in numerous genres; Landscapes and Seascapes, Florals and Still Life, Portraits, Historical Scenes, and a new series exploring Light. The exhibition Peter Lawson: Retrospect was fitting recognition for a leading Townsville artist who has never been broken in his dream of living as a professional artist. For more than 50 years he has plied his trade, developing a loyal base of supporters and gaining critical acclaim through exhibitions and prizes across the country. The affection with which he is held in the community was evident in the strong response to the show, both in terms of visitation with 6,586 guests recorded, and the glowing remarks made in passing and in the visitor comments book about the exhibition. Beyond the skill of the artist evident in the works on display, audience members also frequently remarked on their appreciation of learning more about the artist through a short film developed for the exhibition, and in having access to Lawson’s knowledge and talent through workshops, artist talks, and painting demonstrations.
OVERVIEW
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Peter Lawson: Retrospect Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4 December 2015 - 7 February 2016
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PUBLIC PROGRAMS AND EDUCATION Top: Peter Lawson works with participants in his Palette Knife workshop. Bottom: Participant completing a colour exercise as part of Peter Lawson’s Palette Knife workshop.
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Gallery Services is committed to promoting engagement with the arts and its program of exhibitions through the delivery of a series of public and educational programs, each sitting within either the Creative Communities, Creative Classrooms, or Creative Spaces themes of the Visual Arts Strategy. A number of programs were scheduled and delivered to coincide with the major exhibition Peter Lawson: Retrospect, involving the artist, or hosted by Gallery staff, which further emphasise this committment. Gallery Services’ appreciation of the artist’s time in attending the exhibition and engaging with visitors throughout the exhibition display must also be noted. This certainly contributed to visitors’ engagement with and appreciation of the exhibition. Programs arranged to complement Peter Lawson: Retrospect included: Peter Lawson Guest Lecture Creative Classrooms Program Peter Lawson delivered a talk about his art practice as part of Gallery Services’ Guest Lecture Series to Year 7 and 8 students from Southern Cross Catholic College. Thursday 26 November 2015 Attendance: 110 Peter Lawson: Retrospect Exhibition launch A celebration of the launch of Peter Lawson: Retrospect, opened by Councillor Jenny Hill, Mayor of Townsville. 7pm Friday 4 December 2015 Attendance: 239 guests Floor Talk: Peter Lawson Creative Communities Program A floor talk provided for guests by the artist, Peter Lawson, to provide greater insight into the works and his career. 10.30am Saturday 5 December 2015 Attendance: 15 guests Exhibition Tours Creative Communities and Creative Classrooms Programs Delivered throughout the exhibition by arrangement and led by Gallery staff. Tours were provided for University of the Third Age (U3A), the Endeavour Foundation, and Community Rehab North Queensland. Various Dates Attendance: 23 total
Live Painting Demonstrations Creative Communities Program Members of the public were invited to watch and speak with the artist Peter Lawson as he provided live painting demonstrations at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery. Sunday 6, Sunday 13, Saturday 19, and Sunday 20 2015 Attendance was not measured, however the program was popular, with the artist frequently drawing crowds of 10 or more patrons to view him working Palette Knife Painting with Oils Workshop with Peter Lawson Creative Communities Program To coincide with his exhibition, Peter Lawson delivered a workshop series to share his skills and techniques with fellow artists, students, and members of the Townsville community. The course covered colour theory, still life, and en plein air painting. Saturday 30, Sunday 31 January, and Saturday 6 February 2016 Attendance: 30 guests
PUBLIC PROGRAMS AND EDUCATION
Public Programs and Education
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DOCUMENTATION
DOCUMENTATION
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Documentation Please find on this spread and the following pages a selection of images taken from the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery display of the major exhibition, Peter Lawson: Retrospect and its associated programs.
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DOCUMENTATION Top: Peter Lawson: Retrospect. Bottom: Peter Lawson: Retrospect.
DOCUMENTATION
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Top: Peter Lawson: Retrospect. Bottom: Peter Lawson: Retrospect.
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DOCUMENTATION Aquapella World Music Choir entertain guests following speeches at the official launch of Peter Lawson: Retrospect.
DOCUMENTATION
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DOCUMENTATION Artist Peter Lawson provides a live public still life painting demonstration for patrons during the showing of Peter Lawson: Retrospect.
DOCUMENTATION
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DOCUMENTATION Artist Peter Lawson provides an artist talk about his practice for patrons during the showing of Peter Lawson: Retrospect.
DOCUMENTATION
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Visitor Feedback VISITOR FEEDBACK
With over 6,500 visitors to the exhibition, it was inevitable that a wealth of visitor feedback was recorded.
Indicative of patrons’ appreciation of the exhibition, 261 comments were left in the Gallery’s guest book, of which 99.6% were positive accounts.
Many compliments for the exhibition were paid in passing to staff and volunteers at the Gallery, while others preferred to leave a more lasting tribute.
A very small selection of our favourite comments are provided below and overleaf.
Bravo Peter! Your art speaks to me. Roz. R.B. - 4887 Exquisite art representative and authentically evocative of the history and landscape of Townsville, extraordinary portraits. Love ‘Australian Life’ esp. Jewel Vercoe Rainbow My wife and I have three of Peter’s works - this exhibition confirms my belief that Peter Lawson is world class! Peter Malpas - 4819 A great overall exhibition - I’m so glad you followed your dream. Lillian Cunningham - 4817 How beautiful! These paintings really highlight the beauty of Townsville and surrounds. I will be letting friends know about this exhibition. Debbie G. and D. Airlie - 4817 and 4812 Excellent exhibition. Variety, memories, history of past places, scenes, events. Graham Bright - 4812/4819 Inspirational. Love the demo!! Cathy and Jeff Glindermann - 4850 Incredible work! So pleased to have been able to view it. Peter you are a marvel. Elizabeth D. - 4819 Another way to discover Townsville! Amy P. Quentin - France Wonderful exhibition Peter - so proud of you - a Magnetic Islander with such amazing ability. Rick Braley - 4819 I really enjoyed watching Mr Lawson paint. It was inspired. Thankyou. Lucas McClelland Superb. A wodnerful career Peter. Enjoyed it immensely. John Pratt - 4810 So great to see the magnificent collection of paintings from an amazing local artist. Lachland - 4817
VISITOR FEEDBACK
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Peter Lawson Townsville, Australia b.1946 Richard Magoffin c. 1985 oil on canvas board, 59.5 x 45.5 cm Courtesy of Joe Goicoechea Photo: Shane Fitzgerald
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This is the most tastefully presented exhibition I have seen at any gallery and it is a fitting tribute to Peter, a man faithful to his art and a valuable ambassador for Townsville. Noel - 4817
VISITOR FEEDBACK
Townsville captured in a beautiful way! Simone Standal What a delight - past, present and forever (hopefully). Lynne Mortan - 4870 A wonderful exhibition which enthralled myself and 3 of my children (12, 10, 6). The video interview added very nicely to the exhibition. Nikki - 4812 We think Peter’s paintings are fantastic and very detailed. The video is interesting and gives a personable insight into the artist. Very good, thanks. Raymond and Ava - 4811 Lawson displays a part of Townsville, its nature, and its heritage unlike any I’ve seen before. Brilliant. Ben Schuster - 4814 You’ve inspired me to paint again. Thank you for sharing your vision with the world. Caitlin O’Gorman - 4812 Fantastic. A wonderful, dynamic and educative gallery. M and A C - 4870 We met Peter Lawson at his home gallery on Magnetic Island yesterday and liked his work, and him. We then discovered there was an exhibition of his work and decided to visit and view it. G and A Nicolai - 4754 Wonderful. A balm for the soul. Jennifer Kennedy - 2750 You are my favourite artist. Keep up the good work! Matt and Susan Wailes - 4815 Wonderful insight into our town and region - masterful work. Thank you Peter. Deborah C - 4810 A great collection and a joy to be able to view it. Ann M - 6210 Talent and local! Brilliant. Good art, well displayed in a well-run gallery. Thank you. Robert Hainer and David Eyles - 4814 and 2617 Great inspiration! Well put together exhibition. Many thanks. Jill and Ralph - 2602 I am proud to be a Townsville person, knowing that we have a wonderful artist like Peter amongst us!! Wendy Robinson - 4814 Great selection of P.L. work over the years. He really relates to the city and surrounds. Jean - 4814
VISITOR FEEDBACK
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Patron admiring artwork at the launch of Peter Lawson: Retrospect.
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Media and Marketing MEDIA AND MARKETING
Media, marketing, and promotion through Gallery Services’ established mediums contributed to high levels of exposure for, and attendance to, the exhibition. Marketing materials and exhibition collateral which promoted the event, and assisted visitors in interpreting and enjoying the exhibition, included: •
2015 Exhibition Calendar, distribution of 10,000
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Invitation, distribution of 1,500
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Exhibition listing within the Townsville City Council website
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Stories in the December, January and February issues of Foreword, Perc Tucker Regional Gallery’s monthly e-news, combined distribution of 2,250
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Facebook coverage
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Twitter coverage
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Story in Townsville City Council’s Arts/ Culture/Events November - January quarterly newsletter, distribution of 10,000
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Listings and paid advertisements in Townsville Eye, Townsville Bulletin’s weekend social liftout
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DUO Magazine exhibition listing
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Listing in November/December and January/ February editions of Art Guide Australia
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2 x banners on Perc Tucker Regional Gallery facade
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Local Radio promotion and coverage by local TV stations
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Posters at Gallery front and along Flinders Street
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Photo and article, Townsville Bulletin, Monday December 7
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Photo and article, Townsville Bulletin, Tuesday December 15
Left: Media clippings Right: Building banner
MEDIA AND MARKETING
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Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4 December 2015 - 7 February 20 Image Peter LAWSON Townsville, Australia b.1946 Dry in the Bush [detail] 2009 Oil, 82 x 107 cm Acquisitive -Townsville Art Society 53rd Annual Art Award | Winner-Sect ion 1 Open Award Acc. 2009.96 City of Townsville Art Collection Photo: Holly Grech-Fitzgerald
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