Into the Wild | Troy Emery: Exhibition Summary

Troy Emery: into the wild | Glencore Children’s Exhibition Summary | 2014

Exhibition Summary:

Troy Emery: into the wild Glencore Children’s Exhibition

Sponsor

Cover TROY EMERY Roma, Queensland, Australia born 1981

Saint Euphemia 2013 Acrylic yarn, polyurethane mannequin, pins, hot glue and painted timber base 130 x 50 x 64 cm

Gallery Services Shane Fitzgerald Eric Nash Sarah Welch Michael Pope Rob Donaldson Jo Stacey Holly Grech-Fitzgerald Carly Sheil Alex Shapley Tegan Ollett Nic Horton Wendy Bainbridge Gillian Ribbins Danielle Berry Michelle Littman Patricia Dunn Damian Cumner

Rurik Henry

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 Exhibitions Officer Education and Programs Officer Education and Programs Assistant Administration Officer Administration Officer Arts Officer Gallery Assistant Gallery Assistant Gallery Assistant Gallery Assistant

Courtesy Gould Galleries Photo: John Brash

Awards Strand Ephemera 2011

Winner Festivals and Events Award Townsville Airport North Queensland Tourism Awards 2012

Strand Ephemera 2013

Winner Best Tourism and Events Communication Award Government Communications Australia Awards for Excellence 2014

Brick by Brick

Highly Commended Temporary or Travelling Exhibition Level 2 Award Museum and Galleries National Awards 2014

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

OVERVIEW

PUBLIC PROGRAMS

EDUCATION

MARKETING AND PROMOTION

DOCUMENTATION

DESIGN

VISITOR FEEDBACK

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Exhibition Summary Troy Emery: into the wild Glencore Children’s Exhibition

TROY EMERY Roma, Queensland, Australia born 1981 Something I Overheard 2013 Polyester pompoms, polyurethane mannequin, glass eyes, plastic earliners and hot glue 48 x 45 x 18 cm Courtesy of the Artist, and Martin Browne Contemporary, Sydney Photo: John Brash

Exhibition Summary Troy Emery: into the wild Glencore Children’s Exhibition

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Overview The 2014 Glencore Children’s Exhibition, entitled Troy Emery: into the wild, was displayed at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery from 29 August – 19 October 2014.

The exhibition showcased the stunning works of Melbourne-based artist Troy Emery, an objectbased sculptor who creates suites of artworks – primarily ‘soft sculpture’ works – investigating the history of human’s relationship with animals, and how these relationships are underpinned by our ability to give meaning to them.

Of particular interest to Emery is the tension between decoration and representation, with humans seeing animals not only as living creatures, but also as decorative objects. Pets decorate living spaces, furs decorate the body, animal patterns decorate furniture, taxidermy decorates the museum diorama, and hunting trophies decorate the hunter.

As natural specimens or species, his animal sculptures are impossible combinations of form, colour, and materials. They can only exist as hypothetical or mythological animals. What fascinates Emery about these areas of investigation is that there is, especially historically, a place for fantastical, fake animals.

The exhibition was made possible thanks to the enthusiasm and participation of the artist, Troy Emery, the generosity of major sponsor Glencore, and also the kindness of those who loaned or assisted with the loan of works spanning the last 10 years of the artist’s career; Martin Browne Contemporary, in particular Dean Andersen; Gould Galleries, in particular Jacqui Fraser; Martin Browne; Sue Cato, and Rebekka Carey-Smith from the Cato Council; and Dr Craig Johnson. Gallery Services offers its thanks to all those who made Troy Emery: into the wild possible.

As anticipated, the exhibition proved to be extremely popular, attracting 11,171 visitors during its showing. Its popularity ensured coverage in local and national media and industry publications. Upon the exhibition’s conclusion, 100% positive feedback had been recorded in the Gallery’s visitor comments book, while countless fond accounts of visits to the Gallery were shared with Gallery Services staff.

Throughout Troy Emery: into the wild, children and visitors were invited to go on a safari adventure of Troy’s magnificent creatures, and along the journey learn about the artist, art theory, soft sculpture and textiles, animals, and the roles humans have assigned to them over time. The exhibition was complemented by educational resources, incorporated numerous interactive activities, and spawned a host of public programs tailored specifically to families.

This Exhibition Summary is presented to concisely outline the Programs and Education components, Marketing and Promotion conducted, provide visuals of the exhibition, display a selection of the Design materials developed which expanded upon the exhibition and its themes, and provide a selection of the Visitor Feedback received.

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Exhibition Summary Troy Emery: into the wild Glencore Children’s Exhibition

Programs Numerous programs and events were held during the staging of the 2014 Glencore Children’s Exhibition, Troy Emery: into the wild, to encourage the broader engagement of the Townsville community and visitors to the region. A summary of the programs and events is provided below: Intimate VIP exhibition preview 6.30pm Friday 29 August 2014 Attendance: 100 This event was for the enjoyment of Gallery Services’ Friends of the Galleries members, and the major sponsor Glencore’s staff and invitees. Townsville was fortunate to have the artist, Troy Emery, in attendance. A jovial event, the evening encouraged animal-themed dress or costume, featured a face painter, and the musical stylings of drum quarter WASSA: Rhythms of West Africa.

Animal Stories 11am every Saturday and Sunday throughout the exhibition Attendance: 36 15 intimate readings of children’s animal themed books by Gallery staff and volunteers in the exhibition’s reading room, held free for families.

Artist Talk 11.30am Saturday 30 August 2014 Attendance: 12 A free artist talk and visual presentation by the artist Troy Emery about his arts practice.

Birds and Other Creatures launch 10am Saturday 6 September Attendance: 40 Exhibition launch of Showcase show by local artist Laura Castell, coinciding with major exhibition and linked through animal theme.

Free Family Fun Days 9am - 11am every Sunday throughout the exhibition Attendance: 273 Free, drop-in art activities linked to the exhibition theme, and soft sculpture targeted at young families.

Art-box 10am - 11am on the third Tuesday of every month Attendance: 21 This program is designed for under 5’s, mums, dads and carers. Set in a playful and creative environment where children are introduced to a range of art techniques related to the exhibition on display.

Art Escape School Holiday Program September/October School Holidays Attendance:56 5 workshops delivered by local artists for School students during the holiday period.

Exhibition Summary Troy Emery: into the wild Glencore Children’s Exhibition

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DANIEL CHRISTIE, Refinery and Port Operations Manager - Glencore, speaks at the VIP exhibition preview of Troy Emery: into the wild

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Exhibition Summary Troy Emery: into the wild Glencore Children’s Exhibition

Education Through the Creative Classrooms theme of Gallery Services’ Visual Arts Strategy, the organisation develops, implements and monitors a series of programs targeted at primary, secondary and tertiary students and arts educators in the Townsville Region.

The annual Glencore Children’s Exhibition not only provides a great experience for young families in Townsville, but also a key Exhibition to which a number of Creative Classrooms programs can be linked. As well as developing a free activity booklet, and a thorough Education Resource which was distributed to all primary and secondary schools within the Townsville region, the exhibition saw the following Creative Classrooms programs delivered: Guest Lecture Series Troy Emery at Heatley Secondary College Attendance: 17 Guest lectures target every secondary school in the Townsville region and it is anticipated that each secondary school will receive at minimum of one guest lecture during a calendar year.

Exhibition Tour Kirwan State High School exhibition tour Attendance: 17 Exhibition tour guided by Gallery Services staff.

Exhibition Tour University of the Third Age (U3A) Attendance: 7

Exhibition Tour and Workshop German Play Group Attendance: 9 Exhibition tour guided by Gallery Services staff, followed by a specially designed workshop linked to themes and techniques within the exhibition.

Exhibition Tour and Workshop Endeavour Foundation Attendance:10 Exhibition Tour and Workshop St Patrick’s College Early Childhood Class Attendance: 21 Exhibition Tour and Workshop Koolkuna Kindy Attendance: 32 Exhibition Tour and Workshop Playmate Vacation Care Attendance: 8 Prep Story Time Various schools including Kelso State School, Good Shepherd Catholic Community College, Vincent State School, and Garbutt State School Attendance: 246 A four day, multi-school program of tailored tours and workshops.

Exhibition Summary Troy Emery: into the wild Glencore Children’s Exhibition

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Exhibition Summary Troy Emery: into the wild Glencore Children’s Exhibition

Marketing and Promotion An extensive media and marketing strategy was put in place, which resulted in high levels of exposure for the exhibition.

Marketing materials and exhibition collateral developed by Gallery Services to promote the event, and assist visitors in interpreting and enjoying the exhibition, included: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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Billboard Exhibition invitation/program, distribution of 2500 VIP launch invitation insert, distribution of 1500 Activity booklet, distribution of 2500 Activity sheets, distribution of 1500 Education resource, distribution to all Townsville region primary and secondary schools Facebook coverage Twitter coverage Instagram coverage 3 x large banners on Gallery façade Front door sticker design Title wall vinyl Large format posters in Gallery frontage and along Flinders Street Family Fun Day posters Profile in Townsville City Council’s Experience It Live (Arts, Culture, and Events) enews Profile listing in Townsville City Council’s Experience It Live (Arts, Culture, and Events) calendar within City Update Cover image and listing in Townsville City Council’s Experience It Live (Arts, Culture, and Events) August – October quarterly newsletter, distribution of 10000 Listing in Art Guide Australia September/ October publication, distributed nationally Inclusion (#2) in Art Guide Australia’s weekly list of the top 5 exhibitions to see in the country, distributed nationally Double page feature article in nationally distributed publication Textile Fibre Forum, distributed nationally Full page feature article as part of Gallery Services’ monthly Articulate column in September issue of DUO Magazine

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Stories in the August, September, and October editions of Perc Tucker Regional Gallery’s monthly e-news Foreword, combined distribution of 2250 Local television coverage on WIN and Channel 7 Interview promoting the exhibition on local radio station 4K1G Interview with the artist promoting the exhibition in the lead up to its launch on ABC Local Radio Article in Sun Community Newspaper Article in Townsville Bulletin, Monday September 15 Advertisement in Townsville eye, weekend lifestyle liftout in the Townsville Bulletin, Saturday August 30 Advertisement in Townsville eye, weekend lifestyle liftout in the Townsville Bulletin, Saturday September 6 Advertisement in Townsville eye, weekend lifestyle liftout in the Townsville Bulletin, Saturday September 13 Advertisement in Townsville eye, weekend lifestyle liftout in the Townsville Bulletin, Saturday October 4 Advertisement in Townsville eye, weekend lifestyle liftout in the Townsville Bulletin, Saturday October 18

Exhibition Summary Troy Emery: into the wild Glencore Children’s Exhibition

TROY EMERY INTO THE WILD

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Perc Tucker Regional Gallery Townsville 2014 Glencore Children’s Exhibition

Through not only Emery’s amazing sculptures, but a host of educational resources, developed didactic panels, and interactive elements within the exhibition, Troy Emery: into the wild is designed to encourage younger audiences in particular to learn about the artist’s practice; his art and soft sculpture techniques; as well as animals and their various ‘prescribed meanings’, from early mythology to fashion and design to animals’ roles as companions - and modern movements accepting animals as equals.

Perc Tuck Regional Gearll ery

While chosen specifically for a children’s exhibition, Troy Emery’s unforgettable sculpture appeals to audiences of all ages er Flinders an and commands admiration fromCo a rn broad d Denham str t: eets, Townsville 4727 9011 audience. It remains on display at07 Perc QL e: ptrg@towns ville.qld.gov.a Tucker Regional Gallery until 19ww October. u w.townsville.qld .gov.au/facilit Mon to Fri ies/galleries/p erctuc For further information contact the Gallery10am–5pm, Sat and Sun 10am–2pm on ptrg@townsville.qld.gov.au, or visit www,bit.ly/ptrgtcc Information for this page provided by the exhibition curator, Eric Nash.

Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, Townsville’s premier art gallery, opened its doors in August to the major exhibition, Troy Emery: into the wild. The show is the 2014 Glencore Children’s Exhibition, an initiative which introduces children and school students from the region to first-class, conceptually rich and visually engaging artworks in order to stimulate greater participation with the arts and improve the level of visual arts education.

Donna Foley, Se t canvas and vinyl in stone in Foley Square 2014 . Dig sticker on persp ex, 80 x 80 cm. ital image on 18 July to 14 September Limina: the th reshold of expe Donna Foley rience

Troy Emery: into the wild centres on the vibrant and engaging sculptures of Melbourne-based artist Troy Emery, which depict animals as we’ve never seen them before.

Emery is an object-based sculptor who utilises a variety of soft sculpture materials and techniques akin to taxidermy, and presents his creatures using an impossible combination of form, colour and materials to explore the complex relationship between animals and humans.

His work is particularly centred on the history of our relationship with animals, and how it is underpinned by our ability to give meaning to them and use them in allegory and metaphors.

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Textile Fibre Forum

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Issue No.115, 2014

www.artwearpublications.com.au

Troy Emery, Su rpr polyurethane ma ised to see me 2013. Polyeste r nn 59 x 35 x 40 cm equin, glass eyes, plastic ear pompoms, lin . Courtesy the art ist and Martin Broers and hot glue wne Contempora 29 August to ry.

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Exhibition Summary Troy Emery: into the wild Glencore Children’s Exhibition

Exhibition Summary Troy Emery: into the wild Glencore Children’s Exhibition

Documentation Provided on the following spread are images from the exhibition Troy Emery: into the wild, and its associated program of events.

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Exhibition Summary Troy Emery: into the wild Glencore Children’s Exhibition

Exhibition Summary Troy Emery: into the wild Glencore Children’s Exhibition

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Exhibition Summary Troy Emery: into the wild Glencore Children’s Exhibition

Design A host of education/interpretation resources and promotional materials were designed to make the exhibition more accessible, expand upon its themes, and ensure its success by reaching the community.

A selection of those materials are depicted here and on the following spread.

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glencore children’s exhibitio

14 | 29 august - 19 october 20 perc tucker regional gallery

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SAFARI ADVENTURE TRAIL GUIDE

I Tr Ro Su Po ma and 59 x Cou Phot

29 August - 19 October 201 4 Perc Tucker Regional Gallery

Above: 24 Page colour illustrated Children’s Activity Booklet Right: Large scale A0 street promotional posters Opposite - Top Left: Free Family Fun Day promotional poster and flyer Opposite - Bottom Left: Colourful Animal activity sheet Opposite - Right: Illustrations for mix ‘n’ match animal activity station within the exhibition

Troy Emery Waiting Forever 2013

Polyester pompoms, polyurethane mannequin, glass eyes, plastic earliners and hot glue 46 x 42 x 28 cm Courtesy of the Artist, and Martin Browne Contemporary, Sydney

Perc Tucker Regional Gallery Cnr. Denham & Flinders St Townsville QLD 4810 (07) 4727 9011 ptrg@townsville.qld.gov.au www.bit.ly/ptrgtcc

Opening Hours Monday - Friday: 10am - 5pm Saturday - Sunday: 10am - 2pm @TCC_Perc Tucker PercTuckerTCC

Exhibition Summary Troy Emery: into the wild Glencore Children’s Exhibition

FREE FAMILY FUN DAY

AT PERC TU CKER REGIONAL GALLERY

Free art makin g activity for ch ildren!

All materials pr ovided.

Drop in for 5 m inutes or 2 ho urs, Children must be accompani ed by an adult at all times.

9 - 11am ever

y Sunday durin

perc tucker reg ion

glencore childr en’s exhibition

al gallery | 29

Perc Tucker Regional Ga llery Cnr. Denha m & Flin 07 4727 901 ders St, Townsville 1 ptrg@townsv ille.qld.gov.a www.bit.ly/pt u rgt @TCC_PercT cc uck /PercTuckerT er CC Monday - Frid ay: 10am Saturday 5pm Sund Closed Public ay: 10am - 2pm Holidays

Image: roy Emery oma, Queenslan d, Australia bor n 1981 urprised to See Me olyester pompom 2013 s, polyurethane annequin, gla ss eyes, plastic earliners d hot glue. x 35 x 40 cm urtesy of the Arti st, and Martin Browne Contem to: John Brash y , SydnneyTro . yoporuraryow

louring the NIMAL COLOURFUL A Emery-style animal by co Create e below! animal shap

ry Regional Galle Streets Perc Tucker and Flinders Cnr. Denham 4810 QLD Townsville (07) 4727 9011 .gov.au

ker @TCC_PercTuc PercTuckerTCC s Opening Hour y 10am - 5pm Monday - Frida ay 10am - 2pm ays Sund Saturday d Public Holid mission, Close

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august - 19 octo

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29 august - 19 onal gallery |

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Exhibition Summary Troy Emery: into the wild Glencore Children’s Exhibition

perc tuck er region

glencore

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children’s

| 29 augu

exhibition

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Exhibition Summary Troy Emery: into the wild Glencore Children’s Exhibition

Above: 3 x large banners displayed on the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery façade Right: Troy Emery artist talk promotional flyer Opposite - Top Left: Education Resource Opposite - Top Right: Example of the 9 interpretive didactics included in the exhibition Opposite - Bottom: Die-cut exhibition invitation

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ARTIST T A WITH TR LK OY EMER Y

DATE: S atur TIME: 11 day 30 Augus t 2014 .30am

WHER

E: Perc Join Mel Tucker bo RSVP: Regiona arts prac urne based ar (07) 472 l tis tic 7 9011 Exhibitio e as part of th t, Troy Emery fo e 2014 n, Troy r a talk abou Emery: Glencor sculptor t hi in eC s , Emery to the w ild. An ob hildren’s grew up Masters in Toow ject-bas of Fine oo Art from ed Sydney mba and has Troy Em a College er of the Ar betwee y: into the wild ts. n animal explores s and hu animals the com mans, w plex rela not only ith hum as living and as ans ofte tionship de th n vi and taxi corative object ings, but also as com ewing s throug dermy. panions, h fashio n, patte rns

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Perc Tu ck Cnr. De er Regional Ga nham llery 07 4727 & Flinders St, To 90 wnsville ptrg@tow 11 nsville.qld www.bit .gov.au .ly @TCC_P /ptrgtcc erc /PercTuc Tucker kerTCC Monday Saturda Friday: 10am - 5p y Closed - Sunday: 10am m Public Ho - 2pm lidays

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Image: Troy Emery Roma, Qu eensland , Australia Friend 20 born 1981 12 High den sity taxide rmy foam, 59 x 22 x polyester 37 cm pompom Courtesy s, glass eye of the Artist, s, plastic ear Photo: Jen and Martin liners and ni Carter Browne Con teeth. temporary , Sydney.

Gallery

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Exhibition Summary Troy Emery: into the wild Glencore Children’s Exhibition

Visitor Feedback With over 11,000 visitors to the exhibition, it was inevitable that a wealth of visitor feedback was recorded.

Many compliments for the work were paid in passing to staff and volunteers at the Gallery, while others preferred to a leave a more lasting tribute.

Indicative of patrons’ appreciation of the exhibition, 123 comments were left in the Gallery’s guest book, of which an astonishing 100% were positive accounts.

A very small selection of our favourite comments are provided below and overleaf.

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Lovely idea, certainly makes the day brighter!

Icha and Riccardo (4810)

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I thought it was awesome and wonder how long it would take to make one. <3 Madeleine Madeleine

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Our Cub SCout Pack really enjoyed the exhibit and learned a lot about the different pieces and the meaning behind them. We look forward to coming back in the future.

Belgian Gardens Scout Group (4810)

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Colourful and great ideas for kids Chris Greenwell (4814)

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Great for kids and adults Annie (4814)

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Very beautiful and fun to look at. Kids loved it Hannah (4810)

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Fantastic lifelike poses and a sense of movement in each piece. Well done!

Di Cook (4814)

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Wonderful colours and imagination. Would love to see what the mannequins look like before they are transformed Louise Simmons (4810)

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Lovely change to gorgeous colours for the kids and adults alike. Thankyou Wendy and staff John T (4810)

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Loved it. Love the textures, my son loved the bright colours Renee (4815)

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We are teenagers but the kids show was really cool. xoxo Ben, Moniquay, Rachel (4818, 4812, 4811)

Exhibition Summary Troy Emery: into the wild Glencore Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Exhibition

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Exhibition Summary Troy Emery: into the wild Glencore Children’s Exhibition

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Excellent. Wonderful use of colours and shapes. Lets the child in us all smile. Thankyou Robyn (4812)

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AWESOME!! But very hard not to touch :) Coolest part of my day so far!

Christine Horstmann and Morgan Abel (4810)

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Beautiful exhibition. Very calming and the interactivity, especially the french knitting was a wonderful experience Cassandra (4815)

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Absolutely positively amazing Emily (4817)

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Great. Beautiful colours used, we loved it! :) Amazing way to look at animals Lucius, Lea and Mum (4815)

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Amazing and such insightful works on animals Rena Pearson

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Very bright, informative and lots of activities for kids Anita Martini (4814)

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Awesome - brilliant curation. Inviting. Thanks!

Theresa and Sarah (2282)

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Good shows - upstairs, downstairs and on the stairs. Thank you for the free art!

Phil Bates

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Troy Emery display awesome, kids loved it :) Thanks!

Bree

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How talented and patient - brings smile to my face Jean (4814)

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Fantastic, love all the activities for kids to do Megan (4818)

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Most amazing, intricate creations. Details of creatures are breathtaking. Magic Sophie C.J (4810)

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Children enjoyed looking at all the different animals. Wonderful use of pom poms. Very colourful Chilton family (4818)

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Wonderfully creative and thought provoking. Thank you Bev and Don Fernance, Scarlett and Jo (4817)

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Excellent exhibition - really enjoyed all facets!

Barry, Chris and Toby (4208)

Exhibition Summary Troy Emery: into the wild Glencore Children’s Exhibition

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So beautiful. My Granddaughter and family enjoyed this so much. Very interesting Louise (4887)

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Troy Emery exhibition was excellent. We had a great time - thank you!

Andrea (4814)

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Great, my girls aged 11 and 10 enjoyed it. They enjoyed the creativity and life in the animals Tanya

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Colourful, inspiring exhibition. Great for kids and adults!

Batt Family (6390)

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Bright. History information interesting Grace (2460)

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I love it!! Best display EVER!!

Lee Johnson (4814)

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Colourful and beautiful patterns that will brighten up everyone’s day!

Ben den Hartog (The Netherlands)

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My soul feels nourished - thank you Rebecca O’Leary (5452)

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Awesome. 2 year old loved it. Was very enjoyable, please have more like it :) Amy, Justin, Angus, Scottie and Christine (4815)

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Absolutely adored it, amazing. Should really do a dragon, that would be awesome!

Lili and Taylah

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Fantastic, a great alternative to toy shops and computer games Fran

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