resford News G
The
News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys
March 2012
‘Boot Hill’ goes to Dungog
Boot Hill featured at the launch of the James Theatre Window Exhibitions in February.
F
our or five years ago Rodney and Angus Hipwell put up a ‘Boot Hill’ sign and a few old shoes on the dairy fence. Since then the boots have increased to about 1000 by anonymous donations and a selection of them have made their way to the James Theatre in Dungog. ‘The Lost Soles of Boot Hill’ is the first window exhibition at the James and launches a program of interesting and quirky, creative visual exhibitions in the Theatre windows. Curated by Brian Doherty, the exhibitions will be installed during periods when the foyer is not being used. At the opening on Tuesday 28 February Brian thanked the Hipwell family for their generous spirit with the creation of ‘Boot Hill’. “The result is an anonymous but truly public artwork that has a great sense of humour and freedom and obviously connects with people. At one stage a chair was put out near the Boot Hill sign and visitors of many nationalities have been seen to stop, go over to the chair, and have their photo taken. One person was seen running along the road... went over and got a pair of shoes to wear then kept running. He returned the shoes the next day. Some shoes have messages or just names have been written on them.”
“It makes a good start to the window displays... it’s fun and relates specifically to the local region. I’m looking for proposals for future installations – anyone can put in a proposal so long as they enter into the sense of good hearted public display. Send your idea to PO Box 73 East Gresford, or call me on 0412 372 687”
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