Program January to June 2018
Arts Space Wodonga With up to 10 exhibitions a year, Arts Space Wodonga offers a unique space for North East Victorian artists to present, discuss and communicate their practices to a growing local and national audience. Exhibitions extend from emerging and professional practising contemporary artists, to touring exhibitions and projects in conjunction with cultural organisations.
Cover: Born of the Land, 2014, Maree Clarke
December 1, 2017 to January 27, 2018
The Empathy Project Mary-Rose Riley and students from Wodonga West Children’s Centre
The Empathy Project is a creative collaboration between a group of young students and local artist Mary-Rose Riley. Through a series of workshops led by Riley, students explored the concept of empathy, understanding emotions (our own and of those around us), as well as the importance of building healthy relationships within personal networks. The multimedia installation at Arts Space Wodonga is the culmination of the visual, written and verbal activities undertaken by the students, as well as Riley’s body of work, developed during and as a response to this project. This exhibition forms part of the Wodonga Council’s involvement in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence. This global campaign seeks to raise awareness about violence against women and its impact on their physical, psychological, social and spiritual wellbeing. Free summer holiday workshop: NGV Kids on Tour and Arts Space Wodonga present a morning of children’s activities. Families are invited to create collages and experiment with folding, cutting and drawing. Visitors can take part in a collaborative board game containing physical challenges, trivia and drawing activities. Thursday, January 11, 2018, 10am to 12pm Book online: thecubewodonga.com.au/tickets All ages welcome (children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult).
The Empathy Project, 2017, Arts Space Wodonga.
February 2 to March 10, 2018
Inheritance Penelope Campbell
Opening: Saturday, February 3, 2018, 3pm Inheritance offers a tactile exploration into personal identity and genealogy. The multimedia exhibition comprises sculpture, recycled and reconstructed textiles and “inherited� objects found by Campbell. The crocheted and embroidered organic forms are suggestive of mutating cells - constantly transforming, altering in shape and spilling out of china teacups, ornate silver trays, vintage teaspoons and antique pocket watches. The gentle materiality of the pre-loved handstitched cotton, delicate lace and doilies evoke a physical attachment to our past, and also suggest our vulnerability to the unseen forces within our bodies. In Inheritance, the artist reveals her acknowledgment and acceptance of possessing an inherited gene mutation, discovered while researching her ancestry. Cell Mutation Creation: Learn new skills from Melbourne-based artist Penelope Campbell during a practical workshop where participants will collaborate to create an installation, later forming part of the exhibition. Thursday, February 22, 2018, 6pm to 7.30pm $5, bookings required, refreshments included. Book online: thecubewodonga.com.au/tickets Recommended for adults and teenagers 13 + Interactive table: Have fun with collage using repurposed antique and retro table linen, lace, embroideries and doilies to create new works. Recommended for children and families.
Heirloom in Time, 2015, Penelope Campbell, recycled hand-stitched doilies, embroideries, lace and polyfibre fill, hot glue and found replica fob watches.
March 16 to April 28, 2018
Regenerate Stephanie Jakovac
Opening: Friday, March 16, 5.30pm by Fleur Stelling Regenerate is a series of new paintings by Albury artist Stephanie Jakovac. Through a romantic and observed approach, Jakovac shines a spotlight on the ecological processes of destruction, regeneration and renewal after bushfire. Half of Jakovac’s works are painted on glass in reverse, a technique acquired during her visual art training in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Jakovac utilises this technique to capture the drama and gravity of bushfire. Juxtaposed with botanical studies of native flowers growing around Chiltern, Mount Pilot National Park and Nail Can Hill, Jakovac presents an enquiry that fuses careful observation and whimsy. Regeneration forum: Jakovac will reveal her inspiration in creating this series. Guest Ian Davidson, Director of Regeneration Solutions, will talk about healthy environments and restoration following bushfires. Naturalist Karen Retra will share her particular interest in the habits of native bees. Wednesday, March 28, 6pm to 8pm $10, bookings required, refreshments included. Book online: thecubewodonga.com.au/tickets Recommended for adults and students. Free kids holiday program - botanical art: Drop in to paint native plants with watercolour pencils. Wednesday, April 11, 10am to 12pm All ages welcome (children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult).
Acacia pycnantha (Golden Wattle) (detail), 2016, Stephanie Jakovac, oil on glass.
May 4 to June 2, 2018
Are you an artist too? Amber Stokie
Opening: Saturday, May 5, 2pm Are you an artist too? is an exhibition by Geelongbased artist Amber Stokie. Referencing her own experience of being a triplet, Stokie draws from a personal and unique collective consciousness to explore notions of shared and singular identity. Utilising performance, photography, drawing, digital collage and installation, Stokie has developed multiple visual languages that are constantly reshaped and reworked to evoke the complexity of relationship dynamics. Abstract and performative depictions of the artist interacting with her seemingly identical sister, powerfully convey experiences of separation, connectedness and interdependence. These depictions communicate the often fraught journey of identity development, as well as the universal pursuit of individualism. Interactive table: Complete drawing and writing activities with both hands to see how skilled you are using your non-dominant hand. Recommended for children and families.
Symmetry, documented performance 2016, Amber Stokie, photographic print bonded to aluminium.
June 8 to July 21, 2018
Maree Clarke Reimaging Culture: Contemporary Connections to Country
Opening: Saturday, June 23, 2pm Arts Space Wodonga is thrilled to present an exhibition of new and existing work by Mutti Mutti and Boon Wurrung artist Maree Clarke. This powerful collection of multimedia works continues Clarke’s focus on the revival of southeast Australian Aboriginal art and culture — reaffirming and revitalising lost traditions and signifying the rightful place of these practices within contemporary art. The exhibition celebrates the passing on of cultural knowledge and traditional art practices, with many new works being the result of collaborations between the artist and young members of her family. Clarke’s constantly evolving practice unites traditional materials, method and meanings with emerging technology as a means to immerse viewers and mesh the present with the past. Artist talk: Hear Maree Clarke talk about the processes and motivations surrounding her work. Thursday, June 21, 6pm Free. All ages welcome (children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult). NAIDOC Week: Join us for a free dance performance and morning tea to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements. Thursday, July 12, 10.30am to 12.30pm All ages welcome (children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult).
Born of the Land, 2014, Maree Clarke, video still.
Arts Space Wodonga events and workshops Arts Space Wodonga is a vibrant and accessible contemporary art gallery and multipurpose venue managed by Wodonga Council. Located in the heart of the central business area, the gallery sits within the prominent arts precinct incorporating the Wodonga Library and The Cube Wodonga performing arts centre. The one-room gallery is a professionally curated space that accommodates events including performance, dance, film and functions within a cultural context.
Music in the Gallery Arts Space Wodonga and Murray Conservatorium will collaborate once again in 2018 to present Music in the Gallery. Join us at Arts Space Wodonga as art and performance collide in this vibrant display of local talent. Tony Smith – Vocals and acoustic guitar Wednesday, April 18, 10.30am to 12pm Timothy Adkins – Classical and Spanish guitar Wednesday, May 23, 10.30am to 12pm Please book online: thecubewodonga.com.au/tickets $5 per person, $20 schools (per class), $30 group bookings (maximum of 10) Morning tea included All ages welcome (children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult).
Fridays on My Mind Relax and unwind at Wodonga Council’s Fridays on My Mind with live music and performances, art and craft activities and gourmet food and drinks available across the cultural precinct, encompassing The Cube Wodonga, Wodonga Library and Arts Space Wodonga. Rockquiz: Join Grooveyard Hammond Combo for live music and trivia. Friday, March 2, 2018, 5.30pm to 8.30pm Test your skills and knowledge to challenge yourself. Session times: 5.45pm, 6.15pm, 6.45pm, 7.15pm and 7.45pm All ages welcome (children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult). Cocktails and Nails: Turn your fingernails into works of art. Friday, April 6, 2018, 5.30pm to 8.30pm Take inspiration from the flowers in the exhibition Regenerate and rejuvenate your nails with floral designs. Cocktails 18 + All ages welcome (children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult).
Talk and Tour Arts Space Wodonga is a unique learning space that provides the opportunity for educators and students to explore our current exhibition. Designed to complement the exhibitions, our talk and tours encourage visitors to engage with artworks through in-depth considerations of exhibition, themes and artists. Opportunities are given to discuss artworks, their cultural and social contexts and possible interpretations. For schools, the Talk and Tour program can be aligned with VCE visual and studio arts units. By appointment only. Free Enquiries: (02) 6022 9600 For primary and secondary school students.
Leisa Whyte, Education Officer, conducting a Talk and Tour during Susie Losch’s exhibition Soap Opera, 2017.
Art Buzz Art Buzz offers hands-on art making opportunities for preschool-aged children. It is a weekly program that enables children to work with materials and themes that relate to the Arts Space exhibition. It is a fun way to be engaged with and introduced to the gallery environment and gives visiting children and their families a chance to mix with other families who love art. Fridays during Victorian school terms 10.30am to 11.30am $5 per family Enquiries: (02) 6022 9600 For three to five-year-olds with their parent or guardian.
Just Paint Drop in after school to just paint! Get creative with a variety of painting materials and tools. Just Paint is perfect for kids who love art and want to experiment with a variety of ways to express themselves creatively. Wednesdays during Victorian school terms, 4pm to 5pm $10 per child per session, materials included. Enquiries: (02) 6022 9600 For primary and secondary school students.
Top: Art buzzer enjoying creating a bush landscape, inspired by Abi Thompson’s exhibition Soundscapes, 2017. Bottom: Children with their Just Paint artwork.
Arts Space Wodonga Phone: (02) 6022 9600 Fax: (02) 6022 9322 Corner Lawrence and Hovell streets, Wodonga Email: artsspace@wodonga.vic.gov.au /artsspacewodonga Stay up-to-date with our regular enews by signing up at: artsspacewodonga.com.au Opening hours Monday to Friday 10am to 5.30pm Saturday from 9am to noon Closed Sundays and Victorian public holidays Workshops, program and event bookings The Cube Wodonga box office: (02) 6022 9311 Online: thecubewodonga.com.au/tickets