Exhibitions by local artists Cheryl Sims and June Wilson
Two new exhibitions are now on display in the Little Gallery: Finding Place by Cheryl Sims and Life Lines by June Wilson.
Cheryl Sims is a diverse artist who works in both 2D and 3D formats and in varying medium, from printmaking, painting and sculpture. The abstract works in Finding Place are mostly done in encaustics, which the artist feels best represent her life’s story.
The exhibition takes us through Cheryl’s personal journey from being displaced as a child and unable to verbally communicate how she felt. Not knowing where she belonged affected her self-esteem and it has taken Sims a lifetime to find confidence in who she is and where she belongs.
Encaustics is an ancient wax painting technique from 4th century BC, which involves a planned process adding pigment to wax to obtain the colours desired. Some of Sims’ paintings have more than100 layers of wax and each layer needs to be heated to fuse.
Sims obtained a Bachelor of Contemporary Arts at the University of Tasmania, Launceston, in 2011 and she is a longstanding member of the North West Art Circle. She has taken part in many judged exhibitions, notably the 2018 Artentwine, Sculpture Biennial, Tamar Valley, the Esk Exhibition 2013 and 2018 at Eskleigh and the Celebration Eskleigh Art Collection at Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery in Launceston in 2017. In 2013 she won the Tasmanian Art Award at Eskleigh.
Life Lines is an exhibition of portraits by June Wilson. Wilson, who is well known for her landscape art, has with this exhibition delved into her deep interest in the challenges that are faced by multicultural families, and in particularly the female members.
June’s interest in cultural differences emerged shortly after arriving in Tasmania as an impressionable 13-year-old. Relocating from another country, she was faced with overt and covert discrimination, despite herself being Caucasian and having a strong Tasmanian family heritage.
Pastel, which has a 300-year-old history in portrait art, is the is the medium – for these works where Wilson endeavours to sensitively portray women of different cultures and their personal characteristics. Each portrait is accompanied by the sitter’s own words and Junes’ notes about the person.
Wilson has always had a desire and passion for art and has trained under some of Australia’s finest painters such as Leoni Duff, Lyn Dieffenbach and Judith Drew to name a few. Wilson is also well known as an art teacher with well over 20 years teaching experience. She won the Major award Rotary ArtEx, 2014, the North West Art Circle People’s Choice Award in 2014 and she was the 2015 Tas Art Winner City of Burnie Award.
June Wilson’s and Cheryl Sims’ exhibitions form part of the annual Little Gallery Program for establishing Tasmanian artists. The Little Gallery Project Space is available to emerging and early career contemporary Tasmanian artists and promotes experimentation in 2D and 3D art, critical thinking and engaging concepts.
Exhibition Opening: 24 January, 6pm
Garth Murphy, Building Designer and Construction Manager, will speak on Finding Place and Leann Wilson, Executive Director, Regional Economic Solutions, will speak on Life Lines.
Exhibition Dates: 11 January – 9 February 2020
ENDS
Media Contact:
Geoff Dobson
Director
E. gdobson@devonport.tas.gov.au
P. 6424 0577 M. 0419 505 838
FEM-aFFINITY
Devonport Regional Gallery in partnership with National Exhibitions Touring Support (NETS) Victoria is presenting, FEM-aFFINITY – an exhibition of female artists from Arts Project Australia and wider Victoria whose work share an affinity of subject matter, technique and process. Curated by Associate Professor, Catherine Bell from the Australian Catholic University. Bell seeks to uncover related variations of female identity and perspectives on historical feminist concepts by situating these female artists alongside each other.
Drawing upon interdisciplinary approaches, such as painting, printmaking, drawing, performance and photography, the exhibition also considers how artworks are a complex and nuanced way of thinking about embodied knowledge and how it aligns with identity politics explored in contemporary art.
The 14 exhibiting artists include Fulli Andrinopoulos, Jane Trengove, Dorothy Berry, Jill Orr, Wendy Dawson, Helga Groves, Bronwyn Hack, Heather Shimmen, Eden Menta, Janelle Low, Cathy Staughton, Prudence Flint, Lisa Reid, and Yvette Coppersmith.
“I’m a regular visitor to the Arts Project Australia gallery and have a particular interest in the work of the female artists who attend their studio, I have often considered the uncanny connections their work has with other female contemporary artists. I’m interested in highlighting the affinity. Curating a selection of past works by each artist demonstrates a sustained line of enquiry. The opportunity for the artists to collaborate and develop new work for the show celebrates these ongoing themes and connections”, says curator Catherine Bell.
“The collaborations between artists underpinning FEM-aFFINITY are supported by NETS Victoria”, as Shae Nagorcka, Exhibition Coordinator, NETS Victoria says, “It is about fostering ongoing relationships, support and a stronger understanding of each of the artist’s work and this project has done this incredibly well. I’m sure these conversations will continue well past the exhibition.”
Exhibiting artists Yvette Coppersmith and Lisa Reid have painted portraits of prominent males in the arts, and their collaboration involved drawing male life models together. Meanwhile abstract artists Helga Groves and Wendy Dawson share a similar creative process of layering pigment and surface detail, and they worked in metallic mediums and continued to explore abstract patterns.
Heather Shimmen and Bronwyn Hack are inspired by gothic narratives, famous women in history, and the natural world. Their collaboration produced an exquisite corpse made up of multi-panel, lino prints that incorporate depictions of the body, flora and fauna.
Other collaborative responses evolved between artists Jane Trengove and Fulli Andrinopoulos, Janelle Low and Eden Menta and Prudence Flint and Cathy Staughton. Seminal art works by veteran artist Dorothy Berry, curated from the APA permanent collection, and art world legend Jill Orr, on loan from institutional collections, will also be included in the show. This paring reinforces their shared interest in birds as symbolic motifs in their respective practices and acknowledges their valuable contribution to Australian Art.
Arts Project Australia is a studio and gallery that supports artists with intellectual disabilities, promoting their work and advocating for inclusion within contemporary art practice.
Credit: Image by Eden Menta & Janelle Low, Eden and the Gorge 2019, ink-jet print, Courtesy of the artists. Eden Menta is represented by Arts Project Australia
ENDS
Exhibition Opening: 24 January, 6pm
Exhibition Dates: 25 January – 15 March 2020
Available to interview:
- Exhibition curator, Associate Professor Catherine Bell, Australian Catholic University
- FEM-aFFINITY artists upon request
Contact NETS Victoria Shae Nagorcka, Exhibition Coordinator, Shae.Nagorcka@netsvictoria.org , T: 03 8662 1512 or M: 0432 692 184
FEM-aFFINITY is a NETS Victoria and Arts Project Australia Touring Exhibition
Media Contact:
Geoff Dobson Director
E. gdobson@devonport.tas.gov.au
P. 6424 0577 M. 0419 505 838
Latest round of Devonport City Council’s 2019/2020 Community Financial Assistance Scheme now open
Applications are now open for Round 2 of the Devonport City Council’s 2019/20 Community Financial Assistance Scheme, with Council seeking to support the community through a wide range of activities, initiatives and programs.
Mayor Cr Annette Rockliff said the scheme provided valuable financial support to help local community groups, clubs and organisations deliver important projects and programs for the benefit of residents.
“Community groups, clubs and organisations play a vital role in helping create a healthier, stronger and more vibrant Devonport community,’’ Cr Rockliff said.
“And this is one way in which Council can assist them undertake their important work.”
“A range of grants are available for not-for-profit community organisations and groups to help them to deliver community projects, infrastructure projects, events, and purchase equipment, in addition to individual development grants and donations.”
Cr Rockliff said Council was particularly keen to support activities based around community development, culture and heritage, economic development, sport and recreation and healthy living and learning.
“Other financial assistance measures – including grants towards travel costs for residents competing, performing or presenting on a national or international level – are also available throughout the year”.
Applications for round two Major and Minor grants are now open and close on Friday, 28 February 2020.
Full information, including details of how to apply, is available at www.devonport.tas.gov.au/financial-assistance.
The 2019/2020 Devonport City Council Community Financial Assistance Scheme includes:
| Category | Maximum Value | Applications Open |
| Major Grants | Up to $25,000 (Co-funding requirement of 50% required for applications of $7,501-$15,000 to Council & 75% for applications of $15,001 to $25,000) |
Twice yearly:
· 1 January – 28 February 2020 · 1 July – 31 August 2020
|
| Minor Grants | Up to $3,000 | Twice yearly:
· 1 January – 28 February 2020 · 1 July – 31 August 2020
|
Enquiries regarding Council’s Community Financial Assistance Scheme should be directed to Karen Hampton on 6424 0511 or email grants@devonport.tas.gov.au
ENDS
Media Contact
Karen Hampton |Community Services Manger |Devonport City Council
03 6424 0527 | 0419 111 598 |khampton@devonport.tas.gov.au
2019 winners of Australia Day Awards with Mayor Annette Rockliff.
Devonport Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony
The Devonport Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony will be held in the paranaple convention centre on Sunday 26 January 2020 at 10am.
The Australia Day Awards recognise those people and community groups who have made a significant contribution to the city.
There are three categories – Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Event of the Year.
Mayor Rockliff said the quality and calibre of the nominees was exceptional.
“This is an important opportunity to recognise some of those people and events which help make our city special,” she said.
“Those chosen have given exceptional service to Devonport and are deserving recipients of these awards.”
As part of the celebration, Devonport will also be recognising and welcoming 23 new citizens to our city, who have come from Sri Lanka, Indonesia, United Kingdom, Philippines, Ukraine, Vietnam, Czech Republic, Taiwan and China.
Vicki Purnell will be the city’s 2020 Australia Day Ambassador and will present the address.
Vicki grew up in the Midlands and on the North-West Coast.
After graduating from the University of Tasmania Vicki taught maths and science in schools on the West and North-West Coasts before retiring in 2012.
In April of 2013 her good friend, Anna Connelly, gave birth to a stillborn baby girl called Bridie.
Utilising her sewing skills, Vicki started a project called Bride’s Blossoms and Blessings to ensure that every miscarried and stillborn baby in Tasmania was clothed and farewelled with respect and dignity.
Vicki’s project has grown to support those with dementia, women undergoing treatment for gynaecological cancer and women and children at a local women’s shelter.
She was recognised for her volunteer work by being named the 2019 Local Hero for Tasmania.
The Devonport Brass Band will be providing the musical entertainment and the national anthem will be sung by Mason Waller, who is well-known in the local musical theatre scene.
Those wishing to attend are asked to rsvp for catering purposes by 5pm on Monday 20 January 2020 to Council on 6424 0511 or council@devonport.tas.gov.au
Caption: 2019 winners of Australia Day Awards with Mayor Annette Rockliff
ENDS
Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony
Where: paranaple convention centre, 137 Rooke Street Devonport
Date: Sunday 26 January 2020
Time: 10am
This event is open the public. Light refreshments will be served.
Media Contact
Kym Peebles |Executive Manager-Organisational Performance |Devonport City Council |03 6424 0597 |0477 296 059 |kpeebles@devonport.tas.gov.au
New venue for Devonport’s New Year celebrations
Devonport will say Bon Voyage 2019 and start cruising into 2020 at this year’s SeaFM City of Devonport Skyfire New Year’s Eve celebration at a new venue, due to the redevelopment of Roundhouse Park.
With the move to Aikenhead Point, the family fireworks at 9.30pm and the midnight will take full advantage of the maritime vista and be fired over the water from the Spirit of the Sea statue.
However, Mayor Annette Rockliff has assured revellers one thing which will not change will be a party catering for all ages.
A full evening of live music will begin at 6pm and will start with local youth bands as part of Skyfire Spotlight,” she said.
“Special guests, Nine Live Rock ‘n’ Soul Revue will continue into the night with their trademark high energy tunes to get everyone up on the dance floor. Interspersed with the music will be Minute to Win It type challenges with great prizes, magic and circus performers.
“Across the site there’ll be plenty for families to do with activities such as Zorb Balls, Swing Cars, inflatable slide, and a jumping castle to keep the kids entertained and family and friends can challenge each other at the tabletop and giant games.
“Patrons can also decorate themselves with face painting, temporary tattoos and Henna art, or decorate a scratch mask.
Cr Rockliff said other highlights included the SeaFM Silent Disco and the chance for people to write their wishes, dreams and resolutions to be added to the Wheel of Dreams.
Council and bus operator MerseyLink have partnered to offer a free shuttle bus which will run every 15 minutes during the event, with pick up points near Fourways, Kmart and at the Rooke Street interchange.
The Spirit of Devonport Ferry will also be crossing the Mersey during the evening, at its normal pricing.
“Patrons can dress for the journey into the new decade and enjoy a scrumptious selection of food and beverage at the event as well.”
Entry is free to this non-smoking event for the fully licensed, which means no alcohol or glass can be brought onsite.
For those wanting an adrenaline rush, the Summer Family Fun Fair at Devonport Oval will also be opening on New Year’s Eve, from 6pm with a terrific selection of carnival rides and games.
CAPTION: Getting into the New Year’s Eve spirit are from left Connor Mitchell, 5, Cr Gerard Enniss, Mayor Cr Annette Rockliff and Flynn Mitchell, 9.
ENDS
Media Contact
Nigel Tapp |Media & Communications Officer |Devonport City Council
03 6424 0562 | 0427 132 972 |ntapp@devonport.tas.gov.au
Devonport City Council appoints new General Manager
The Devonport City Council has announced the appointment of Mr Matthew Atkins as its new General Manager.
Following an extensive recruitment process, by a national consulting firm, Mr Atkins’ appointment was approved by Councillors at a Special Council Meeting this morning, for a five-year term.
Mr Atkins, pictured above, has been Acting General Manger since the resignation of the previous General Manger, Mr Paul West, in October.
He has worked in local government for 18 years, 15 at an executive level across Burnie and Devonport City Councils, the last six as Deputy General Manager at Devonport.
Prior to joining local government Mr Atkins started his career in the private sector as an Estimator/Project Manager in the construction industry.
He is well regarded within the local government sector and currently a State and National Board director of LG Professionals.
The Mayor, Cr Annette Rockliff, said the position had attracted a field of quality applications with Mr Atkins standing out.
“The appointment of Matthew follows a comprehensive employment process which attracted high calibre applications both from within Tasmania and interstate. We welcome Matthew to the role, and Council looks forward to working with him as we aim to make Devonport a better place for all our residents.”
“This is an exciting time in the development of the city with the second stage of the LIVING CITY project – including the Waterfront Park – just beginning and Council is confident that Matthew’s skills and past experience will be pivotal in seeing this come to fruition.”
“I thank the Councillors for putting their confidence in me to lead the organization for the next five years. I appreciate the opportunity and I’m looking forward to working closely with the elected members and staff to continue the good work Council does in the community,” Mr Atkins said.
“There has been a lot achieved at Council over the last 10 years in a whole range of areas and the organisation is in a really good position to build on the foundation that is in place.”
I think it is an exciting time to be involved with Council and an exciting time for Devonport and I’m looking forward to working with the Mayor & Councillors to make sure the City makes the most of the opportunities that will exist.”
ENDS
Media Contact
Nigel Tapp |Media & Communications Officer Devonport City Council
03 6424 0562 | 0427 132 972 |ntapp@devonport.tas.gov.au
New Development Application for Waterfront hotel
The Devonport City Council has confirmed it has received a new Development Application for the Waterfront hotel, a private development being undertaken Fairbrother Pty Ltd.
Devonport Mayor Cr Annette Rockliff said she was excited that Fairbrother had the confidence to upsize its original proposal.
“This level of investment is exactly the type of private investment that the LIVING CITY project has sought to attract to Devonport. A larger hotel, obviously, means more jobs, more tourists and more opportunity for the city and region,” Cr Rockliff said.
Cr Rockliff said she understood that the building size has not increased, and it would look the same as the original design, although the residential apartments on the top two floors had been replaced with hotel rooms.”
She said a new Development Application, which was advertised today and can be found here, had been made to Council by the developer for the proposed changes, which will be subject to the normal planning assessment process.
CAPTION: The site of the proposed Waterfront hotel.
ENDS
Media Contact
Nigel Tapp |Media & Communications Officer |Devonport City Council
03 6424 0562 | 0427 132 972 |ntapp@devonport.tas.gov.au
Mayor’s Message – 17 December 2019
Overlooking the Bass Strait and the mouth of the Mersey River, the people of Devonport will say Bon Voyage 2019 and start cruising into 2020 at this year’s SeaFM City of Devonport Skyfire New Year’s Eve celebration.
With the change in venue to Aikenhead Point, the family fireworks at 9.30pm and the midnight display will take full advantage of the maritime vista and be fired over the water from the Spirit of the Sea statue.
A full evening of live music will begin at 6pm and will start with local youth bands as part of Skyfire Spotlight. Special guests, Nine Lives Rock ‘n’ Soul Revue, will continue into the night with their trademark high energy tunes to get everyone up on the dance floor. Interspersed with the music will be Minute to Win It-type challenges with great prizes, magic and circus performers.
Across the site there’ll be plenty for families to do. Activities such as Zorb Balls, Swing Cars, inflatable slide, and jumping castle will keep the kids entertained, and family and friends can challenge each other at the tabletop and giant games.
You can also decorate yourself with face painting, temporary tattoos or Henna art, or decorate a scratch mask.
Highlights will be the SeaFM Silent Disco and the chance to write your wishes, dreams and resolutions to be added to the Wheel of Dreams.
Council and MerseyLink have partnered to offer a free shuttle bus which will run every 15 minutes during the event, with pick up points near Fourways, Kmart and at the Rook Street interchange. The Spirit of Devonport Ferry will also be crossing the Mersey during the evening, at regular prices.
Dress for the journey into the new decade and enjoy a scrumptious selection of food and beverage at the event of the year.
For those wanting an adrenaline rush, the Summer Family Fun Fair at Devonport Oval will also be opening on New Year’s Eve with a terrific selection of carnival rides and games.
Entry is free to this non-smoking event which is fully licenced meaning no BYO alcohol and no glass can be brought onto site.
****
With the upcoming 100th anniversary of Devonport Harbour Master’s House in January, the Bass Strait Maritime Centre is keen to find any pictures which community members may have of the building prior to 1950.
The centre would like to add them to its historical records.
You can contact the BSMC through their Facebook page or email: bookings@bassstraitmc.com.au
****
The Devonport City Council Financial Assistance Scheme will be accepting Major and Minor grant applications from 1 January to 28 February 2020.
The Community Grants Program supports community organisations for one-off projects, events and activities.
Details and the guidelines can be found on the Council website by clicking here
****
As this will be my last message for 2019, I wish to take this opportunity to wish you all a Joyful Christmas and Happy New Year!
It is my hope that you all get an opportunity to spend some quality time with family and friends during the festive period.
May I also send a message of thanks and gratitude to members of our emergency services who will work around the clock again this year to help keep us all safe.
The Council Office will be closed from 2:00pm Tuesday 24 December 2019 and will reopen on Thursday 2 January 2020.
Council has released the opening and closing times for all its facilities, as well as waste collection arrangements and the operating hours of the Spreyton Waste Transfer Station over the festive season and you can find them here.
Cr Annette Rockliff
MAYOR
2019-2020 Christmas Season Trading Hours
Council has released the opening and closing times for all its facilities, as well as waste collection arrangements and the operating hours of the Spreyton Waste Transfer Station over the Festive Season.
Please see details in the pdf below.
PLEASE PUT YOUR BINS OUT EARLY THIS CHRISTMAS!
Waste collections will be commencing earlier than normal over the festive period, so residents are being asked to put their bins out the NIGHT BEFORE to ensure their bins are emptied.
If your bins are normally collected on a WEDNESDAY, please put them out on MONDAY EVENING – as they will be collected on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve (a day earlier than normal).
If your Veolia recycling bin is normally collected on a WEDNESDAY please put it out on MONDAY EVENING for collection on Christmas Eve.
There are no other changes to normal rubbish collections.
Council wishes you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
100th Birthday of Harbour Master’s Residence to be celebrated
The Bass Strait Maritime Centre is celebrating the Centenary of the Heritage-listed Harbour Master’s Residence and the longevity of the Museum on Saturday 18 January 2020 by having a 1920s themed garden party between 10 am and 4 pm.
There will be many activities at this Birthday Bonanza, including a 1920s costume competition, traditional rope making, flag hoisting, live music, as well as a High Tea run by Pearl Oyster Bar & Cafe. Several historical organisations will also be in attendance.
The main event for the day is the inaugural ‘Slocum Dry Land Regatta’, a boat race on land that will take place on Joshua Slocum Park. Teams will build their own boat out of cardboard over the course of the day, with racing commencing at 3 pm. There will be medals for all participants, as well as trophies for race winners, best dressed team and best boat.
This is a family friendly event, with activities for all ages. This event will take the place of the Centre’s usual school holiday programming. This event is gold coin entry, and will also allow patrons to gain access to the Museum.
Registrations for the ‘Slocum Dry Land Regatta’ are essential prior to the event. Team fees are
$15 to cover material costs. Please get in touch with the Centre on 03 6424 7100 or bookings@bassstraitmc.com.au to receive an information pack. Team places in this event are limited, so get in early to avoid disappointment.
Keep an eye out in early 2020 for the day’s programme times.
ENDS
Media Contact:
Jaydeyn Thomas
Bass Strait Maritime Centre Coordinator
E: jthomas@devonport.tas.gov.au
T: 6424 7100 M: 0418 321 845