Fine Art Kangaroo Island

exceptional art inspired by Australia's most exceptional island

World Spotlight Turns Toward Kangaroo Island

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New exhibition coincides with Islands of the World Conference

'Weedy Seadragon in Light' photograph by Richard Wylie - winner of the 2012 National Geographic Oceans Photography competition
‘Weedy Seadragon in Light’ photograph by Richard Wylie

Fine Art Kangaroo Island’s newest exhibition “Island Spotlight” opens this Tuesday at 5:45pm.

Timed to coincide with the 15th Islands of the World conference, this memorable exhibition features recent works by renowned Island photographer Quentin Chester, Kangaroo Island’s talented environmental weaver/sculptor Kenita Williamson, and visiting marine biologist and internationally awarded photographer Richard Wylie.

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SALA Competition to Celebrate Twenty Year Milestone

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Attend Our 2017 Kangaroo Island Artists exhibition Opening for your chance to win

Dave Clarke's "Nautilus" will feature in the 2017 SALA Festival exhibition of Kangaroo Island artists.
“Nautilus” by Dave Clarke

2017 brings with it a very special celebration for the iconic South Australian Living Artists festival, more affectionately known as SALA. The arrival of SALA festival this year celebrates twenty years as the largest open access visual arts event in Australia.

Fine Art Kangaroo Island will recognise this very special milestone in two ways. First, we welcome SALA Chair, the Hon John Hill, as our special guest. Mr Hill will officially open our annual exhibition of Kangaroo Island artists at the National Wine Centre  on Sunday 6 August at 2pm.  “How Do We Love Thee? Let Us Count The Ways…The Intertidal Zone” is the eighth edition of what has become one of the most sought after events on the SALA calendar.

But twenty years is such a wonderful achievement, we’ve decided to turn up the heat on your SALA celebrations this year. We’re launching a competition that could win you $300 to spend at the exhibition! Entry is free, and the winner must be present at the official opening of “How Do We Love Thee? Let Us Count The Ways…The Intertidal Zone” to collect their prize.

Each person who completes the official entry form will receive one entry, and extra entries can be earned by sharing the competition with your friends. Enter now and you could be coming home from this year’s exhibition with a fabulous piece of Kangaroo Island art all your own.

Humble beginnings

Since its beginnings, SALA has grown tenfold in both size and duration. From a festival lasting just a few days in a handful of galleries, to more than 4500 artists with work exhibited in over 600 exhibitions. All venues are accessible for free, with locations as diverse as Colleges, Law Courts, shops and cafes as well as traditional gallery spaces.

South Australian Artists are encouraged to take part regardless of experience level or medium. Their imaginative, entertaining and sometimes interactive outpourings are loved by audiences around the state, both die hard art lovers, and those who simply stumble upon a show in an unusual or unexpected venue.

Kangaroo Island’s artists have long been part of this uplifting celebration of South Australian art and artists. Contributions by those who draw their inspiration from life on Kangaroo Island are regular and varied.

In 2005 the spotlight turned to Kangaroo Island when it was chosen as the festival’s regional focus. In that year we hosted SALA founder Paul Greenaway OAM at two events, and exhibitions were held across the island.

In 2010 a brand new tradition was established when Fine Art Kangaroo Island convened the first “How Do We Love Thee? Let Us Count The Ways…” KI exhibition at Adelaide’s National Wine Centre. At a time of year when visitor numbers to the island are generally lower, SALA provided more visibility for Kangaroo Island’s artists among mainland audiences.

Our first exhibition at the Wine Centre was a huge success, with nearly 1000 people attending opening day. It was obvious from that very first day, that this was something truly special. Still attracting huge interest, the Kangaroo Island artists exhibition has become a “must-see” event on the SALA program.

Mainland audiences eagerly anticipate each year’s carefully chosen conservation theme, and flock to the National Wine Centre on opening day to catch first glimpse of the work it inspires. Two floors of the stunning Vines corridor  are abuzz with art lovers every opening day. For those looking to snap up an exquisite visual expression of the environment from a favourite artist or emerging island talent, there is no other place to be.

2017 theme turns focus on the mysterious and beautiful Intertidal Zone

This year’s exhibition theme ‘The Intertidal Zone’ focuses on the ever-changing realm between the high and low tides. Kangaroo Island has an extraordinary 540 km coastline, including some of the least disturbed shores in the temperate world.

Twenty three Kangaroo Island artists have produced more than 80 fascinatingly beautiful new works in a diverse and exciting range of materials and mediums.

Eleanor Scicchitano of Country Arts says “It has been great to see the artists working on pieces for the Wine Centre show, and what a wonderful theme has been chosen this year. I am really looking forward to seeing the work when it is up.”

Featured artists for 2017 are Audrey Harnett, Caroline Taylor, Cath Cantlon, Cecilia Gunnarsson, Dave Clarke, Dean Fox, Diana Keir, Fred Peters, Glen Ash, Janet Ayliffe, Jennifer Woodhouse, Jenny Clapson, Kenita Williamson, Maggie Welz, Merril Hansen, Michele Lane, Mishka Ammann, Nick Hannaford, Nicholas Burness Pike, Patti Blucher, Peggy Rismiller, Quentin Chester, and first timer Sara Hourez.

The exhibition will be officially opened by the Hon John Hill on Sunday 6 August at 2pm. The artworks will be curated on both the ground and first floors of the Vines Corridor, at The National Wine Centre. You’ll find the Centre on the corner of North Terrace and Hackney Road, Adelaide, and the exhibition can be viewed daily between 9am-6pm from August 4-27 2017.

SALA competition rules are available on the official entry form Click Here to enter

 

Gethin Creagh Bringing Artful Sounds to Kangaroo Island Audience

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Academy Award nominated Sound Artist seen in SA Weekender  coverage

Gethin Creagh featured in our sixth Sunset Winery exhibition, and continues to use sound as an artform in the KIX FM studio to this day.

It is no wonder Kingscote is where we have lived and worked in the arts for the past two decades. What a wonderful privilege to be a part of discovering and revealing the amazing hidden talents of people we have rubbed shoulders with in this community on almost a daily basis.

We were especially reminded of this when we saw Gethin Creagh included in the SA Weekender spotlight on the people of Kingscote which aired a couple of weeks ago.

Gethin Creagh is a retired film industry insider. He is an Oscar nominated sound mixer, recipient of numerous motion picture AFI and BAFTA awards and has been responsible for sound mixing for over 130 motion pictures including The Piano and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.

From our archives – the original invitation for Sights & Sounds at Sunset exhibition where Gethin artfully demonstrated the inexorable link between the two.

Gethin chose to build his home nestled within a stand of the island’s narrow-leaf mallee on the edge of the glorious Bay of Shoals. A tiny patch of private wilderness, just ten minutes from Kingscote, and 30 minutes by plane to Adelaide’s international airport. The best of both worlds is how Gethin described his lifestyle, between jobs and international travel, when he exhibited with us at The Sights And Sounds at Sunset exhibition a number of years ago for our sixth Art Feast at Sunset Winery.

Whilst he is not a visual artist, clearly Gethin is respected for his creativity at the highest level of his profession. In a wild fusion of art forms we brought together cinematic art with the works of local visual artists synthesized in a display of moving and static imagery. Gethin provided a visual sound backdrop to larger than life oil paintings, animated sculpture, vivid photography, and vector artwork inspired music and rhythms.

Ever wonder what it would be like to see a movie with no sound? Sound in movies has become as critical as the visual image. Exhibition goers were mesmerized by Gethin’s artistry in bringing to life sequences of well known movies on split screen audio presentations first without and then with full sound.

These days he is making waves of an entirely different kind. Now retired from film work, and an active member of local Radio Station KIxFM. Visitors who tune in are likely to also hear Gethin’s own voice as he broadcasts across the island.

Thinking back on what makes Kangaroo Island so special, not simply for those of use who live here, but also for those who come seeking works of art from our community, the attraction is not hard to understand. Kangaroo Island has a tranquility and natural beauty that draws creative people to its shores. Many talented people pursue a quiet life focussing on their vocation far from the gaze of the public eye, so there is no mystery in the treasure-trove of breathtaking treasures we see every day.

Of course Kingscote – the main township – and surrounds are home to almost half the Island’s population. For those who long to live close to urban amenities but surrounded by panoramic sea views, and bounded by tracts of undisturbed bushland, this is the perfect place. Here we can co-exist with resident mobs of kangaroos living on the town’s edges. Let’s face it, Koalas have even been known to wander into the main street from time to time.

So many more wonderful island artists have been a part of the Fine Art Kangaroo Island story over the years. Keep an eye out here as we dedicate some time to helping you get to know them from time-to-time.

~ Fleur

 

 

 

 

Kangaroo Island Easter Art Exhibition News 2017

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Sterling silver cross pendants by Fred Peters
These sterling silver cross pendants are the perfect place to start when looking for a special Easter gift or keepsake.

Easter Art Exhibition Update: The long-awaited Easter art event returns to Penneshaw in 2018 as promised. The organizing committee is hard at work with preparations, and the official entry form is now available for artists wishing to enter work in the annual Easter exhibition.

One old favourite takes a break, but still so much happening in the Arts over Easter

The traditional “Easter Art Exhibition” at Penneshaw takes a rest in 2017 but for art lovers these Easter Holidays are just as exciting on Kangaroo Island, with venues offering open studios and exhibitions across KI.

For those used to making the annual art lover’s pilgrimage to Kangaroo Island for Easter, the absence of the much-loved Penneshaw event is certainly nothing to worry about. Taking a break from the event in 2017 is just the first and most necessary step toward growing it for the future, and ensuring long-term sustainability.

With another twelve months to prepare, the Kangaroo Island Artists Collective is hard at work with plans for venue improvements, refinements behind the scenes, and a new business strategy for 2018.

When is the next Easter Art Exhibition at Penneshaw?

The Kangaroo Island Artists Collective “Easter Art Exhibition” will return to its home at the Penneshaw Town Hall in 2018. The week-long exhibition will open on Good Friday evening, March 30th, drawing crowds from across the island community and beyond. With a history more than 30 years in the making, this is the most iconic arts event on the Kangaroo Island calendar, and we’re excited to see it back in 2018.

What’s happening on the Kangaroo Island Arts Scene for Easter 2017?

First out of the blocks in this year’s flurry of Easter Art events  is Kangaroo Island Gallery in Murray Street, Kingscote.

Throw Away Pick Up  is a delightful exhibition of quirky works in 2D 3D and found object, creatively inspired by objects most of us would discard.

Reports from the official opening this last Sunday are wonderful and with such a diverse array of truly unique art, you’ll need to be on the doorstep early if you’re looking to snatch up a favourite piece.

Open 10 am – 5 pm Daily, this smile-inducing exhibition runs through May 7th and will make a perfect first stop for  those headed to the island before Easter officially arrives.

Six artists featured in Throw Away Pick Up include John Clements, Prue Coulls, Denise Harding, Peter Hastwell, Wendy Leonhardt – and don’t miss the latest art forms by the inimitable Cath Cantlon in this irresistible group show.

Fine Art Kangaroo Island’s own Easter Art Exhibition is here

At Fine Art Kangaroo Island we will present On the Fringe from the 12th to the 30th April. We are excited to present in the main Gallery a collection of recent works from Jenny Clapson, and ‘Adelaide Fringe’ exhibitors Deborah Sleeman and Quentin Chester.

All three artists have developed their practices inspired by, and in response to the remoteness of Kangaroo Island, and their artwork has a contrasting sensibility and expression.

Jenny Clapson has for the past few months experimented with mixed media printmaking and painting. fascinated with life at a more macro level in the world around her.

Jenny has new works in the moth series as well as recent monotypes and paintings.

Always a talking point among gallery goers, from Fine Art Kangaroo Island to the National Gallery of Australia, news Jenny’s newest work is sure to garner attention.

Quentin Chester’s spectacular large format landscape photography is patiently crafted after wandering the lagoons and coastlines close to his home waiting for that one magical moment when light interplays with the clouds in endless sky, far reaching ocean, or weather worn outcrops. Every moment captured with a depth of field that captivates and conveys his fascination with the majesty of the world around him.

Deb Sleeman’s distinctive sculpture is often paradoxical. Her work combines materials not normally found together and conveys cultural references that are enigmatic and mysterious.

Deb’s major piece Siren connotes a reclining feminine form, but on inspection, the cast glass and bone components suggest far greater depth to this work. “Mythologically The Siren is simultaneously dangerous and compelling, an allegory or symbol for human temptation,” Deb said. “The Siren is often birdlike, said to know both the past and the future, acting independently of man, yet luring him with her irresistible song. It is the enticement of the land to those on the sea, a dangerous place to be.”

Open all Easter weekend except Good Friday why not drop in and see us between 2 – 4 pm  on Sunday for some light refreshments and a glass of @Bay of Shoals wine.

Artist in Residence – Meet studio artist Jenny Clapson

Wed 19 April (11am – 2 pm)
Drop into the Gallery to chat to local artist Jenny Clapson about her latest work, and see first-hand some of her tools of the trade and works produced.

Bay of Shoals Kangaroo Island Winery weekend exhibition

Easter Saturday 15th & Easter Sunday 16th April – 11am to 5pm

Bay of Shoals Wines invites you to their 2017 Easter Art Exhibition at Reeves Point. Featuring five different styles of art from five very different artists.

Indiana James’ is well known for his found object sculptures borrowing themes from nature, LD Jenkins’ designer hats are always in high demand, Jan Pengilly is attracting plenty of attention with new directions in interpretive paintings, and Sara Hourez, a new name in art on the island will introduce some brilliantly bold works. The continuing photographic journey of Dean Wiles rounds out the exhibition.

Enjoy live music by Richard Glatz (Sunday only).

A softer approach to Art at Baudin Beach Gallery

KI Artworks Gallery at Baudin Beach has Softly Softly. This Easter-time exhibition features artworks in soft materials by their exhibiting members (think shawls, scarves, hats and more) and artworks made with soft materials (felted pieces and reeds/rushes). Lots of great opportunities to find wearable art for gift giving, or a warm and cosy souvenir of your Easter on Kangaroo Island.

The exhibition opens Good Friday, April 14, from 4pm – 6pm. Drinks and nibbles will be available.

With the Easter Sunday Market at Penneshaw, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service Auxiliary running a traditional Easter Street Stall in Kingscote on Thursday April 13th, you’ll find plenty of artful baking to keep your family fueled for trekking the Easter Art Trail too.

Happy Easter!