Delivering the NSW Aboriginal Art Prize 2010 Exhibition to Shoalhaven

Last Wednesday, Sarah-Jane Rennie and myself day-tripped down to Shoalhaven City Arts Centre and met with Tracey Glenn (Manager of the Arts Centre) and her lovely team to assist with the upcoming Parliament of NSW Aboriginal Art Prize 2010. In the midst of intense winds and chilly weather, we conveniently took refuge in the gallery and the Centre’s brand new dedicated arts storage room (and had the great privilege of breaking in the heating/temperature control system!).

We spent the day assessing the packaging and condition of the artworks included in the touring exhibition – 43 works from 37 different Aboriginal artists working across a range of mediums such as painting, drawing, photography, textiles and sculpture. This task included examining the works in great detail, noting down changes in their condition, and repairing any of packaging which may have been subject to wear and tear while on the road around NSW. These services are essential to ensure that the artworks are well protected and to minimise the risk of damage occurring.

The Shoalhaven City Arts Centre is located on the ground floor of a refurbished TAFE building with a local community radio station located above.  The Centre includes a community meeting room, kitchen, large courtyard for outdoor events, shop and three gallery spaces.  The year 12 student touring exhibition, Art Express was on in the main gallery and included several local students.  Further local artists were on show in the other gallery spaces including the Open Annual Art Competition for the Shoalhaven Mental Health Fellowship and Domestica Fantastica an exhibition of still life paintings and ceramics.

The Parliament of NSW Aboriginal Art Prize 2010 will be on display in the main gallery of Shoalhaven City Arts Centre this weekend until 6 July 2011, along with solo exhibitions by local Aboriginal artists Warwick Keen, Glenn Duffield and Noel Wellington.

Lillian