Grand opening

The opening of the Open Mind exhibition turned out splendidly!  We estimated that approximately 120 people attended the show... artists, families, and their friends predominated. 

There was a buzz of genuine enthusiasm for the artworks, most of which addressed in some way, the theme of 'recovery' from mental illness.   It was so good to see the people of Bridges standing proudly in front of their works to have their photos taken.

Thanks must go out to several people......Adam Anderson, who has been the Bridges art tutor over the last few months has done an incredible job to generate excitement about the Open Mind project.  The art group has grown, and has been very productive.  There are some standout artists amongst them, who produced some stunning pieces...a few of which I will post here over the next few days.

Helen F and Mark G have been consistent helpers, across a range of tasks.  Irene has been wonderfully supportive.  And of course we all missed Kerry (who kicked off this project).  It was so good to have him at the opening. Thankyou Jenny McDuff for your interesting speech.

Art Plus were incredibly generous donating the plinths for the show and subsidising everything else.  Thanks Phil and Marlies.

Thanks to BRAG for loan of a couple of  plinths also.

Special mention must go to the Bundaberg Art Society for the donation of strings for hanging the works.

Last, but not least, I would like to thank Tony Hills, who hung the better part of the show by himself.....he is a machine!!  Thankyou Tony for your brilliant effort and for your advice and company.

My job at Bridges is almost complete.

Till soon.  cx

Open Mind exhibition

Adam and I will have a busy week with the Bridges opening next Saturday.  Hope to see you there!

BRIDGES - (updated post)

I have been meaning to tell you that I have a part time job. I work a couple of hours twice a week. I am curating an exhibition for 'Bridges' - a wonderful organisation that offers support to people recovering from mental health issues.

The members base is the Bridges Club House, where they can come and go, and get involved with the many activities available...if they want to.

Artist, Adam Anderson was employed to be an art tutor for the members. It has been wonderful to get to know Adam. I really admire the way he works with the members. He has given them a lot of encouragement and the art group is growing in numbers.

Bridges will present an exhibition called 'OPEN MIND' from 22nd to 26th of September.
The members can enter several works for the show. Carers of people with mental health issues are also able to exhibit.

So far, we have about 50 works to show, and more coming in... I hope. There are clay sculptures that have been fashioned over wire armatures, paintings in oil and acrylics, drawings and fabric works, and a small installation . There are some stunning works that are sure to impress. I have attached a couple for you to see.

Bridges have booked the School of Arts Gallery for the exhibition. The members will hang the exhibition with the help of artist, Tony Hills. Light refreshments will be served at the opening.

The exhibition will be opened by Jennifer McDuff,who is a highly respected artist from Woodgate. She has had first hand experience as a carer and is well qualified to speak on the issues tackled in this exhibition.

Jess Marsellos, from Creative Regions has helped me with a schedule for the marketing of Open Mind. There have been three radio interviews to date ( ABC, 4BU and Coral Coast) and a great story from the Newsmail.

I am busy, having designed a poster that includes supporters logos, a date saver and official exhibition invitation. I am currently collecting artist's biographies and stories about their works.

This has been a very rewarding project for me and I am really enjoying working with the wonderful staff and members of Bridges. I hope you will come to see this exhibition.


                                                                              Artwork by Robyn
Talk art soon......cx