SPRING has sprung and the time is ripe for a “serious” concert in Swan Hill.
The public are being urged to get their “creative” fix at the inaugural Go North Arts Festival in Swan Hill this weekend.
Sit back and relax to music, get messy and try something new in fun art workshops and rub shoulders with some of Australia’s top artists, including Clare Bowditch, Benny Walker, Freya Josephine Hollick and The Northern Folk.
Set to be an annual event, the festival offers something for everyone.
The festival kicks off tonight at 6pm with the official opening and announcement of the winners of the $16,000 prize pool in the Swan Hill National Print and Drawing Awards, at the Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery.
Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery director Ian Tully said the idea of having a “serious” concert in Swan Hill had been an idea he wanted to see for a long time “in the neck of our woods” for a long time.
“We just haven’t done it and this is the time – the time is now,” he told The Guardian.
“There are festivals popping up all over the place and it’s time for Swan Hill to say, ‘Come here instead of going other places’.
“We wanted to grow the profile of the print and drawing awards and grow it even more, so people come and stay in Swan Hill for more than one day.”
There are more than 300 entries for the National Print and Drawing Awards, and some of Australia’s finest contemporary artists were received.
Judges Vanessa Gerrans, chief executive of Ballarat International Foto Bienale (former Gallery Director of Warrnambool Art Gallery) and Dr Thomas A. Middlemost, Charles Sturt University art curator, have chosen 50 finalists, which will be on display.
The event features live music from one of the best trad jazz bands around, River Boat Quintet. And the opportunity to enjoy drinks and finger food with some of the artists, judges and local art enthusiasts at this free event, RSVP is essential.
On September 3 at 11am, join the award judges and walk through the National Print and Drawing Awards exhibition, hearing first-hand their thoughts on the shortlisted and winning works. The morning is also an opportunity to hear from any finalists who may have may have made the journey to Swan Hill, to speak about their work. This event is free includes coffee and a tour. The exhibition continues until November 20, entry by donation.
From 3pm to 9pm on September 3, the Go North Arts Festival major event takes over Riverside Park.
Clare Bowditch headlines this spectacular live music and art event, launched with a welcome to country, smoking ceremony and dance by The Wiran Dance Group followed by performances by Benny Walker, Freya Josephine Hollick and The Northern Folk.
Concert goers can get their creative juices flowing by trying something new at workshops for people of all ages and skill, included in the ticket price. Screen printing with Adelaide-based screenprinter Jake Holmes; drumming with Melbourne-based Dave Houston; mosaic making with Moulamein artist Sandy Peeters; simple clay making with Lake Boga artist Damien Thomas; spray paint and stencil with Kerang artist Kerryn Finch; relief printing on fabric with Kerang artist Paul Oswin; drawing/painting with Swan Hill artist Shirley Pinchen and Aboriginal learning with Swan Hill artist Kenita Lee McCartney.
Food trucks will be on site, and drinks will be available at bar prices.
Tickets are on sale now for $47, free for 15 years and under.
On September 4 at the Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery, printmaker, painter, and passionate stone lithography practitioner Peter Jacobs will demonstrate the magic and chemistry that is drawing and printing on stone.
Hear Peter’s story of his most recent series, “epicormic growth”, images emanating from the bushfires and the effect that had on him as he stayed and defended his house and studio. From 11am to 12.30pm and entry is free.
The Go North Arts Festival concludes with Recital in the Gallery from 2pm-3pm. Festival goers are invited to enjoy a free classical guitar recital by Malcolm Perris, whilst enjoying the exhibition of finalists from the National Print and Drawing Awards.
For more information and tickets, visit www.gonorthartsfestival.com or call the Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery on 5036 2430
