The diverse works of 17 Shakespeare Grove artists will soon be showcased at the St Kilda Town Hall, with some of their St Kilda studios also thrown open for art lovers to explore.
The Carlisle Street Art Space (CSAS) will be home to the annual Shakespeare Grove Artist Studios – Selected Works exhibition from 14 August to 11 September 2019.
Visitors can expect to see a variety of genres, production methods and aesthetics. Traditional mediums and techniques are juxtaposed against new forms of contemporary art, exploring innovative photographic methodologies and object making using found or recycled materials.
Nestled within the Veg Out community gardens, the Port Phillip Council-managed Shakespeare Grove Artist Studios (SGAS) hum with creativity, as early and mid-career artists form a supportive artistic community.
Artists in residence are carefully chosen by a selection panel to occupy the subsidised studio space, with consideration given to early-career artists who may find renting private studio space out of their financial reach.
Applicants must demonstrate commitment to their art and are expected to make a significant contribution to the cultural life of Port Phillip. The standard lease period is three years, allowing for solid incubation time and constant renewal at the studios, adding to the creative energy.
While many studio spaces can be isolating, SGAS offers opportunities for collaboration and creative exchanges, which otherwise wouldn’t exist.
Mayor Dick Gross said the artists make a valuable contribution to the cultural fabric and creative vibrancy of Port Phillip.
“This annual exhibition is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the many different ways these talented local artists express their creativity. Council is proud to support early and mid-career artists, both at the studios and by hosting the exhibition at the Carlisle Street Art Space,” Cr Gross said.
A highlight of the exhibition is the Artist Open Day on Saturday 7 September, where some artists will open their studios to the public, providing further insight to their works. CSAS will host ‘Meet the Artist’ evenings on 22 and 29 August and 5 September from 5 pm to 7 pm.
This year’s exhibitors are: Belle Bassin, Andrea Baxter, Stephen Benwell, Mathieu Briand, Ross Coulter, Sarah crowEST, Janenne Eaton, Peter Grziwotz, Remen Hambly, Lorraine Heller-Nicholas, Oliver Hull, Salvatori Lolicato, Holly Pearce, Janita Ryan, Adrian Spurr, Luhsun Tan, Meredith Turnbull, Rachael Waith and Fiona Williams. The exhibition can be viewed at the Carlisle Street Arts Space from Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 5 pm, except Thursdays 8.30 am to 7 pm. Entry is free of charge.
