Through the Looking Glass is Gladstone mother and artist Melanie Jai’s artistic endeavour to understand the inner world of her autistic son.

Ms Jai has created a series of whimsical paintings to help reach the fairytale land of villains and heroes that her son so often retreats to.

“Each artwork tackles a base emotion that we all experience at some time, the difference being that Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) sufferers experience these strong emotions all the time,” she said.

“This has become my inspiration, my vessel through which to feel what my son feels, to attempt to understand his world.”

Ms Jai said she hopes to inspire understanding, compassion and acceptance for those who struggle to communicate emotions themselves.

“ASD sufferers access a different part of their brain than we do, making them process information differently,” she said.

“They interpret communication differently.

“They interpret communication in a very black and white manner, making facial expressions, humour, colloquialisms, and slang, difficult to comprehend.”

The exhibition is part of Queensland Arts Council’s Ontour onexhibition program.

Ontour onexhibition manager Mia Kempel said that by focusing on child-like subjects such as Alice in Wonderland, Little Red Riding Hood, puppets and dolls, the works evoke an imagined adventure trail of Ms Jai’s son’s experiences.

“By using a highly stylised version of herself as the protagonist in each image, Melanie engages you in a gentle commentary on what it must be like to experience the strong emotions, chaos and confusion associated with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD),” said Ms Kempel.

“Through the Looking Glass is honest and original in its intent, with a fondness for the deep recesses of the human mind and heart.”

The official opening of the exhibition will be held on Friday, July 2, starting at 6pm.

The Northern Rivers Community Gallery is located at 44 Cherry Street, Ballina, and open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm.

For more information on Through the Looking Glass or Ontour onexhibition visit www.qac.org.au or contact the Northern Rivers Community Gallery on 6681 6167.

The Artfelt Exhibition explores the theme ‘relationships – what they mean to you’ and is a major fundraiser for Heartfelt House, which operates in Wollongbar.

Heartfelt House aims to heal and support adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse in reclaiming their sense of self so they can live full and satisfying lives without hurtful past experiences haunting them.

Featuring the work of professional and emerging artists from the Northern Rivers, this long-anticipated exhibition is sure to please but also raise awareness of the work done by Heartfelt House.

The exhibition has attracted a number of major sponsors, with over $4000 in prizemoney.

Entries are now closed, with over 170 nominations received.

The difficult job is now to decide on the final works to form part of the Artfelt exhibition.

All works nominated will be published online and included in a commemorative book available at the conclusion of the exhibition.

The official opening will include entertainment by local singer and songwriter Geraldine Loong, lucky door prizes and refreshments.

Winning artists will be announced on the night.

Entry for the opening night is $20 at the door in support of Heartfelt House.
The event starts at 6pm.

The exhibition will be on display from June 30 to August 1.

The gallery is situated at 44 Cherry Street in the former Council Chambers.

It is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. Phone 6681 6167.

For further information visit www.artfeltartexhibition.shutterfly.com.

There is still time to enter your work in the inaugural Artfelt Art Prize and Exhibition to be held at the Northern Rivers Community Gallery, Ballina in July 2010.

The exhibition will feature the work of professional and emerging artists from the Northern Rivers region exploring the theme “Relationships – what they mean to you”.

The prize has attracted a number of major sponsors, with over $4000 in prizemoney.

This exhibition is a major fundraiser for Heartfelt House, which provides support to adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. They help survivors reclaim their self, to live full and satisfying lives without hurtful past experiences haunting them.

Northern Rivers glass artist Matthew Farrell is a major drawcard for the exhibition.

Matthew, a new father, explores the push and pull of the “multiple elements” within a young family.

In Mother & Child, nurturing leaf-shaped forms cradle a precious egg like object.

When asked why he chose to enter this Art Prize, Matthew said: “I was keen to be involved with the Artfelt Art Prize both because Heartfelt House is an important cause that deserves support and it is great to be part of the local creative community that comes together through places such as the Northern Rivers Community Gallery.”

Entry is open to all mediums, with works to appear online and in a commemorative book at the conclusion of the exhibition.
Entry closing date is Thursday 10 June 2010. For further information visit www.artfeltartexhibition.shutterfly.com or email Jacqueline King, Project Co-ordinator jacqui-k@bigpond.net.au

The exhibition opens on Friday 2 July at 6.00pm and runs until Sunday 1 August 2010.

The Gallery is situated at 44 Cherry Street in the former Council Chambers. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm.

Image: Mother and Child, by Matthew Farrell

The exhibition begins on Wednesday 26 May, with the official launch on Friday 28 May at 6.00pm.

The Parliament of New South Wales Aboriginal Art Prize is a $20,000 acquisitive prize awarded annually to one of the many outstanding New South Wales born Aboriginal artists.

The Regional Tour of the exhibition displays selected works from the 2009 finalists, and includes painting, illustration, photography, ceramics and sculptural installation works.

The Parliament of NSW Aboriginal Art Prize 2009 is presented as a partnership between NSW Parliament House and Campbelltown Arts Centre and is toured by Museums & Galleries NSW.

The COFA Professional Development Award is supported by the University of NSW. This exhibition would not have been possible without support from Arts NSW.

The prize is an important step in recognising and celebrating the great wealth of artistic excellence in NSW Aboriginal communities.

Also on exhibition at the NRCG in June is Inspiration and Influence, a group exhibition consisting of Teachers of Distance Education Centres from around NSW.

The exhibition showcases the work of these practising art teachers, covering a variety of mediums from painting to photography and ceramics to altered books.

The exhibitors will be holding a small exhibition opening on Wednesday 26 May at 4pm.

Members of the community are welcome to attend the official launches of both exhibitions. Entry is free. All exhibitions run until Sunday 27 June 2010.

The Northern Rivers Community Gallery is located at 44 Cherry Street Ballina. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm.

IMAGE: Roy Kennedy, Mission series 2, 2009. Photographer: Ian Hobbs.

It was also announced that Ballina Shire councillor Sue Meehan had taken over as chair of Arts Northern Rivers from Ballina Mayor Phillips Silver.

One of 13 Regional Arts Boards in NSW, Arts Northern Rivers was established in 2004 as a partnership between Arts NSW and the seven councils of the Northern Rivers region to support regional arts development. 

In 2007 the Federal Government joined the partnership to fund the Indigenous arts program.

Guests included Cr Phillip Silver, Mayor of Ballina Shire; Cr Jan Barham, Mayor of Byron Shire; Cr Jenny Dowell, Mayor of Lismore; Tweed Shire councillor Joan Van Lieshout; and representatives from Kyogle, Clarence and Richmond Valley Councils, and Federal Member for Page Janelle Saffin.

The function was held to celebrate the successful and enduring partnership, and to announce a change of leadership for Arts Northern Rivers with a change of chair of the Arts Northern Rivers Board, and the departure of founding CEO Lois Randall.

Cr Phillip Silver announced that he would step down from the position of chair of the Arts Northern Rivers board, which he has held for the past four years. 

Ballina Cr Sue Meehan was elected as the new Chair of Arts Northern Rivers, and the recruitment process is under way for a new RADO to take over from Lois Randall. 

Cr Silver said that he is proud of Arts Northern Rivers and the organisation’s achievements.

“It is a great example of a strong working partnership between the seven local councils of the region, with State and Federal government working together to support regional programs,” he said.

Lois Randall said: “The organisation has played a key role in delivering millions of dollars in arts funding to the Northern Rivers and delivered substantial enduring outcomes including the Visual Arts Network project, a strong Indigenous Arts Program, establishment of the 3 Rivers Aboriginal Arts Space in Lismore, a regional museums development program, and development of the first regional Creative Industries Strategy in NSW.”

PICTURE: Newly elected Chair of Arts Northern Rivers and Ballina Councillor Sue Meehan, takes over from Cr Phillip Silver.

‘Crafty Ladies’, ‘The Quilt Room’ and ‘Through the Eye of a Needle’ all open at the Gallery on Wednesday 24 March, with the official launch on Saturday 27 March at 2pm.

Ballina Coastal Quilters were successful in obtaining a grant from the NSW Department of Human Services for their project, The Quilt Room, which showcases the creativity of seniors in our community.

The exhibition features both traditional hand craft in the realm of quilting and modern designs and techniques that have evolved with the development of high-tech sewing machines.

During Seniors Week visitors to the gallery can observe quilters at work on their latest projects; watch audio visual presentations that document the history of the craft and its contribution to our social and cultural heritage; and ‘run a thread’ through a collaborative work to commemorate this important week.

‘Crafty Ladies’ – a social history of women and their craft, is a key local event in this year’s Heritage Festival.

In years past, knitting, crochet, sewing and handiwork were important in the lives of many women and this exhibition explores that history and the contribution of women from all walks of life through sewing and craft items.

Many items on show are on loan from the shire’s historical societies and private collections providing a rare opportunity for community members to view some of the important pieces held in local collections.

Through the Eye of a Needle, by Marilyn Hawkins, is an exquisite display of traditional whole cloth quilting and machine piecing as well as contemporary pieces that push the boundaries of traditional patchwork.

Marilyn uses recycled fabric pieces, threads, wool, silk and paint in the construction of her unique pieces.

Members of the community are welcome to attend the official launch of all three exhibitions on Saturday 27 March at 2pm. Entry is free.

All exhibitions will be on display until Sunday 25 April 2010.

PICTURE: Fred’s Church by Marilyn Hawkins.

Sculptor Teah Fort will be running two workshops sponsored by the Ballina Shire Council Waste Education Program on Saturday 13 March in conjunction with her exhibition, ‘Rare Plastics’.

The first session will be: 10am until noon and the second from 1pm until 3pm.

In these fun workshops you will use recycled plastics to create your own sculptures. Participants are encouraged to bring along their own materials.

Bookings are essential as places are limited. If interested call the Gallery.

Denise N Rall as part of her exhibition ‘Darker Shades of Royal’ will present two lectures – ‘Costume and Conquest: the drama of European influence in Garments and Textiles’.

Denise’s recent study in Costume (Wollongbar TAFE) allowed her to track European (and other) conquests and their impact on traditional clothing and textile practices in Peru.

This investigation led her to explore the nature of conquest in her own work.

Her lectures will provide an opportunity to gain interesting insights into Denise’s intriguing textile work.

The talks will be held at the Gallery on Wednesday 17 March at 11am and Sunday 21 March at 1pm. Entry is free.

The Northern Rivers Community Gallery, Ballina, is situated at 44 Cherry Street in the former Council Chambers. For further enquiries phone the Gallery on 02 6681 6167.

‘Darker Shades of Royal’ by Denise N Rall features a series of textile sculptures which represent dystopian royal figures decorated in recycled materials.

Each figure is expressed in a vignette – a short fairytale with a tragic ending.

Denise’s work challenges the notion of  ‘royal’. She presents it as a meaningless exercise in the demonstration of power; brutal, fleeting and very costly.

To demonstrate this concept, most of her sculptures are composed of second-hand Op Shop finds, emphasising that royalty will eventually decay.

Secondly, wherever possible, Denise has subverted normal rules of dressmaking; a bodice is made from a recycled sleeve or a pair of trousers turned upside down. The handstitching, embroidery and beading, whilst adding visual delight for the viewer, also represent the hours of hard labour and drudgery of the poor who are required to stitch the clothes of the rich.

In ‘Rare Plastics’, Teah Fort works with recycled materials and natural fibres to create sculptures representative of the endangered flora of the North Coast region of NSW.

The works are crafted from industrial and domestic plastics and stitched together using a combination of local organic fibres.

This bold, colourful exhibition makes a unique statement about our natural environment, waste, excess and sustainability.

Jenny Mulligan’s ‘Folds’ exhibition is inspired by ancient marble sculptures .Her contemporary works aim to echo the same fluidity and line and depict moving figures draped in flowing folds of
fabric.

Jenny constructs her works using recycled cloth, paper mache and acrylic paints resulting in highly textural, vibrant pieces.

Jodi Woodward’s ‘Blue Line Static’ features contemporary abstract acrylic paintings with some mixed media.

The linear structure and exploration of tone, texture and colour are defining elements in Jodi’s work.

The Hannah Cabinet will be on display at the Northern Rivers Community Gallery, in Cherry Street, Ballina until mid-February 2009.

Call the Northern Rivers Community Gallery on 6681 6167 for details.

3 Rivers Aboriginal Art Space and Arts Northern Rivers are pleased to announce the opening of Men’s Business, an Indigenous men’s only exhibition at the Northern Rivers Community Gallery, Ballina, on Thursday, 3 December, at 5.30pm.

The exhibition, the first of its kind in our region, will be formally opened by renowned Indigenous artist Digby Moran, with a Welcome to Country by Aunty Bertha Kapeen.

Men’s Business captures a unique but diverse perspective – interpreting land, culture and Aboriginal spirituality through the eyes of local male artists, young and old, established and emerging.

It is their voice, telling their stories, and sharing their experiences of being proud Aboriginal men.

“This is not an exhibition of secret men’s business, intended for men’s eyes only,” explains Lismore-based contributing artist Les Evans. 

“It’s a celebration of Aboriginal men’s art they and their communities can be proud of.”

Importantly, the exhibition includes works by some younger artists who have benefited from mentoring with leading artists from the Northern Rivers region.

For example, in the lead-up to the show, Fingal Heads sculptor Garth Lena – winner of numerous awards including the 2006 Parliament of NSW Indigenous Art Prize – has worked closely with fellow Tweed shire artist Lenny Noteo.

Since September the two have been meeting regularly, with Lena encouraging Noteo to take part in the show and mentoring him on becoming a professional artist.

Lena explained that through the sculpture he has submitted, ‘Little Man’, he wanted to depict a man proud of his Aboriginality. 

“A man, even though small in stature, is strong in who is his,” he said.

Tweed Heads artist Robert Appo said the painting he has submitted to the show tells the story of growing up as a young boy under the guidance of his grandfather, uncles, cousins and brother on the Tweed River.

“I want people to get a feel for the places where we used to go,” he said, adding that this particular work is ‘very abstract, using a lot of texture, and medium’.

Evan Heads-based Oral Laurie, who was mentored by his father Oral Roberts, said the experience has taught him about the ‘clever and healthy’ traditional side to his father’s life.

Oral Laurie said that he believes his father’s paintings ‘gather it all up and turn it into art’, with individual works reflecting what he has been told by his dad and uncles.

Men’s Business has been curated by a panel of first-time curators – Indigenous artists Robert Appo, Garth Lena, Michael Philp and Penny Evans, working with Arts Northern Rivers’ Indigenous Arts Development Officer, Frances Belle Parker.

Mrs Parker said it was fantastic to be able to offer this new learning opportunity to some of the more advanced artists in the region and also to include new artists in the show through the mentorship program.

“The dedication of the mentors who have supported and encouraged young artists to create artworks for the exhibition was invaluable, not only for this event but also for the long-term development of Indigenous arts in our region,” she said.

Men’s Business opens Thursday, December 3, at Northern Rivers Community Gallery, 44 Cherry Street, Ballina. It runs until January 10, 2010.

Image credit: Jai Darby Walker, Men’s Business (detail).