September Newsletter

September '22 Newsletter

The big story for EMAI and The Foundry during the past few weeks since I last sat down (I am the chair after all) and brought you up to date with the goings on at The Foundry and with EMAI, was the successful launch of the Arts Prize. Through a sterling effort of the team, we were all treated to a terrific event and exhibition opening on July 22nd. The exhibition that followed during the next 3 weeks broke all attendance records of over 1,100 visitations and over $10,000 worth of art sales.

Now we have an eclectic exhibition “Painted on Smile” by the members of the Tuesday Junction group of local artists who have been meeting to discuss and exchange ideas on their art practices for nearly 2 decades. The eclectic range of ideas has fruitfully come into being at the exhibition in a variety of media and materials from the sophisticated to found objects. Another successful and at times challenging exhibition at The Foundry.

We are now starting the planning process for the 2023 exhibition program. Invitations to submit an expression of interest are out and all artistic expressions of whatever genre are encouraged to submit. Invitations close at the end of September.
We have been able to actively engage with Campaspe Council through our recently appointed Community Development Officer for our region, Declan Napier who has been providing active assistance to our requests.
Through her, we have an agreement to install a small commercial dishwasher in the kitchen to improve the sanitising and speed up the washing of glasses and items used in openings and other events. No longer a few volunteers having to stay back at the end of openings with their hands in scalding water! Another completed upgrade approved by the council has been the installation of a 15-amp power outlet on the front of the building adjacent to the park and already put to use for the Arts Prize opening and the Blues Festival.

September 15 will be the EMAI Inc. Annual General Meeting to be held at The Foundry at 7 pm. Your committee members are all standing again, but we would welcome new members to join to share in the pleasure of actively encouraging the arts in our region; remember, “the arts are good for your health”. We look forward to seeing as many as possible at the AGM to share ideas and think about our future direction over refreshments at the conclusion of the meeting.

Wishing all a fruitful Spring,

Tim

Tim Smallwood FFCSI MDIA

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