Gallery prize offers big chance for South West artists
The annual Margaret River Art Auction is just around the corner, and this year the Margaret River Independent School is celebrating the addition of a new art prize for the events 13th incarnation.
Along with a new venue for the popular auction, Boranup Gallery will offer an exclusive opportunity for an emerging artist from the region to exhibit in the gallerys dedicated Emerging Artists Room, otherwise known as The Red Tail Room, for a two month period.
“We are so excited that the gallery has come to the party with this amazing opportunity, I cant express how grateful we are and what an amazing opportunity it is for some of our talented artists in the area,” said MRIS Principal Wendy Roediger.
Having established the gallery in the late 1980s to showcase his handcrafted timber furniture below the towering canopy of the Boranup Forest, James Howieson said the space evolved to welcome many artists works from sculptures, pottery, paintings, photography and jewellery.
“It really grew from wanting to complement the furniture and make the place somewhere people wanted to spend time,” Mr Howieson said.
It was not long before the gallery came to display a rich collection of local artisans and their South West inspired creations.
Artist Chris Spiker is one of those locals, who as a long time supporter of the auction will donate two pieces this year.
“When I was first introduced to the place it was through the cafe, where the current owner offered me the space to display my earlier paintings,” Mr Spiker said.
“When I saw James furniture and the standard, the level of creativity and talent, I thought okay, now its time to lift my game, and my work developed as a result.”
Both Howieson and Spiker attest to the value of drawing inspiration from sharing creative spaces with other artists.
“For us also its an opportunity to give back to the local community who have supported us over the years, weve been allowed to create and live in this incredible space and wed like to use this room to give another talent the chance to shine… who knows where it might take them,” Mr Howieson said.
The 13th Annual Margaret River Art Auction will be held at the South Regional TAFE Barrel Room on Saturday October 27. For more visit www.facebook.com/margaretriverindependentschool/events
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Margaret River Mail
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