It has been anything but a quiet break over the Christmas season with exhibitions, festivals and music events happening. 'Summer in the City' organised by Gosford City Council has been functioning well. The wonderful Jazz concert held at the Youth Arts Warehouse with Jiri Kripac's 'Harlem Swing' band and 'Tuba Skinny' direct from New Orleans with Gosford their first performance in Australia, was an absolute hoot. What an experience to see Robin Rapuzzi playing the washboard with such zest - he was like a puppet on a string and the music was terrific. Other band members were Todd Burdick, tuba, Kiowa Wells, guitar/vocals, Erika Lewis, vocals, Barnabus Jones, trombone and Shaye Cohn, cornet. Organised by Sharon Aldrick and Jiri Kripac, this was a concert to be remembered.
The Community Environment Network has also hosted concerts 'Beside the Lagoon' at Terrigal, with environment workshops for young and old. The U Bouddi Band played at many events before and after Christmas as did the Tempo Terrific Band.
Exhibitions were held at the new Lakeside Art Space at The Entrance; The Edge Art Space at Brooklyn; Killcare Surf Club; Patonga's 24 x 7 space with work by Marijke Greenway; with children's workshops at The Regional Gallery, the Gosford Imperial Centre as part of 'Summer in the City' and Catherine Stanley doing workshops at Lakeside Art.
Congratulations to the committee of the 5 Lands Art Trail for organising the Art trail over the weekend of 14/15th January. It was a great success and I look forward to visiting more galleries on the 3rd weekend next month. I was able to visit Mike and Katerina Rubbo's Studio, Felicity O'Connors, Carol Marando and Jon Ellis's studio galleries at Avoca and also Pablo's Art Studio at Davistown Road, Yattalunga. What a wonderful feast of varied art. The colours, ambience, excitement and hospitality were terrific. Mike Rubbo was having a wonderful time showing how his new printing press worked and encouraging young students to try their hand at printing; The colours of Carol's magnificent glass jewellery and still life paintings and Jon's portraits and landscapes filled me with pure delight; the chat with Felicity and Robin Ross and seeing Felicity's new work being developed plus the delight of finally getting past the gate of Pablo's Art Studio at Yattalunga, made for a very pleasant afternoon. All studios will have an orange Bali banner flying outside.
For months I have passed the sign advertising 'Pablo's Art Classes for Kids ' at Yattalunga, but didn't have the time to stop and look. Finally I made it and what a delightful space I found. A big studio with an additional covered workspace, lovely grounds with seating, Sandy James and her art, Nicole DeMestre making colourful pots from found discarded plastics, fabrics, wire and lots more, and art everywhere. The space is available to hire for parties and art groups are welcome to visit by appointment. The address is 319 Davistown Road, Green Point Phone 0412 230 315 or email sandyjames@rocketmail.com Classes by Peter Lankas and Susan Porteous, are held on site for children and adults. What is more interesting; Pablo is not the teacher, but the house dog, who welcomes you with a wagging tail.
If you remember the magnificent portrait of "Jim at 92" painted by Wayne Dowsent, shown at the Margaret Smith Memorial Award at the 2011 Gosford Show, you will be pleased to know this work was a finalist in the Mortimer Art Prize in 2011 and is currently on tour and displayed at Byron Bay. Unfortunately Jim had a fall just before Christmas and died two weeks later. Our condolences go to Jacqui, Wayne and family. Negotiations have been held with the Mortimer Prize organiser to have this major exhibition displayed on the Central Coast over Easter 2012.
Many thanks to the new Manager of Community and Cultural Services, Gosford City Council, Sue Verhoek and Sharon Moore, Team leader, for agreeing to fund printing of the MAC News Sheet (in house) for 2012. This enables this community resource to continue to be published. We now need your continued support. Please pay your fees and encourage others to join MAC. We also need sponsorship, so if your group or business would agree to give an annual payment in exchange for advertisements, donations or such, it would be appreciated.
Sherry McCourt has organised a Film and Tapas Night at the historic Avoca Picture Theatre for Thursday 23rd February, 2012. from 6pm to raise funds for the MAC News Sheet. Tapas will be served from 6pm with the film "Frida" being shown from 7pm. Bookings to Avoca Picture Theatre 4382 1677. Cost $18.
The MAC Board would also welcome new members to the Board. Jillian has stepped down as president after 8 years to travel, do her own art work, but will continue to do the web page and Facebook for MAC, as a non board member. Margaret is acting President and Secretary; as well editor of News Sheet; Treasurer is Renate Leyer, Membership Secretary is Mavis Whitehead, Research is Sherry McCourt; Publicity, Norm Strange and Rod Smith is Board member. A good team working together to support local arts and artists and to provide information to Councillors, Council staff, Parliamentarians and the wider community on what is happening on the Coast. Many thanks to Jane Becktel for proof reading the MAC News. Contact Margaret 4369 4534 for further details.
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS FOR FEBRUARY & MARCH
It is with regret we advise that Chris Bearman has retired from the Central Coast Conservatorium. Chris has spent many years as the Musical Director and was very popular with students and teachers. However the Conservatorium will function as usual and Chris and his Baton will be at the Pearl Beach Opera in the Arboretum, March 24, the Gala Concert on 27th May, and will assist the Central Coast Symphony Orchestra with their concerts during the year. We wish Chris best wishes and hope all goes well with him.
REMEMBER TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS FOR THE MAC 'TAPAS' NIGHT at Avoca Theatre FEBRUARY 23, FROM 6pm. This is a fund raiser for the MAC News.
