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Updated: Nov 5, 2023



Welcome and well done!

Welcome to all our new members - too many to list, but we hope you will pop in to Glyph Gallery and say hello! Glyph Gallery and Creative Space opened on Thursday 12th October, after a massive effort by our retail sub-committee to display glassware, paintings, ceramics, textiles, jewellery and other unique, hand-crafted items. The work of respected artists, Paul Buchanan, Cherree Densley and Oriel Glennan, is now available for purchase in the retail gallery. We hope you are following us on social media (@makerssouthwest on Instagram) to keep informed between newsletters.


Life drawing starting Tuesday 7th November

Life drawing is a great way to practise your sketching skills, develop your knowledge of anatomy in art and spend time in a relaxed and casual environment. Starting at 7.00pm on 7th November, the cost is $30 per person to pay for snacks and the model's time. Please book your place on the Event's page.


Studio Rental and Exhibition Space

We already have a couple of artists interested in occupying a studio space, but there are two more rooms available if you, or someone you might know, is interested in using a space at 38 Bank St. We also have a great back room, with a hanging system, plinths and lighting for exhibitions. If you are interested in holding your own solo or group exhibition, contact our exhibitions team at: exhibitions@swmakers.com.au


Volunteers

In the three weeks since the quiet opening, we have had a great many volunteers and visitors through the doors and sales that have met and exceeded our budget forecasts. We are grateful to all the volunteers who have given up their time to allow the gallery to open it's door to the public. Many of you will have attended the Volunteer Training day hosted by Freya Marriott and others. If you were unable to attend, there is volunteer manual on the desk and one of our board members will pop in and give you a brief induction. We also thank Roger Bellchambers for constructing, painting and installing the ramp at the front entrance - great job!


Workshops

The model of a community gallery, run by volunteers, has been successful in many small regional towns and Port Fairy has the advantage of a significant tourist population at several times throughout the year. However, we aim to be more than an opportunity for local artists to have their work available for sale. South-West Makers Association Inc. recognise the health and well-being aspects of creative practise in the community and wish to offer a variety of workshops to members and visitors over the coming months. Robert Gatt, from Eclectic Designs Glass Studio, can offer 3D printing, model painting, automata making, robotics and other workshops, depending on interest. Britt Gow, a local printmaker, can offer gelatin plate mono-printing, linocutting, drypoint and collograph workshops in the new year. We also have members who are artists and makers skilled in ceramics, textiles, various painting media and other techniques. Let us know what you would like to learn and we will endevour to run a workshop to suit.


First Exhibition at Glyph Gallery

Our first exhibition at Glyph Gallery will be"Tidelines - where elements meet", with 2D and 3D artworks welcome. Terms and conditions are on the "Art Entries" page on this website. Entries for the exhibition close on Sunday 3rd December and labelled artworks can be delivered on Sunday 10th and Monday 11th of December. The exhibition will open on Thursday 14th December, co-inciding with the grand opening celebration of the Glyph Gallery! Drinks will be available for purchase, but please RSVP under the "Events" tab on the website, so we can cater accordingly.

If you are interested in using the exhibition space or one of the studio rooms, or know someone who might be, details are available under "File Share" under the "Memberships" tab on the website, or pop into the gallery for more information.


Art Exhibition at Charlie's on East until 8th January, 2024.


Thanks to all those who attended the opening of "Nature, Red in Tooth and Claw" on Saturday afternoon. If you missed the celebration, you can still view the artworks until 8th January. We are grateful for the support of Bill, at Charlie's, who supplied platters for our guests at each of the three opening events. 30% of all sales goes towards South West Makers Association.

  • Oct 31, 2023

We are pleased to be able to offer Life Drawing sessions to our community! We'll start with it on a once-per-month basis and if there's demand for more, we'll add to it. These sessions will be untutored, relaxed and casual. No pressure! All skill levels! A great way to hone those skills, or to give yourself space to try something new.


First session is on 7 November at 7pm. There will be drinks and nibbles available. A $30 pp charge is necessary to pay the model for their work, and to cover refreshments.


Bookings essential - via our events page! Thank you!



Updated: Oct 31, 2023


Congratulations to all the artists, volunteers and members who have assisted during our first week of trading as "Glyph Gallery and Creative Space". It was marvellous to have so many visitors during the Spring Music Festival and lots of excitement about a new outlet for artists and exhibition space for the region. I was staffing the gallery on Saturday, and we had an encouraging number of sales and positive feedback from visitors.


Our recent board meeting elected office bearers for the next twelve months:

Chairperson - Marion Matthews

Deputy Chairman - Robert Gatt

Treasurer - Kay O'Connell

Secretary - Susan Kay

Ordinary Board Members: Sian Burman, Dean Canham, Jo Canham, Britt Gow (Newsletters), Ruth Lazarus (Minute taker), Freya Marriott, Kathryn Riessen.


We have several sub-committees who are working on policies and procedures:

Retail Gallery (shop@swmakers.com.au) - Sian Burman, Robery Gatt and Freya Marriott.

Exhibitions and Studio Hire (exhibitions@swmakers.com.au) - Paul Burman, Jill Edwards, Britt Gow and Marion Matthews

Volunteer Roster - Sarah Lu, Susan Kay and Kathryn Riessen

Marketing and Social Media - Britt Gow


There are lots of other small tasks that are necessary in running a community gallery:

  • We need a regular lawn mower for the small back yard - especially this time of year!

  • Cleaner - someone to vaccuum and clean the entrance area and windows. This can sometimes be done by those volunteers on gallery duty, but weekends look like they are going to be very busy - which is a good thing.

  • Maintenance - Roger Bellchambers has been a skilled SW Maker, creating a bracket for the flag and working on the entrance ramp, amongst other jobs.

  • Distribution of flyers, once we have the logo designed and marketing materials printed.

  • Serving drinks - Alcoholic beverages will be served at exhibition openings, so members with Responsible Serving of Alcohol certification are required.

If you are able to assist with any of these tasks or on any of the sub-committees, please contact us at the gallery or by email (info@swmakers.com.au)


Our First Exhibition at Glyph!

All community members are invited to respond to the theme "Tidelines - where elements meet" for our inaugural exhibition at Glyph Gallery and Creative Space. Find more details under the "Art Entries" tab on the website and by following our social media. Entry fees are $5 for members and $25 for non-members. Artworks are to be delivered on the 10th or 11th Dec for exhibition from 14th Dec to 28th Jan. SW Makers retains 30% of the sale price as a handling commission. Artists are responsible for packaging and delivering works to the buyer, if the buyer cannot collect at the conclusion of the exhibition.


Save the Date: Grand Opening Celebration!

Thursday 14th December

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