Fun Art Fair
By ANDREA LOUISE THOMAS Showcasing original painting, photography, pastels, drawings, sculpture, mixed media and jewellery, Somers Arts Fair combines the best aspects of an affordable art show, auction, local market and country fair celebrating the creative diversity of Mornington Peninsula artists and artisans. One really unique feature of this fair is its original hand carved cypress totem poles generously donated for auction by the...
Power and Passion
By ANDREA LOUISE THOMAS Australian musical theatre star, Maria Mercedes, performs her dream role as iconic opera diva, Maria Callas in Terence McNally’s Tony award-winning play, Masterclass. Bringing to life the passion, drama, drive and artistic genius of Callas is for Mercedes, the greatest of honours because she has always admired not only her incredible talent, but also the honest and uncompromising way in which Callas lived her...
Artists’ Isle
By ANDREA LOUISE THOMAS Since the dawn of tourism, the allure of the tropical island paradise has drawn writers and artists to sandier shores. Something about swaying palm trees, balmy breezes and exotic cultures sow the seeds of artistic inspiration. Bali is the siren song of many Australians, but particularly its artists. In that vein, McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery presents Australian Artists in Bali: 1930 to Now. Put...
Director’s Take
By ANDREA LOUISE THOMAS Little in life is more inspiring than a person who has great passion. Sydneysider Damien Ryan, who directs Hamlet for Bell Shakespeare this season, is enthralled with the poetry and dramatic possibilities of Shakespeare’s works. A scholar and teacher of the Bard, his interpretations and innovation are remarkable. Last year his direction of Bell Shakespeare’s Henry V swept the Sydney theatre awards winning...
Window on wonderful
By ANDREA LOUISE THOMAS Artist Sarah Dingwall shapes, blows, stretches, teases, and melts glass under the glow of a small blowtorch using a mesmerizing technique called flameworking. She crafts spectacular jewellery, tiny pots, hanging decorations and little messages encased in glass. It’s not just what she makes that distinguishes her work, but also how she shows it. Her botanical inspired displays are beautiful and unique. She...