Ten Years of Dowel JonesTen Years of Dowel Jones National Wool Museum, Geelong July 26 – November 24 One Drawing a Day: Bendigo Dudley House, Bendigo July 19 – 30
Words by Chester Ogilvie
Dowel Jones celebrates his tenth anniversary at the National Wool Museum and Frankie O goes wild with drawing in a lively exhibition of 365 drawings at Dudley House.
From ceramics to furniture, art trails to Renaissance, the arts scene is buzzing with exciting exhibitions and events across the Victorian landscape this month.
These are the art exhibitions you shouldn’t miss in July.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in the region’s art scene here.
Nature speaks
In the words of naturalist and environmentalist John Muir, “on every walk in nature you receive far more than you seek.” With this in mind, volunteer-run community gallery Foundry Arts Space welcomes its second art prize. As the exhibition suggests, Nature Speaks will celebrate a range of artistic practices as it shines a light on both expressions of nature in art and social and ecological work related to our environment and climate change.
Nature Speaks will be on display at The Foundry Arts Space, Echuca from 19th July to 18th August
Ten years of Dowel Jones
Created in Geelong and known globally, leading design studio Dowel Jones celebrates a decade of colourful and playful creativity. Founded by Adam Lynch and Dale Hardiman in 2014 after graduating from university, they spent their early days fitting out local cafes. Today, their work fills rooms all over the world. Join Dowel Jones as they transform the Wool Museum gallery into a home of furniture, ceramics, lighting and textiles.
Ten Years of Dowel Jones will be on display at the National Wool Museum in Geelong from 26 July to 24 November.
Surf Coast Art Route
For over a decade, the Surf Coast Arts Trail has showcased the talents of the Surf Coast Shire and given art lovers the opportunity to talk to artists. It’s no wonder it’s been named one of the best art centres in regional Victoria. In total, over 200 artists and 60 venues are expected to feature, including Aireys Inlet, Fairhaven, Lorne, Anglesea, Bellbrae, Torquay, Jan Juc, Winchelsea and Hinterland.
The Surf Coast Arts Trail takes place on August 3 and 4
Belinda Fox: The Light Crept In
Sometimes a little spark of joy is all it takes to brighten up a day and make life a little easier. Melbourne-based artist Belinda Fox works across printmaking, painting, drawing, glass, sculpture and collaboration, and aims to do just that with The Light Crept In. Take ceramic vessels in the shape of traditional Korean moon pots, created in collaboration with Buninyong-based ceramic artist Neville French, which recognise perfection in the imperfect.
Belinda Fox: The Light Crept In is currently on view at the Art Gallery of Ballarat and ends on 11 August.
Double Vision – Mapping Dürer in Times of Crisis
Melencolia I was engraved in 1514 by the German Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer and has been referred to as the artist’s psychological self-portrait. Featured here are a series of etchings by Raymond Arnold and Ian Westacott, produced in direct response to this masterpiece. Each artist drew all 18 objects in Dürer’s composition onto A4 copper plates, before transporting them thousands of miles to the other, who would then imprint his own image onto the former.
Double Vision will be hosted by Geelong Gallery from 3 August to 27 October
One Drawing a Day: Bendigo
Already a qualified art teacher, Frankie O took on the Rome Art Project in her late 30s to rediscover her artistic spirit. It worked like a charm. In 2015, she embarked on her first ambitious ‘One Drawing a Day’ project to rediscover and redefine her drawing skills. This time, Frankie’s 365-day drawing bender takes on Bendigo. Can you pick out the city’s landmarks?
One Drawing a Day: Bendigo is hosted by Dudley House, Bendigo from 19th to 30th July
Large ceramic energy
Who can forget ceramics lessons at school? Curated from the SAM Collection, Big Ceramic Energy showcases next-level pieces from Australian, First Nations and international contemporary artists whose practices push the boundaries of the medium. From eccentric forms to experimental glazes, the museum’s growing collection features works by Jemmy Orchard, Bankstown Koori Elders Group, Stephen Bowers and more. New acquisitions include those from the Sidney Myer Ceramic Award and the Indigenous Ceramic Award.
Big Ceramic Energy will be hosted by the Shepparton Art Museum from 3 August
Overflow
From its healing properties to its colourful and abundant worlds, there is indeed magic in water. Jane Millington has long been fascinated by the healing nature of our water. Through her work, Millington hopes to regenerate the viewer’s engagement with the comings and goings of their lives, reflected in the movement of the water. Sophie Legoe is also fascinated and inspired by our water – particularly the magical kingdoms that live beneath it. Her recent ceramic work is about memory and play.
New arrival, Suffuse will be hosted by The Hive, Ocean Grove until July 28th
Visit each gallery’s website for more information about each exhibition.
