Celebrating an incredibly broad range of local artistic talents, the Evoke Exhibition of Creativity will return to the Tenterfield Showgrounds from Friday 6 September to Sunday 8 September.
The exhibition, which marks a culmination of an 18-month arts program coordinated by Make It Tenterfield, will showcase the works of 55 local residents.
The program, funded by the Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCF) NSW Government Grant, has been hugely successful in both it’s final products, and the bonds that it has formed in the communities of Tenterfield, Drake and Liston.
Dianne Rissler, Secretary for Make It Tenterfield, said, “We’ve been absolutely amazed by the talent in our community.”
“Thanks to the grant funding we were able to facilitate 12 free workshops for over 55s in Tenterfield Shire to come and learn, or further develop skills across a broad range of different art forms.”
Tenterfield is home to a very wide range of highly talented artists, and the breadth of their talent is showcased through the number of different techniques and modalities that have been offered for participants to learn.
Some of the arts that will be showcased at Evoke include:
- Loom Weaving
- Felting
- Doll making
- Eco-dying and botanical printing
- Botanical water colours
- Ceramics
- Sewing
- Ballad and short-story writing
“We’re so excited for the exhibition. The one we ran in 2023 was a huge success and we expect this final event to be even bigger,” said Mrs Rissler.
“It’s been such a wonderful journey, not only for the participants to be able to join in these workshops and create some truly beautiful pieces, but also for them to now also have the opportunity to have the experience of exhibiting their work.”
The program has ended up being about so much more than just learning skills and creating artwork.
Mrs Rissler, who also taught the classes on doll making, said, “What started as some very talented people sharing their skills, has morphed into something that has been fantastic for the community and their mental health.”
“The process of creating art is such an immersive experience, and I know for some of my participants, it’s given them the opportunity to step away from some of the things, like health issues and other life stresses – these workshops have really helped people get through some very difficult times.”
The exhibition will kick off on the Friday night from 5:30pm with a grand opening event.
“The opening evening is going to be a really fun night,” said Mrs Rissler.
For just $15 per person, attendees will be treated to an evening of wine, canapes, live entertainment, and addresses from guest speakers, and local personalities.
Catering will be provided by Tenterfield Rotary Club, and all proceeds from the evening will go towards their community work.
From there the exhibition will continue to be open on Saturday from 10am -3pm and Sunday from 10am – 2.30pm.
Entry to the public is free and highlights will include a fashion parade/competition showcasing wearable art, jewellery and accessories on Saturday morning.
A book launch will be held on Sunday morning for “Time Well Spent” which features the collected works by the Drake Evoke Writing Group with readings, book sales and signings.
Both events will be followed by morning tea supplied free by the Tenterfield Community Care of Patients Committee Inc.
Dependent upon to preferences of individual artists, many items will also be available for sale at the exhibition.
Make it Tenterfield has cemented itself as an integral part of the local community, with Mrs Rissler saying that their work will continue even though the workshop program will finish this year.
“I think our roles will start to change and morph now that this program is concluding but this isn’t the first grant we’ve received to help the community and I’m sure it won’t be the last,” said Mrs Rissler.
“Make It is a huge success story for Tenterfield, we opened 5 years ago as just a group of creatives – Brian Smith, the owner of Mitre 10 gave us the top floor of his shop to use rent free and from here we formalised our Not-For-Profit business.”
“Now we have our beautiful shopfront on Rouse Street and we currently have 20 local makers selling from the store.”
Outside of offering free and low-cost workshops, and supporting for the local arts, everything Make It does has the broader Tenterfield community at heart.
“One of our highlights would without a doubt be the $17,000 we raised via an art auction for drought and bushfire relief in the community,” said Mrs Rissler.
“We’re here to be a part of all our wonderful community events and to help embrace the tourism which has become so vital to the region, but most importantly, we’re here to help support the community that also supports us and to help bring about well-being and resilience.”
For more information about Make It Tenterfield, visit their website. Ticket for the opening evening of the Evoke Exhibition are on sale now via Try Booking.
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