Regional Print

Wow, my head is still spinning from a fabulously busy and energising few days with the Print Council of Australia (PCA) and the opening of Regional Marks - the exhibition of regional printmakers at the University of the Sunshine Coast.

I mentioned here that for the past year or so we I have been working with a great bunch of women to build and promote the profile of printmaking in our region, and we got to see the results of some of that hard work last week.

It began with the opening of the exhibition on Thursday night. What a night.  We had the amazing Judy Watson opening it, and the beautiful University Gallery was filled with interesting and exciting work. But best of all there was a huge crowd - almost the biggest the Uni Gallery has ever seen! Over 200 people came along and enjoyed the night and we were all just thrilled to pieces.  You know those nights when the atmosphere is electric and buzzing - we had one!

Judy's opening speech.

Photo: Barry Smith

The organising gang!

Photo: Barry Smith

My work A Place Among the Clouds I hanging

Photo: Barry Smith

And my diminutive piece A Place Among the Clouds III in place as well.

On Friday the executive members of the PCA undertook a couple of studio visits and a gallery visit.  They visited Steph, and Susan and Barry and I.  They had the most beautiful day and we enjoyed their company greatly.

Akky, Liz and Jan at Susan's

Photo: Tory Richards

Jan, Liz, Susan, Tory, Kate, Akky and Marguerite at Steph's

Photo: Steph McLennan

Me with Marguerite, Kate, and Akky (and Barry)

Photo: Tory Richards

 I mentioned it was a beautiful day...

Photo: Tory Richards

That night we all had dinner together, and yes I played table tennis! With Akky, John and Cathy.

Photo: Tory Richards

Saturday was another full day with the PCA Annual General Meeting held outside a capital city for the first time in ages (or maybe even ever). Quite a number of local printmakers attended as well, another sign of the strength of the local scene.

We then had a fabulous Forum - What is Print? with three guest panellists (Stephen Spurrier, Jan Davis and Russell Craig) facilitated by Akky Von Ogtrop. It was heartening to hear the discussion and the thoughtfulness from the panellists and the audience. We didn't get an answer, but we got some excellent ideas and understandings.

Photo: Tory Richards

And then we all headed to the Caloundra Regional Gallery for an after hours event with a great show and more chatting and planning for more all things print.

There is more still to come of course - but we have a bit of a breather at least.

2 June -   Make your Mark workshop at Caloundra Gallery with the Noosa Press Gang
8 June -   Making your Mark panel discussion by three local printmakers at Caloundra Regional
                Gallery
10 June - Letterpress Demonstration and Meet the Artists at USC.

Check out the Regional Print site for more information and updates.

Phew, glass of wine time now I think.