MORNINGTON ART SHOW
Young talent takes a bow
Art that stands out on a wall DUTCH born John Vanderwerf, above, arrived in Australia with his family in 1953 and has lived in Mt Evelyn for most of his life. He has worked as a visual merchandiser since he was 18, managing his own business for the past 28 years, including designing and building Christmas sets and exhibitions in major shopping centres and at trade fairs. Vanderwerf says he has experimented with painting as a hobby throughout his working life. In 2002 he began water colour lessons. Since then he has exhibited and sold some of his artwork in various art exhibitions including an exhibition at Lady Hawke Cafe in Mt Dandenong, being the artist of the month, and through the Sherbrooke Art Society Gallery, of which he is a member In both 2008 and 2009 Vanderwerf won awards in the Lilydale Show including Best Exhibit and First Prize. “He has a strong desire for experimenting with
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Southern Peninsula News 16 January 2018
a variety of mediums where his natural inclination aims for something novel and new, and the use of synthetic materials which form some of his contemporary artwork giving a three dimensional perspective,” art show organiser John Renowden said. In 2011 Vanderwerf started making sculptures from aluminium composite. Using this hard wearing and non-fading material (often seen on the outside of buildings as coloured panels or used for business signs) he has been able to transform the panels by cutting and bending the material manually into sculptures suitable for wall hangings, table centre pieces and garden ornaments. A range of Vanderwerf’s work will be on display and for sale at the Mornington Art Show held at the Peninsula Community theatre, corner of Nepean Highway and Wilson’s Rd Mornington from the opening night Thursday 18 January to Australia Day, 26 January.
STUDENTS from year 10 to VCE have again entered works in the annual Mornington Art Show. This includes award-winning photography by Toorak College, Mt Eliza, students. Toorak student Grace Dymond will display her stained glass windows. Students from Balcombe Grammar, Mt Martha, are exhibiting art work from a range of genre, including pencil portraits and a backlit abstracts. Mornington Secondary College students are also showing their photographic skills as well as some portraits which have won awards.