A1 DAREBIN ART SALON

Words by Viki Komornik Photos by Keelan O’Hehir @keelanohehir and Viki for the individual art pieces.

First up - what is the A1 Darebin Art Salon? This community art prize and exhibition features 150 artists, who, as you might have guessed alreadylive, work, study or base their creative practice in Darebin. For some or many, this is their first opportunity to exhibit in a public gallery.

The four major categories are photography, painting, drawing/ printmaking and textile/mixed media. Bundoora Homestead Art Centre hosted the exhibition and I have to admit this was my first time at this magnificent building. It was built in 1900 and is registered by Heritage Victoria and certified by the National Trust.

The atmosphere was buzzing on the opening day, with artists finally seeing their piece for the first time at the show and bringing with them their friends and loved ones, as well as curious visitors, such as myself.

There were speeches to listen to, wine to be savoured and conversation to be had. Artists, when asked were happily and proudly sharing the inspiration for their works. The opening day had a wonderful community feel, with artists from all ages, backgrounds and walks of life.

Two of our own Rezzadent contributors had their pieces displayed - Rhiannon Poley and Julie Atkinson. Rhiannon’s illustrations regularly feature in The Rezzadent, but this time, alongside her piece made of 100% upcycled materials, we also get to see her face! Julie’s photos are also a regular, colourful addition to the publication and it was one of her nature photographs that made it into the exhibition.

Here is a list of other Reservoir artists whose work is represented in the A1 Darebin Art Salon (this may not be a complete list, as this only includes the names of those who gave permission). If you know someone from here please congratulate on our behalf as well.

Antonietta O’Keefe (Anna)

Clive Dickson

David Nerlich (Stoch)

Emma Fayelecaun

Sonia Kretschmar

Bruce Baycroft

Carly Housiaux

Cecile Plaa (Cecile McNamara-Plaa)

Con Emmanuelle

Emily Colaidis

Gurvinder Kaur

Heidi Schoenheimer

Iaki Vallejo

Liam Murphy

Maria Colaidis

Merinda Ries

Sana Baig

Vanessa Vun

Thanh Lyons

This is what the judges Uncle Alan Brown (Gunditjmara), Ambassador of the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service and Chair of the Darebin Aboriginal Advisory Committee; Bala Starr, Director of La Trobe Art Institute; and Sarah Werkmeister, Curator at Bundoora Homestead Art Centre have stated about the winning piece:

“Miguel’s work is a stand out in the exhibition. The linocut ‘Of A Hot Summer With Few Resources’ portrays a scene that we can all relate to – no matter where in the world we are – of gathering together to cool off during hot summers. It creates a joyful zone that we can all feel like we’re in for a moment. The attention to detail shows the artist’s deft material skill, while the storytelling and sense of communality in the work are handled with care and a sense of cheekiness. We walked through the exhibition multiple times and always came back to Miguel’s work. We congratulate Miguel, and thank the wonderful array of artists in this exhibition on works that are all skilful and intriguing.”

The People’s Choice Awards give everyone a chance to vote for their favourite in four categories:

• Photography

• Painting

• Drawing/printmaking

• Textile/mixed media

You have until Friday 16 June to cast your vote and 24 June to visit in person.

Bundoora Homestead Arts Centre: 7 Prospect Hill Drive, Bundoora

Open: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Wednesdays to Saturday) arts.darebin.vic.gov.au/ bundoorahomestead