Byron School of Art is opening the doors of its beautiful studios and exhibition space in Mullumbimby on Sunday 17 September from 11am-2pm for visitors to come and discover all the School and Project Space have to offer.
Byron School of Art teachers and Directors Michael Cusack, James Guppy, Emma Walker and Christine Willcocks, all practising professional artists themselves, will be on hand to discuss the various courses, workshops and masterclasses on offer and will present an information session about year-long courses at 12pm. Printmaking demonstrations, stringmaking with Helle Jorgensen and an open drawing studio will run throughout the day. There will also be activities for kids and a chance for parents to hear about the new BSA Kids program of after-school classes starting in October.
“Our Open Day is a great opportunity for art lovers of all ages to find out more about the courses and classes on offer – for the absolute beginner to established artists wanting to deepen their practice – and chat to the artists who will be teaching them,” said BSA Director and teacher Christine Willcocks. “It’s also for anyone just wanting to come and see the current exhibition and check out the busy creative space that is Byron School of Art. Plus there will be some hands-on activities and demonstrations on the day. For those who want to know more about the year-long courses, don’t miss the info session at 12pm.”
The Project Space gallery will be open, exhibiting the ‘Dirty Filthy Painting Group Show‘ (9-20 Sept), featuring the work of some of the best abstract painters in the country such Miles Hall, Terri Brooks, Julie Fragar and 2014 Archibald winner Fiona Lowry as well as some international artists who have never shown in Australia, including David Quinn, Helen O’Leary and Robert Dunne. These artists will be joined by a line-up of talented local artists like the well-travelled Paul McNeil, a much-beloved figure in the community; artists new to the region such as Brent Hallard, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience; and young guns of the art world who used to call Byron home, like Josey Kidd Crowe and Sally Anderson. The ‘Dirty Filthy Painting Group Show’ opens on Saturday 9 September and will be on show at Byron School of Art until Wednesday 20 September.
Byron School of Art Open Day – Sunday 17 September, 11am-2pm, 112 Dalley St Mullumbimby, NSW. For more information visit www.byronschoolofart.com
About Byron School of Art
Byron School of Art is an independent, contemporary art school based on an international model of Artists teaching Artists in a studio-based learning environment. BSA offers courses for emerging and established artists as well as an encouraging platform for the complete beginner. Students are guided in developing a strong work practice that is open to critical and creative thinking and grounded in technical and practical abilities. The courses are run by nationally recognised professional artists, who bring to the school a passion for their practice combined with extensive teaching experience.
Long Courses
Byron School of Art offers a progressive series of year-long courses that provide an extensive grounding in the Visual Arts. They are structured studio programs incorporating drawing, painting, printmaking, 3d studies, design principles, art history and creative thinking. Students can study in this program for one to three years, beginning with the Visual Arts Foundation Course, and leading on through Visual Arts Practice, to the Research & Portfolio Course in their third year.
Many students relocate to Northern NSW to take part in BSA Long Courses. All course activities include studio work, field trips, gallery visits, guest lecturers, group exhibitions and more. Enrolments are now open for 2018, with intake interviews held in November.
BSA Kids
After many requests and enquiries, and plenty of research and consideration, BSA is very pleased to be offering Art Classes for young people who are serious about visual art.
BSA Afternoon Art Club is the perfect opportunity for children who love art to develop their skills and knowledge with a trained artist and teacher. Jacqueline Smith will be teaching two afternoon classes each week during school terms for children aged 9 -12 years and 13 -15 years starting 4th Term 2017 (11 & 12 October).
Each week a new technique or idea is introduced, with activities building upon these in response to students’ interests. Students will work independently and as a group on focused, structured art activities as well as on their own projects.
Short Courses
Byron School of Art taps into the extraordinary wealth and depth of artistic talent in the Northern Rivers to offer short courses, workshops and masterclasses taught by an impressive roster of leading professional artists across a variety of mediums including life drawing, painting, portraiture, basket weaving and sculpture. Byron School of Art also offers a 10-week Visual Arts Introduction Course held one day per week, that introduces students to the fundamentals of contemporary art through observational drawing, design elements, materials, colour theory, and more.
Exhibitions at BSA Project Space
Byron School of Art houses a curated exhibition space, BSA Project Space, which exhibits shows by emerging and established artists and has a full exhibition calendar until the end of the year. Check the BSA website for details of upcoming exhibitions and fortnightly openings.
Art in the Pub
Art in the Pub is an artist talk presented by Byron School of Art in partnership with c.a.s.e. inc. every month at the Courthouse Hotel in Mullumbimby. Previous guest speakers include Lindy Lee, Jenny Watson, Guy Maestri (in association with Tweed Regional Gallery) Art Gallery NSW Director Michael Brand and Sebastian Smee (both in association with Byron Writers Festival). Free admission, inspiring conversation, great food, cheap drinks and a warm community.
For more information visit – www.byronschoolofart.com
Photos by Sarah Gray
