city of casey arts magazine summer 2014/15 lord … · city of casey arts magazine summer 2014/15...

CITY OF CASEY ARTS MAGAZINE Summer 2014/15

Lord Casey celebrated in new commission

PLUSCity of Casey Choir Project I Great Art Show I Neighbour Day 29 March 2015 Local Artist Spotlight I SECAN Update I What’s On including Christmas in Casey

arts news Summer 2014/15:

The next edition of Arts News will cover the months of March-May 2015. If you would like to be included in this edition, visit www.casey.vic.gov.au/arts for a submission form. Submissions will close 16 January 2015.

The City of Casey Arts and Events E-BulletinKeep up-to-date with local arts activities and events in Casey. Subscribe to the City of Casey’s monthly Arts and Events e-Bulletin by emailing [email protected].

Article submissions for the e-Bulletin are welcome. The City of Casey has privacy policies for how we use and store information when providing services to you. For more information, please visit the website: www.casey.vic.gov.au/privacy.

City of Casey Arts Mailing ListIf you would like a copy of Arts News sent to you by email or to your letterbox, as well as notificiation of arts events and opportunities in the City of Casey, please join our mailing list by contacting Customer Service on 9705 5200 or emailing your details to [email protected].

Cover: Lord Casey maquette, artist Louis Laumen with work. Photograph: Lachlan Woods

insidethis issue

3 City of Casey Choir Project Choir performs a sell-out show at Melbourne Town Hall

4 Neighbour Day 29 March 2015 A great opportunity to plan an activity with your neighbours

5 Casey Artists’ Showcase Casey’s Contemporary artists exhibit at Civic Centre

5 Local artist spotlight Focus on local artist ‘Zhen’

6-8 What’s on Guide to what’s on over summer in Casey

Lord Casey monument a step closer to its new homeThe City of Casey has commissioned a major public artwork to commemorate Lord Richard Gavin Gardiner Casey during the twenty year anniversary of the City of Casey.

Lord Casey was a highly decorated soldier and served at both Gallipoli and the Western Front in World War I. Lord Casey later became a Minister in the Lyons & Menzies governments, and was the very first Australian Ambassador to the United States. In a very long list of achievements and decorations Lord Casey has an Australian Antarctic Base Station named after him, ‘Casey Station’, he was named Australian of the Year in 1969, he served as Governor General from 1965 - 1969 and most notably he is the namesake for the City of Casey.

This artwork commemorates the multifaceted Lord Casey in a dignified and moving way looking to encapsulate the soldier, the diplomat and the man. The artist who was tasked with the important job of bringing this project to life is Louis Laumen, known for his sculptures of other well-known figures including Weary Dunlop, Saint Mary MacKillop, Sir Doug and Lady Gladys Nicholls and a range of ten elite athletes circling the Melbourne Cricket Ground just to name a few.

The process of creating a bronze sculpture is a considered and time consuming endeavour. Laumen, arguably one of Australia’s finest bronze artists, has undertaken detailed research and consulted with historians and military experts in an effort to deliver an accurate depiction of Lord Casey. Laumen has already created a maquette (a smaller model of the work) in clay and, after further revision and discussion with historians and specialists, cast the maquette in bronze to convey a miniaturised idea of how the final artwork may appear.

The bronze maquette of Lord Casey will be scaled up to a half sized version, checked again for accuracy and tone and will then find its final form in a one and one quarter life size version, firstly in clay and then finally in bronze.

Laumen uses the ‘lost wax’ method in crafting the bronze work, which is a process used in metal casting that consists of making a wax model, coating it with a refractory (a material that has the ability to retain its physical shape when subjected to high temperatures) to form a mould, heating it until the wax melts and runs out of the mould (hence ‘lost wax’), and then pouring metal into the vacant mould.

The completed sculpture is set to be unveiled some time before the end of May 2015.


The choir in action at Melbourne Town Hall.

The City of Casey Choir Project was back in full swing for its concert on Sunday 26 October at the Melbourne Town Hall. ‘Everybody loves Broadway’ was the third instalment of this project and is the result of a continuing partnership with the School of Hard Knocks under the artistic direction of Order of Australia member Dr Jonathan Welch AM.

After eight weeks of rehearsals at the Narre Warren Senior Citizens Centre, over 70 residents from the City of Casey stepped onto the Melbourne Town Hall stage and wowed the 600 strong audience with their rendition of the Les Miserables classic, ‘I dreamed a dream’.

Along with this spine-tingling number, our residents also joined members from surrounding municipal choirs, ‘Voices without Boarders’ (Australia’s first asylum

seeker choir) and the ‘Choir of Hope and Inspiration’ to create a 250 strong choir that delivered more Broadway favourites including ‘Seasons of Love’ from Rent, ‘Climb Every Mountain’ from the Sound of Music and ‘Somewhere’ from West Side Story.

If you would like information on future projects please contact the City of Casey on 9705 5200 or email [email protected]

City of Casey Choir Project proves that

‘Everybody loves Broadway’

‘Great Art Show’ celebrates another winning yearProvenance Artists Inc. celebrated another successful ‘Great Art Show’ in September showcasing over 500 works of art by leading professional artists, emerging artists and students. The exhibition was held at Nossal High School Auditorium and opened with an evening of music from ‘The Dagobah System’, a band comprising of Nossal High School students.

A range of prizes were awarded by judges Leanne Hutchinson, Director of Provenance Cardinia Studio, and Robert Knight, a leading painter whose lyrical, abstract works were featured with a special display at the event. Daily demonstrations were held for artists interested in watercolours, oil painting and the unique etching process known as ‘Scratchboard’, and the exhibition was a popular weekend event for many members of the public.

Anyone wishing to participate in future art shows presented by Provenance Artists Inc., or to take part in weekly ‘painting for pleasure’ workshops can contact Provenance on 9704 7773 or at [email protected]


The second annual Casey Contemporary Artists’ Showcase takes over the Civic CentreTwenty four local artists exhibited their work as part of the second annual Casey Contemporary Artists’ Showcase.

A diverse array of painting, photography, ceramics, jewellery and mixed media works were installed throughout the council’s Civic Centre Art Space.

The show is the first time exhibiting for many artists, or an opportunity to show new directions in practice. This year’s exhibition included Stacey Chan, a thirteen year old artist, and emerging artists Laura White and Rosa Vecris, who are relatively new to painting but already showing their aptitude.

Artists interested in applying to be part of next year’s Contemporary Artist Showcase can join the arts mailing list by contacting [email protected] or by phoning the City of Casey on 9705 5200.

SECAN artists prepare for a busy year aheadThe South East Contemporary Art Network Inc. (SECAN) held an exhibition of works at the Libran Dogma Gallery, Narre Warren North earlier this year focusing on life drawing. The ‘Ten Weeks’ exhibition showed beautiful sketches that SECAN artists had completed whilst exploring life drawing under the tutelage of SECAN member Janine Good.

Future SECAN events include an artist retreat in rural Victoria in early 2015, artist workshops, and the preparation for several thematic exhibitions across 2015. SECAN is made up of local, contemporary artists interested in working together to further their practice in good company. For anyone wishing to attend SECAN’s meetings (held every two months) or for more information please contact Di Lockwood at [email protected]

Neighbour DayNeighbour Day is a great opportunity to plan an art and craft activity or a jam session with your neighbours. Neighbour Day is held annually across Australia on the last Sunday in March. The aim of the day is to encourage everyone to have better relationships with the people next door and across the street, as a way of strengthening our communities and creating safer, healthier and more vibrant places to live.

Knowing your neighbours can make living in your community an enjoyable and friendly experience!

Knowing your neighbours can:• Create new friendships• Provide security• Connect children for play• Provide care for older residents• Be fun - without having to get in

your car• Assist in exchange of ideas e.g.

recipes and gardening tips.

Here are some steps you can take to get to know your neighbours and get involved in your community;• Get together in the local park.• Smile at your neighbour and say

‘hello’.

• Organise a street garage sale.• Join a playgroup.• Offer to keep an eye on the house

while your neighbours are away.• Hold a street party – more

information online at www.casey.vic.gov.au/arts-leisure/events-activities.

Contact the City of Casey on 9705 5200 to request a Neighbour Day Kit, which includes information to help you plan your own Neighbour Day event or activity.

Sunday 29 March

2015


Creative businesses welcome at the new Casey- Cardinia Business HubThe Casey Cardinia Business Hub (CCBH) is an innovative partnership between the City of Casey and Waterman Business Centres to provide opportunities for local businesses to tap into the right resources to develop their business in a way they never thought possible.

Arts focused or creative businesses looking for a turbo boost and to connect with other local businesses can access the CCBH’s range of professional facilities, support networks and business development programs tailored to each stage of their businesses’ development by becoming a CCBH member. Find out more information about the Hub and memberships at www.ccbh.com.au or phone City of Casey on 9705 5200.

Local artist spotlight

ZhenDai Zhen Chew, known as Zhen, is a local artist who has exhibited her drawing and stop motion works internationally. Zhen recently completed her Masters in Fine Art and is often found working with young artists and children on a range of creative projects.

Tell us a bit about your art practice….

I create artwork through stop motion and tablet animations. I also organise workshops for children to teach about teamwork, the importance of enjoying the creative process rather than just being fixated on the finished product as well as letting their imaginations run wild. I believe in using technology to help create more freedom in the creative process for both myself and the children I teach.

What events or projects in the City of Casey have you been involved in?

Last year, I worked with the City of Casey in creating a stop motion workshop for Rock’n’Skate and creating one of my tablet animations for the Casey Kids Carnival. It was really fun.

I have started to book several local Casey schools to do some artist in residences and artist talks for next year. Artist in residence involves stop motion animation workshops and talking to the students about my art practice.

What are some of your highlights or proudest achievements of your career so far?

While I’m very grateful for having the opportunity to perform my work at some high profile venues such as Federation Square, every chance to work is an achievement to me. Recently, I count completing my Masters in Fine Arts as well as a business course (NEIS at Chisolm Berwick) among my most challenging achievements due to my Dyslexia. These qualifications will greatly assist in my ability to work as a full time artist.

What advice do you have for artists starting out or young people interested in arts?1. A successful artist is like any

other successful person they work hard, they work smart and are they are consistent. Also it is very rare for anyone to be an overnight success, it takes time, so give it time.

2. If you’re serious about being in the art industry learn everything you can about the art industry, go to art shows and events, look things up online, meet and talk to people in the industry. This will help open up opportunities for you.

3. Some good online resources:Artshub (www.artshub.com.au) - art news, events and jobsNAVA (www.visualarts.net.au) - arts union and artist informationArt & Artist Blog (www.artandartistsblog.net)- My blog about art and artists. This will eventually start having little tips on things you should know as an artist.

How can people find out more about your work?

Web: www.zhenart.net Social media: /zhenart

Zhen at work in her studio

Zhen’s studio


what’s on YOUR GUIDE TO THE ACTIVITIES, WORKSHOPS, CLASSES, AUDITIONS AND CONCERTS IN CASEY

Christmas in Caseyn Christmas Carols with Just Harmony Choir at Doveton LibraryChristmas Carols with the Just Harmony Choir singing favourite carols and a selection from their repertoire. Light supper provided. This is a Friends of the Doveton Library event.Date: Tuesday 9 DecemberTime: 7.30 pm- 8.30 pmVenue: Doveton Library,

Autumn Place, Doveton.Cost: FreeBookings and enquiries: Bookings essential, please phone 9792 9497.

n St Kevin’s Primary School Choir at Hampton Park LibrarySt Kevin’s Primary School Choir will perform popular Christmas carols and songs. The performance will be followed by a Christmas craft activity.Date: Thursday 11 DecemberTime: 6.00 pm- 7.00 pmVenue: Hampton Park Library,

Stuart Avenue, Hampton Park.

Cost: FreeBookings and enquiries: No bookings, all welcome. Enquiries phone 8788 8500.

n “A Christmas Carol” Victorian School of Performing ArtsThe Victorian School of Performing Arts (VPSA) community are presenting a Fesitval of Christmas on 17 and 18 December 2014. The evening will commence with the VPSA Community Choir singing an array of carols, followed by the VPSA Theatre Group performing Charles Dickons famous play “A Christmas Carol”. A supper of Christmas fare will be served at the interval.Date: Wednesday 17 and

Thursday 18 DecemberTime: 7.30pm

Venue: Drama Space, St. Margaret’s School, Berwick.

Cost: $15 adults $10 concession.

Bookings and enquiries: Christine Cochrane 9703 8109 or 9703 8153

n Cranbourne Choral at Cranbourne LibraryEveryone is welcome to join in some Christmas Carols with the Cranbourne Chorale, kindly supported by the Friends of the Cranbourne Library.Date: Wednesday

17 DecemberTime: 7.00 pm- 7.45 pmVenue: Cranbourne Library.

Casey Indoor Leisure Complex, 65 Berwick- Cranbourne Rd, Cranbourne.

Cost: FreeBookings and enquiries: No bookings, all welcome. For information phone 5990 0150.

n Christmas Carols with Just Harmony Choir at Narre Warren LibraryChristmas Carols with the Just Harmony Choir singing favourite carols and a selection from their repertoire.Date: Wednesday

17 DecemberTime: 6.30 pm- 7.30 pmVenue: Narren Warren Library,

Overland Drive, Narre Warren.

Cost: FreeBookings and enquiries: No bookings - all welcome. Enquiries phone 8782 3300.

n Casey Christmas CarolsCelebrate Christmas locally by attending a Christmas Carols event with family and friends, buying your gifts at local stores or volunteering at local charities during the festive season.

Narre Warren South Carols by Candlelight – Saturday 6 December

Narre Warren North Community Carols – Saturday 13 December

Doveton Community Carols – Saturday 13 December

Endeavour Hills Community Carols – Saturday 13 December

Hampton Park Carols by Candlelight – Friday 19 December

Tooradin Christmas on the Foreshore – Friday 19 December

Berwick Christmas Carols – Saturday 20 December

Cranbourne Christmas Carols – Saturday 20 December

Carols by Twilight – Wednesday 24 DecemberDate: Various datesTime: Various timesVenue: Various locations

across Casey, see www.casey.vic.gov.au/arts-leisure/events-activities/carols

Cost: FREEEnquiries: City of Casey

Customer Service on 9705 5200


Musicn Berwick Youth Choir is recruiting new choristersIn preparation for our CD recording and exciting international tour, BYC is seeking additional choristers. All young people aged 5-20 years old welcome. No audition required for training choirs. Places available in all choirs but particularly seeking secondary school-aged choristers with some prior experience. Date: Wednesdays during

school termTime: 4.15 pm onwardsVenue: St Andrews Uniting

Church, High St, Berwick.

Cost: FreeBookings and enquiries: Contact Choir Manager, Louise Phillips to arrange a trial rehearsal on 0417 722 449 or email [email protected]

n Making music at The Factory- Summer ChoirNow in its fourth year, this event is for those who miss choral singing while their choirs are in recess for the holidays or for anyone

who would like to try their hand at singing in a choir without making a commitment to an existing choir. The fun filled four day program is led by well known choral conductor Faye Dumont and accompanied by Simon Loveless. At the completion of the program the group will showcase their achievements in a performance at a local venue.Date: Monday 5 January to

Thursday 8 January 2015Time: 9.00 am- 3.00 pm

Monday to Thursday followed by performance 3.30 pm- 5.00 pm Thursday and optional dinner 5.30 pm- 7.30 pm

Venue: Despite the title, this year’s event will be held at the Balla Balla Community Centre, 65 Berwick-Cranbourne Rd, Cranbourne.

Cost: $250 all inclusive covers use of music, all tuition, morning and afternoon tea and lunches on each of the 4 days

Bookings and enquiries: Jennie Toyne 5998 7485 or 0417 567 125

Exhibitionsn Reflections - an exhibition at Libran Dogma GalleryCurrent Lindsay King Arts Award winner and gallery owner Di Lockwood is having her own solo exhibition this month. Combining printmaking and painting, her mixed media images reflect memories of the quiet times she has spent in the bush, camped by a river. Date: Friday to Sunday each

week in FebruaryTime: 11.00 am- 4.00 pmVenue: Libran Dogma Gallery,

62 A’Beckett Riad, Narre Warren North.

Cost: FreeBookings and enquiries: Di Lockwood 9796 8234

Workshopsn Artist demonstrations - Berwick Artists SocietyThree artists from the Berwick Artists Society

Three talented artists from the Berwick Artists Society will be showing their work and methods in this generous and special demonstration session. Be there or miss out on the bargain of the year.Date: Wednesday 25 FebruaryTime: 7.00 pm for 7.30 pm

start.Venue: Old Cheese Factory,

34 Homestead Road Berwick.

Cost: $10 members, $12 visitors and non members.

Bookings and enquiries: For further information contact Dione Tiernan on 0412 711 858.

YOUR GUIDE TO THE ACTIVITIES, WORKSHOPS, CLASSES, AUDITIONS AND CONCERTS IN CASEY

n Tabla lessons (Indian drumming)Create the unique sounds of Indian and world music on the Tabla and learn & enjoy the secrets of how to play the world’s fastest percussion instrument. Group lessons available at beginners, intermediate and advanced levels for students with age group four years and over. Instruments will be made available for hire or sale if required.Date: Commencing

Saturday 31 January 2015

Time: 9.30 am- 10.15 amVenue: The Factory Rehearsal

Centre for the ArtsCost: $20 per lesson (term

fees of $240)Bookings and enquiries: Jay Dabgar 0430 521 372


continued...what’s on

Please note: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is as current and accurate as possible at the time of printing. Council accepts no responsibility or liability for any loss, damage or injury which may arise from anything contained in this publication. The listing of any individual, group, club, organisation or establishment is not an endorsement by Council of such individual, group, club, organisation or establishment.

n Printmaking workshopsUse holiday time for some creativity. Learn some basic printmaking or extend your skills further with tutor Di Lockwood. Come for all four sessions or just one. The workshops are limited to just four participants, so booking is essential. Materials and morning tea provided.Date: One day workshops

are held on Friday 16 January, Saturday 17 January, Friday 23 January, and Saturday 24 January.

Time: 8.30 am (for a 9.00 am start) to 1.00 pm

Venue: Libran Dogma Studio. 62 A’Beckett Road, Narre Warren North.

Cost: $40

Bookings and enquiries: Di Lockwood 9796 8234

n Insect illustration workshop with Mali MoirMali Moir will conduct a two day workshop on illustrating insects. Watercolour is the main medium used though pencil or ink are also suitable. Mali is an experienced artist and tutor. Her work is represented in numerous publications and in private collections. She has also won many awards here in Australia and internationally.Date: Wednesday 11 and

Thursday 12 FebruaryTime: 10.00 am- 3.00 pmVenue: Elliot Centre, Royal

Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne.

Cost: $180 members of Friends of the Gardens/ $210 non members.

Bookings and enquiries: Margaret Holloway 0438 985 382

Artists’ groupsn Berwick Artists Society- Thursday morning paint groupDate: Thursdays in January

and FebruaryTime: 10.00 am- 1.00 pmVenue: Old Cheese Factory,


Cost: $6 members, $7 for visitors or non members. Bring your own art materials and a subject to paint.

Bookings and enquiries: No bookings required. For further information contact Dione Tiernan on 0412 711 858.

n Berwick Artists Society- portrait groupDate: Tuesday 6 January and

Tuesday 3 FebruaryTime: 1.00 pm- 3.00 pmVenue: Old Cheese Factory,


Cost: $6 members, $7 for visitors or non members. Model and afternoon tea supplied.

Bookings and enquiries: No bookings required. For further information contact Dione Tiernan on 0412 711 858.

n Patmos artistsThis active group of artists meet on Wednesdays during school terms at the Old Cheese Factory and at the home of its founder Jenny Koch. Tutored classes are structured to have a focus / technique to explore, usually in drawing or acrylic painting techniques. Beginners are welcome with basic materials supplied to get you started. An additional Wednesday evening group also meets. Please contact Jenny on the phone number below for details.Date: Wednesdays

during school term commencing 4 February 2015

Time: 12.30 pm- 2.30 pmVenue: Old Cheese Factory,


Cost: $13 per session (casual attendance rate)

Bookings and enquiries: Jenny Koch on 0408 307 717

n Australia Day events in CaseyAustralia Day is the ideal opportunity for the local community to get together to celebrate what’s great about being Australian! With formal ceremonies around the country, including flag raisings, citizenship ceremonies and the presentation of community awards, there will also be a variety of local events and fun activities to enjoy. Date: Monday 26 January 2015Time: Various timesVenue: Various locations across CaseyCost: FREEEnquiries: City of Casey Customer Service on 9705 5200

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