OFF THE RAILS

Every Drop Counts Opens Saturday 22 at 11am

2011-10-03T13:11:00.000-07:00

Every Drop Counts

2011-09-22T18:33:00.000-07:00

Artist’s Phillip Ward, Sue Ferrari & Alison Eggleton
Every Drop Counts
at OFF THE RAILS

An experimental collaboration between South Western District artist’s Sue Ferrari, Phil Ward and Alison Eggleton, at OFF THE RAILS GALLERY in the old railway station, Dunkeld.
paintings, drawings, sculpture,
textiles & multi media
Inspired by Salt Creek in the town of Dunkeld, the installation centres on the element of water as a force which shapes the environment and explores traces of flow and saturation in the landscape.

Exhibition launch Saturday 22nd at 11am
with an informal talk by the artists about their collaboration

Free entry & interactive installation for all ages
From 10am to 5pm as part of a Mosaic of Experience festival day

Exhibition continues Sun 23rd October, Sat 29th
Sun 30th October & Sat 5th November 10am – 4pm

Sponsored by OTR & MoE

2011 Tree Drawing Champion announced

2011-08-07T20:03:00.000-07:00

Off the Rails Gallery, Dunkeld, once again played host to the International Tree Drawing Competition, a unique event that asked artists to email in an A4, black and white tree drawing to go into the running to win $300, courtesy of Glenelg Hopkins CMA.

The director of the Hamilton Art Gallery, Danny McOwan, had the difficult task of selecting the prize winners, which were announced during a special opening event on Friday evening at Off The Rails Gallery in Dunkeld.

This year the International Tree Drawing champion was Wendy Taylor from Ararat, who impressed the judge with her highly detailed pencil drawing of an old river redgum. Wendy received $300 courtesy of the Glenelg Hopkins CMA.
The 2011 encouragement award went to Kathy Holowko, from Brunswick, Melbourne, for her highly inventive and original tree drawing. Kathy received $100 courtesy of the Dunkeld Tourist Information Centre.
Samual Simons, from Dunkeld, was named the 2011 Junior Tree Drawing Champion was for his unique, graphic rendition of a tree. Samuel received $50 Courtesy of Kelspec Services.
The Peoples Choice award went to Anne Fleming for her detailed drawing of a gum tree. Anne received $50 courtesy of the Dunkeld Tourist Information Centre.

To see all the entries refer to the OTR Flickr site.
Over the weekend visitors to the gallery had the opportunity to view all the entries, cast a vote in peoples choice award and carry away a complementary tree seedling thanks to ERA Nurseries.

Off the Rails Gallery would like to thank Glenelg Hopkins CMA, Era Nursery, The Dunkeld Tourist Information Centre, Kelspec Services and Danny McOwan for their continuing support.

The annual International Tree Drawing Competition is an initiative of OTR Gallery to promote interest in drawing, National Tree Day, and creative community activities.

THE 2011 INTERNATIONAL TREE DRAWING COMPETITION NOW OPEN!

2011-06-13T01:59:00.000-07:00

HEART PICTURES OPENS

2011-02-07T13:09:00.000-08:00

Hamilton Spectator, Thursday February 3

2011-02-07T12:54:00.000-08:00

HEART PICTURES

2011-01-29T23:23:00.000-08:00

Skye Williams and Ellyce Victoria are....Off the Rails
Friday February 4, 5 & 6.
Show opens: Friday February 4, 8.30pm - late
Show continues: Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th, 11am - 5pm

See the work and talk to the artists...

Time: Friday, February 4 · 8:30pm - 11:30pm
Location: Off the Rails Gallery, Skene Street, Dunkeld

Heart Pictures is an impromptu exhibition of light hearted illustrations by artist Skye Williams and Ellyce Victoria. This gala of art works aims to delight the imagination and inspire the visual art of storytelling. Heart Pictures also corresponds with the open gardens and galleries festival.

The artists invite you to the celebrate with them on the 4th of Feb (we said it was impromptu) at 8:00pm for some drinks and baked treats.

As well as being delightful artists, Skye and Ellyce are also pretty nifty bakers and hope to see all your shining faces enjoying some art with some free wine and cakes.

Hope to see you all there
x

Wire it Up: Installation as Outstillation - Now Showing at the Dunkeld Tip!

2011-01-23T23:33:00.000-08:00

OTR Gallery Presents: Judy Warne

2010-11-24T18:23:00.000-08:00

Judy Warne will be presenting some of her latest work in her evocative and thought provoking 'rabbit series'.

This half life size, hessian covered, rabbit figure - burdened by a bundle of sticks is just one of the works Judy will be showing at OTR Gallery on the weekend of December 4 & 5. Opening times 11am - 5pm.

These works were recently shown at the Briget McDonnell Gallery, Hampton.

Join Judy and other friends of OTR Gallery at a special opening event at OTR Gallery at 7.00pm on Friday December 3. Judy's exhibition will be the last one for the year. We look forward to doing it all over again in 2011.

Wire It Up: Community Sculpture Project

2010-11-13T01:11:00.000-08:00

Following a very successful weekend workshop over the Discover Dunkeld weekend (October 22-24, 2010) Hamilton Artist Alison Eggleton wired together countless sculptural pieces, created by the community from household waste, to construct a finished installation which can currently be seen at OTR Gallery, Dunkeld.

This interactive project brought the wider regional community and me as the artist together to collaborate in the art making process. The sculpture installation which invigorated the gallery space was a culmination of everyones efforts to explore working with wire and recycled materials. Thankyou to all of the approx 130 participants. A free postcard of the installation is available from Off The Rails Gallery.

Alison Eggleton, Visual Artist.

Wire it Up this Weekend!

2010-10-19T10:28:00.001-07:00

Wire it Up community Sculpture Installation, will be happening on October 22 & 23 at Off the Rails Gallery...so come on down and get amongst it!

Alison Eggleton led a fascinating afternoon workshop at OTR Gallery on Saturday.
Participants had the opportunity to get stuck into the piles of recycled materials that Alison provided, and began working on sculptural ideas in the lead up to this weekend's Discover Dunkeld Event.

Wire it Up is made possible by the Australian Government regional arts program, the Regional Arts Fund, which gives all Australians, wherever they live, better access to opportunities to practice and experience the arts. The Regional Arts Fund is administered in Victoria by Regional Arts Victoria.

Thanks Alison!

'Wire It Up' 1st Workshop: Saturday, October 16 1.30pm -4.30pm

2010-10-06T20:20:00.000-07:00

Discover Dunkeld Events, October 22-24

2010-10-03T19:46:00.000-07:00

October Group Show

2010-10-02T21:58:00.000-07:00

Visitors to Off the Rails Gallery, had the opportunity over the weekend to see some recent works produced by members of the OTR Gallery committee. Artworks on display included sculptures by Judy Warne and Trevor Flinn, paintings and a ceramic piece by Anne Fleming, a large tapestry work by Jan Leishman and a series of photographs by Pru Saimoun.

GROUP SHOW THIS WEEKEND!

2010-10-01T06:04:00.000-07:00

Dunkeld Draw Club: Thursday, September 16

2010-09-14T19:51:00.000-07:00

Making Paper Workshop

2010-09-10T14:24:00.000-07:00

Visitors to Off the Rails Gallery had the opportunity over the weekend to participate in a special paper making workshop. Pru Saimoun was on hand to lead enthusiasts through the process of creating hand-made paper using recycled paper pulp and plant fibres.

Participants had the opportunity to get creative with moulding or dlumping over objects. A number of visitors to the space either took part in the workshop or marvelled at Pru's collection of paper creations, which were on display around the gallery.

Tree Drawing Competition, 2010

2010-08-08T18:29:00.000-07:00

Off the Rails Gallery, Dunkeld, once again played host to the International Tree Drawing Competition, a unique event that asked artists to email in an A4, black and white tree drawing to go into the running to win $300, courtesy of Glenelg Hopkins CMA.

The director of the Hamilton Art Gallery, Danny McOwan, had the difficult task of selecting the prize winners, which were announced during a special opening event on Friday evening.

• Judy Warne, was awarded 1st prize ($300 courtesy of Glenelg Hopkins CMA) for her pencil drawing of a pair of boab trees.

• Valerie Alexander’s pencil drawing was highly commended, and was awarded a $100 Wannon Water prize pack.

• Jed Gleeson was awarded the junior tree drawing award ($50 courtesy of Kelspec Services Pty. Ltd.) for his drawing of a copse.

• Rhys Poe, from Hamilton, was awarded the Wannon Water encouragement award, and received a $50 prize pack.

• Anne Fleming was awarded the people’s choice award (a selection of native trees courtesy of ERA Nurseries) for her drawing of a eucalyptus forest.

Off the Rails Gallery would like to thank Glenelg Hopkins CMA, Wannon Water, Era Nursery, Corea Wines, Kelspec Services, Nerrissa Major for creating the red-gum trophy and Danny McOwan for judging the 138 entries.

The annual International Tree Drawing Competition is an initiative of OTR Gallery to promote interest in drawing, National Tree Day, and creative community activities.

Exhibition Opening: Friday August 6, 7.00pm

2010-08-02T20:30:00.000-07:00

Celebrate National Tree Day by attending the opening of the 2010 International Tree Drawing Competition this Friday at OTR Gallery, Dunkeld.

Admire the numerous A4, black and white entries, cast your vote in the peoples choice award and enjoy some light refreshments.

A free tree seedling will be given away to the first 50 visitors!

Special thanks to Danny McOwan, Director of the Hamilton Art Gallery, Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority, Wannon Water, ERA Nurseries, Corea Wines and Kelspec Services.

International Tree Drawing Competition 2009

2010-07-16T20:40:00.000-07:00

In the lead up to the 2010 International Tree Drawing Competition/Exhibition, which opens at OTR Gallery this Friday at 7.00 pm, whet your appetite by checking out a selection of entries from 2009!

The Grampians Piecemakers

2010-07-12T14:10:00.000-07:00

Pieces of Dunkeld on Display

2010-07-11T21:25:00.000-07:00

Grampians Piecemakers at OTR Gallery

2010-07-04T22:46:00.000-07:00

Diana Webster, detail from a sewn carrier bag.

Faye Gordon, All Squared Out

Faye Gordon, No Rhyme or Reason, made from scraps

Geraldine Bradshaw, Hands, Based on the Aten, The Egyptian Sun God, worshipped by the Heretic Pharoah Akhnaten.
Wholecloth quilting, white on white, silk wallhanging.

This month members of the Grampians Piecemakers organised a special exhibition featuring a variety of their hand and machine stitched quilts.
Vistitors to the exhibition had the rare opportunity to meet with members of the group and discuss the various techniques and designs on display.

For more information about The Grampians Piecemakers Quilting Group contact Diana Webster on 5577 2500.

Tree Drawing Comp on Again

2010-07-04T22:38:00.000-07:00

2010 Tree Drawing Competition Now Open!

2010-06-28T14:21:00.000-07:00

June Draw Club

2010-06-20T05:53:00.001-07:00

The Dunkeld Draw Club meets at OTR Gallery for three hours of unstructured drawing on the third Thursday of every month. BYO paper, pencils, refreshments etc. For further enquiries call (03) 5577 2624

OTR Gallery on ABC local radio

2010-06-20T05:33:00.000-07:00

Click here to hear about the show.

'Journeys'

2010-06-20T04:24:00.000-07:00

Visitors to OTR Gallery over the Queen's Birthday weekend had the opportunity to see an array of new and exciting artworks by local artists.

Anne Fleming showed four recent paintings, which all depicted lone figures, lost in the Australian landscape. Her latest tiny painting of a figure on a park bench was created by Ann during a recent trip to Western Australia and is particularly evocative.

Pru Saimoun displayed numerous two and three dimensional paper sculptures, created using found and recycled materials, with a focus on natural, plant materials and traditional paper making processes. Her site specific installation utilised text as a means of navigating through the works.

Judy Warne unvelied the latest addition to her 'rabbit series'. The half life size, hessian covered, rabbit figure is burdened by a faggot of sticks, and lurches forward, frozen mid-journey. A dynamic and evocative piece.

Jan Leishman displayed more pieces of her massive woven tapestry, which is slowly gathering shape. This colourful and beautifully designed work is a response to the intriguing life cycle of the tiny, indigenous, (and critically endangered) Golden Sun Moth.

Keith Arnold created an amazing, interactive sound work (titled: '3,5,7..') that was designed to involve the visitor in an auditory journey into the unknown. The visitor had the rare treat of participating in a kind of musical experiment, that resulted in the creation of a bizarre, and quite eerie, ever-changing soundtrack...

.... perfectly complementing Trevor Flinn's latest sculpture; a recreation of Brion Gyson's infamous Dreamachine. The Dreamachine is quite simply a stroboscopic flicker device, designed to produce visual stimuli- thus sending the viewer on a kind of inner journey.

T, 2010

Off the Rails embarks on art journey

2010-06-02T17:37:00.000-07:00

The Journey Begins

2010-06-01T22:29:00.000-07:00

Photo: Jo Grant

Join local artists at OTR this weekend for an exhibition devoted to the idea of Journeys.

Paintings, drawings, sculpture, woven tapestry, as well as a light and sound installation will feature in this special temporary exhibition.

Open from 11am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday.

Also open over the long weekend (June 12 & 13 - 11am-4pm)

For further enquiries call 5577 2624

Dunkeld Draw Club

2010-05-19T04:47:00.000-07:00

A Working Pattern opens at OTR

2010-04-30T18:30:00.000-07:00

Alison Eggleton's Opening at OTR Gallery from Trevor Flinn on Vimeo.

Local Media response to Alison's Exhibition

2010-04-29T21:27:00.000-07:00

Alison Eggleton: A Working Pattern

2010-04-14T03:20:00.000-07:00

Discover the incredible world of soft-sculpture through the work of award winning Hamilton artist Alison Eggleton.

Alison has cut and sewn dozens of grey blankets to create a variety of sculptural forms which occupy the gallery space.

Join the Artist for a special opening event Friday 23 April, 6pm-8pm

Saturday 24 – Sunday 25 April: 12 noon to 5pm

Friday 30 April – Sunday 2 May: 11am -5pm

Friday 7 – Saturday 8 May: 12 noon – 5pm

Or by appointment: 0438 516 150

Naup Waup's Dunkeld Opening

2010-04-07T01:53:00.000-07:00

NAUP WAUP at OTR from Trevor Flinn on Vimeo.

The first weekend in April saw the long awaited opening of Naup Waup's first exhibition at Off the Rails Gallery; the culmination of 12 years of research work with a remote tribal community called Pariet Amam.

"My art is a personal reflection of a journey defining myself, who I am as a male, a black indigenous tribal person from the remote Amam tribe of Papua New Ginea. I intend to make my art be a tool and venue for creating discorse and sharing of ideas and creating bridges between the oral world to the digital and the printed society.Creating paintings and drawing images is a way of sharing my soul searching story and knowledge in defining my place, history and my rich cultural heritage."

Naup Waup, April 2010.

Naup's ongoing research project is called "Pariet Project"; a social-cultural mapping and community empowering Project initiated with the intention to empower remote and marginalised tribal communities.

Visitors to the exhibition had the opportunity to hear Naup speak about both his art practice and his ongoing project work. Naup was accompanied by his wife and three children, during his stay in Dunkeld, who all assisted with making the show a great success.

"Prophecy", goldleaf, ink on paper, Naup Waup, 2010

"Free Spirit Dancer" and "The Keeper", Naup Waup, 2010

"Seven Heads", ink on watercolour paper, Naup Waup, 2010

Special Opening: Saturday, Apri 3 @ 5pm

2010-03-19T17:57:00.000-07:00

Visit OTR Gallery on the weekend of April 3 & 4 for your chance to see the unique work of Naup Waup, a talented contemporary artist who grew up in Papua New Guinea.

His latest body of work focuses on his own journey towards better understanding and interpreting his culture in today's age of uncertainty.

The exhibition will be open over Easter Weekend from 11am to 4pm with a special opening event on Saturday April 3 at 5pm.

Naup Waup will will be giving a gallery talk on Sunday April 4 at 2pm.

Naup Waup featured in Hamilton Spectator

2010-03-19T17:43:00.000-07:00

OTR Presents NAUP WAUP

2010-03-07T17:06:00.001-08:00

Draw Club Exhibition March 6 & 7

2010-03-07T16:39:00.001-08:00

Dunkeld Drawers once again got together for an evening of untutored life drawing.

From top to bottom the artists responsible were: Carolyn, Harry, Judy, Mairhi and Trevor.

The session ran for approximately three hours and included the odd break for refreshments.

Bob, our model for the evening, did a great job of holding some long and difficult poses.

We look forward to geting together for further sessions in the comeing weeks and months.

For further information stay tuned for future posts or contact trevor.flinn@bigpond.com

Dunkeld Draw Club On Again!

2010-02-24T18:29:00.001-08:00

DUNKELD DRAW CLUB

2010-02-07T01:53:00.000-08:00

Dunkeld's first Draw Club was a great success.

Thanks to Gareth Colliton and his Warrnambool/Hamilton/Melbourne crew we ended up with a total of 19 artists who came along and created some fantastic drawings over about 4 hours.

Gareth has been organising a regular draw club in Warrnambool for the past few years and was instrumental in organising a contingent of visiting artists who drew the night away inside Dunkeld's historic station building, otherwise known as Off the Rails Gallery.

Food and wine was shared and joyful chatter was periodically broken by intense drawing sessions where all eyes were focused on Bobby the model who did a great job sitting still for very long periods of time.

A selection of these drawings were on display at Off the Rails over the weekend, with the gallery open from 11am to 4pm, both days.

Due to the success of the evening it was felt that we should hold another Draw Club next month (on Friday, March 6) in time for the forthcoming Open Galleries and Gardens weekend.

This time round we'd like to advertise the Dunkeld Draw Club well in advance of the event in order to gather together as many local drawers as possible.

Stay tuned for future posts about this event.

T

DUNKELD DRAW CLUB

2010-02-07T01:50:00.001-08:00

Applications are now open!

2009-12-17T18:09:00.000-08:00

Off the Rails Gallery invites artists/artist collectives/community art groups to be part of their 2010 exhibition program.
Read through and return the accompanying application form.

The Golden Sun Moth

2009-12-17T17:37:00.000-08:00

This gazed ceramic sculpture was created by Anne Fleming, a founding member of Off the Rils Gallery, for a special exhibition held during the biannual Dunkeld Mosaic of Arts Festival.

Anne Fleming runs The Waiting Room Gallery, (in Parker Street, Dunkeld) which is open most weekends.

The Sawmill & The Sun Moth

2009-10-22T18:59:00.000-07:00

A selection of videos and artwork relating to this project will be on temporary display at OTR GALLERY, during the upcoming Dunkeld Mosaic of Arts Festival(October 30 - November 1)

Origami Sun Moths: Here's How...

2009-10-04T04:19:00.001-07:00

Fold Your Own Golden Sun Moth

2009-10-04T04:16:00.000-07:00

Back on Track Exhibition

2009-09-09T00:19:00.000-07:00

The recent Back on Track exhibition, which was on show at the Discover Dunkeld weekend, was a great success.

Visitors to the exhibition had the opportunity to see historic photographs, maps and other train related paraphernalia, with a particular focus on Dunkeld's once thriving railway station.

The exhibition also featured an audio installation by Keith Arnold, which created a wonderful atmosphere, and nicely complemented the two short films by local film maker Keith Crawford, which were on show for the two days.

One of the films on show depicted the arrival of a steam train in Dunkeld in 1977, during centenary clebrations, and featured many Dunkeld Identities.

Special mention must also be made of the Hamilton Model Railway Group members who set up a fantastic display of finely detailed, model trains of the region as well as two working diesel engine horns.

Richard O'Brien, president of the group delighted onlookers by sounding the horns, which were operated by an industrial air compressor. Richard and other members of the group were on hand all weekend to speak with visitors and answer questions.

It was clear that many residents have an interest in trains and this exhibition was an opportunity for them to share their passion with the rest of the community.

Special thanks to John Kay, Peter Mitchell, Keith Arnold, Barry Crawford, Peter Flinn, Don Dickie, The Dunkeld Museum, Annette Huf, Margaret Strawford, June Cashman, Marcia Wilson, and the Hamilton Model Railway Group. Apologies to those who I have forgotten to acknowledge.

Station Back on Track

2009-09-01T03:52:00.001-07:00

Celebration of the Tree

2009-09-01T03:49:00.000-07:00

Highly Commended tree drawings

2009-08-03T05:56:00.000-07:00

Grade 5 Dunkeld School Student, Amy Crawford, was awarded a highly commended prize of $50 courtesy of the Dunkeld Information Centre.

Allison Eggleton was also awarded a highly commended prize for her low relief, balsa wood and paint construction. Her $50 prize was sponsored by the Dunkeld Information Centre.

Linda Grant's anthropomorphic representation of a tree proved the most popular with the public. She was awarded the people's choice award which consisted of a tray of native, indigenous trees supplied by ERA Nurseries, Hamilton.

ITDC:Winning Works

2009-08-03T05:32:00.000-07:00

Valerie Alexander's pencil drawing of a river red gum was awarded 1st prize in the inaugrial International Tree Drawing Competition (ITDC). She received $300 courtesy of Glenelg Hopkins CMA.

Linda Grant, from Hamilton, received second prize for her anthropomorphic representation of a tree. Linda received $100 courtesy of the Dunkeld Information Centre.

The 2009 International Tree Drawing Competiton

2009-08-03T04:26:00.000-07:00

Visitors gather at the old Dunkeld Station on Sunday August the 2nd to see who would be crowned the 2009 international tree drawing champion.

Hamilton Art Gallery Director, Danny McOwan, had the difficult task of selecting the winning work from a total of 134 entries, which were submitted by professional artists and art enthusiasts from across Victoria.

The winner would be awarded $300 cash, courtesy of Glenelg Hopkins CMA, as well as receiving the beautifully carved 2009 ITDC trophey.

Dunkeld residents turn out in droves to await the Danny McOwan's announcement of the winning works.

2009-08-03T04:24:00.000-07:00

International Tree Drawing Competition

2009-06-30T23:53:00.001-07:00

Queen's Birthday weekend exhibition

2009-06-09T00:03:00.000-07:00

Off the Rails Gallery, Dunkeld, has once again played host to an exciting exhibition of new work by seven local artists.

A range of different work was on display over the weekend including sculpture in a variety of media, oil painting, photography, tapestry and printmaking.

Look at Me (above) is a recent work by local artist Judy Warne, and attacted a lot of attention during the three day exhibition.

More information about upcoming shows will be posted at this site in the coming weeks.

2008-12-13T23:33:00.000-08:00

Broke Bike Mountain

2008-12-13T23:20:00.001-08:00

2008-11-30T02:16:00.000-08:00

This exhibition features a series of new works by Dunkeld Artist Trevor Flinn.

Coinciding with the Great Victorian Bikeride, which passes through Dunkeld on Tuesday the 2nd of December, the centrepiece of this exhibition is a large installation work made up of over 30 broken bicycles.

Other works include various sculptures inspired by modernist masters.

The exhibition can be viewed on weekends throughout December (12 noon - 4pm).
Or by appointment by emailing trevor.flinn@bigpond.com

Fire Ready: Posters produced by Dunkeld Students

2008-11-03T22:19:00.000-08:00

Dunkeld residents had an opportunity over the weekend to attend a special exhibition at Off the Rails Gallery of fire safety posters produced by local school children. The fire poster competition, which has been run in the Dunkeld Brigade for the past 25 years, promotes fire safety and was organised by Dunkeld brigade communications officer Helena Flinn, Dunkeld/Glenthompson Art teacher Lee Fisher and local artist Trevor Flinn.

Local children were asked to respond to one of three fire safety messages: Stop, Drop and Roll, Have a Fire Plan or Get out early or stay and fight. The children who best articulated the fire safety message were awarded a book prize, donated by the Dunkeld Brigade and presented, on Friday afternoon, by CFA Operations Officer Bruce Farquharson. Winners included William Cooper (Grade Prep.), Ben Cullinane (Grade 1), Calvin Ross (Grade 2), Amy Crawford (Grade 3), Georgia Gilbert (Grade 4), Sarah Hayes (Grade 5) and Sophie Gilbert (Grade 6).

Later the same day Fire Ready Victoria presenters Jenni Neaves and Lyall Grey visited the school to run a public information session about bushfire survival. The pair spoke about the importance of preparing early and having the right protective gear. They pointed out the advantages of using a mop and bucket to put out spot fires and how important it was to protect against the dangers of radiant heat.

After the session the pair visited the poster exhibition at Off the Rails and were impressed by the quality of the entries. “It would be great to see these posters reproduced in the local newsletter,” said Jenni Neaves.“It’s a great way to spread the message, and would give the kids a real kick to see their work in print.”

2008-11-03T22:17:00.000-08:00

2008-11-03T22:16:00.000-08:00

2008-11-03T22:14:00.000-08:00

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2008-11-03T22:11:00.000-08:00

2008-11-03T22:09:00.000-08:00

Fire Posters @ Off the Rails

2008-11-03T22:03:00.000-08:00

Are you Fire Ready?

2008-10-25T21:14:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Art teacher Lee Fisher, Dunkeld Brigade Communications Officer Helena Flinn and CFA Region 5 Community Safety Manager James Haley.

The Three Ducks Opening

2008-08-26T01:21:00.000-07:00

Two of the three ducks

2008-08-21T07:07:00.000-07:00

"The 'three ducks' are Anne Langdon, printmaker and established Australian and international artist, quirky photographer Pru Saimoun, and photographer and lover of life, Pat Cameron. The exhibition will be officially opened at 4pm on Saturday 23 and will be open daily throughout the week from 10am till 4pm."

Pat Cameron, The Hamilton Spectator, Tuesday August 12 2008, page 8.

THREE DUCKS

2008-08-21T06:12:00.000-07:00

An exhibition of photography, prints and mixed media

by Pat Cameron, Anne Langdon and Pru Saimoun.

Opening Saturday 23 August at 4pm

23 -30 August 2008 Dunkeld Railway Station Gallery, Dunkeld

Enquiries Pat Cameron Telephone 5577 2228

COLLECTORS WEEKEND

2008-08-14T04:14:00.000-07:00

Inspired by the ABC's popular television program, and largely organised by local artist and collector Annette Huf, this exhibition aimed to allow local collectors the opportunity to share their passion with the wider community.

ABC South West Victoria Breakfast Presenter Jeremy Lee travelled to Dunkeld to speak with Annette about her own collection. He began by asking Trevor Flinn about converting the old station into an exhibition space.

To hear the interview follow the link...

http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2008/06/03/2263147.htm?site=southwestvic

2008-08-14T02:33:00.000-07:00

ALL ABOARD

2008-08-14T02:31:00.000-07:00

Following the success of The Puma, The Stranger and The Mountain in 2007, it was felt that further exhibitions should take place in Dunkeld, utilising the old station building as an exhibition space.

Jan Leishman and Pru Saimoun, two local artists who seemed particularly enthusiastic about using the space, approached Trevor Flinn to form a collective and discuss their ideas. Jan (who makes tapestrys) invited Pru (a photographer) and Trevor to her place to discuss the possibilities. It didn't take long to decide that the next exhibition to take place in the Old Station should be a group show representing the work of Dunkeld's growing number of artists.

Having compiled a list of local artists, Jan and Pru set about contacting each person and inviting them to submit one or two works for display. Meanwhile Trevor contacted the community relations manager of V/Line and requested the use of the building over the Easter long weekend.

The show, it was decided, would be called 'All Aboard' and the old station would in turn be known as Off The Rails Gallery.

Those organising the exhibition wanted to make sure that all exhibitors had the opportunity to show their work in an environment that made them feel comfortable. The exhibition was intended as a chance for all involved to display new work or works that had never been on public show before.

It was hoped that the exhibition would provide the opportunity for local artists to get together and meet each other. But it was equally about giving interested locals the rare chance to see a variety of artwork, produced by 13 different artists, all in one convenient location.

2008-08-14T02:27:00.000-07:00

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2008-08-14T01:51:00.000-07:00

BOMBING @ THE STATION

2008-08-14T01:30:00.000-07:00

THE PUMA, THE STRANGER AND THE MOUNTAIN

2008-08-14T01:16:00.000-07:00

The Draughtsman's Contract: The Old Station

2008-08-13T23:41:00.000-07:00

The first step towards creating a project that utilised Dunkeld's derelict station began with an attempt to capture the likeness of the building through a series of carefully constructed drawings.

I had for many years been interested in the old station building, and had also recently discovered Peter Greenaway’s 1982 film 'The Draughtsman’s Contract'. So after receiving developmental funding from Next Wave, I set about constructing my own version of the drawing apparatus, which appeared in Greenaway’s film.

After some research I discovered that the apparatus is called a proportional divider, and was
used by draughtsman in the 17th Century to determine perspective by fixing the eye of the artist in one point which directly co-responded to a carefully gridded picture plane.

After constructing an equivalent device, from an old camera tripod, cotton and wood, I set about
experimenting with it by drawing various views of the old station. I followed a similar approach to Greenaway’s protagonist, by drawing for only short periods (2 hours) in each position, at exactly the same time each day. I chose days with strong light in order to capture the most contrast between light and shade.

Through the use of the proportional divider, I tried my hardest to draw what
I saw, rather than what I knew to be in front of me.

I completed five drawings of the old station, including two of the dilapidated interior. I then began tackling other buildings in town that looked similarly neglected, or abandoned.

Ultimately these drawings helped me to clearly visualise the space. In the end these drawings did feature in the first exhibition held at the station (The Puma, The Stranger & The Mountain) but since then I have not returned to this method of working.

A short film which I constructed using my drawings (a kind of homage to Peter Greenaway) can be seen at the following site...http://www.pool.org.au/users/trevor_flinn

Dunkeld Railway Station: A Brief History

2008-08-13T21:12:00.000-07:00

Before embarking on my ambitious plan to transform Dunkeld's disused railway station into a vibrant contemporary art space, I wanted to find out as much as I could about the site's history.

Growing up in Dunkeld in the 1980's meant that my own memories of the building are fairly sketchy. After 1981 there were no more passenger services running from Dunkeld Station, so if you wanted to travel by public transport to Melbourne you had to catch the V-Line bus which would pause outside the station building. This was my only real connection with the building.

In an attempt to gather further information about the building I visited the Dunkeld Museum. Thanks to the enthusiasm of passionate historian, and local identity, Joy Clarke (as well as the recollections from numerous other locals) I was able to begin to appreciate just how important the station was to the town.

At one time the station employed nearly half a dozen people many of whom lived in the various railway buildings which used to dot the surrounding area. All manner of goods were transported on railway trucks, including livestock, sandstone, wool bales and in the early 1930s even swaggies.

Many Dunkeld residents recall catching the train or greeting people at the station. To many the Dunkeld station was their last glimpse of home before being whisked away to boarding school or the war.

In the early 1990s there were plans to turn the derelict building into a space for the local youth group. Most of the internal fittings, including various dividing walls, were removed and the wooden floor was replaced with concrete. A large section of wall was rendered in preparation for re-plastering.

Once the youth group (which I don't believe ever formally used the building) folded the old station was forgotten by many. I believe at one time there was a plan to turn the building into a restaurant- but again nothing eventuated.

In 1999, the Kennett Government undertook a plan to privatise the regional rail network. Pacific National was given a 45-year lease over the state's freight rail network. Unfortunately this meant there was little incentive to properly maintain either the track or the railway infrastructure.

I first contacted the Real Estate agent responsible for the building and surrounding lands in late 2005. I was subsequently contacted by the VicTrack property department who advised me that Pacific National was still negotiating the release of a number of sites back to VicTrack control. The disused Dunkeld Station being one of them.

In May, 2007, Victorian Public Transport Minister, Lynne Kosky, announced that as part of a $133.8 million buyback, about 350 Pacific National staff were transferred to V/Line and the regional rail network was back in public hands.

By late 2007, after months of lobbying, I was able to temporarly use the station building and surrounds for the purpose of a one off exhibition. Thanks to the assistance of V/Line's Community Relations Manager I was finally able to begin to transform the area into an exciting arts hub that I hoped would stir up some local interest.

The single rail line which still runs through Dunkeld, in an East/West direction, is still used by goods trains, though increasingly infrequently. With increasing petrol prices and the ever present need to transport large amounts of goods vast distances across the country it seems a shame that Victoria's regional rail network is not greater utilised.

Tune In To The Old Station

2008-08-13T20:50:00.000-07:00

Following a successful application to Next Wave, a biennial festival and artist development organisation, Dunkeld artist Trevor Flinn has embarked on a plan to transform the old Dunkeld Station into an artist run initiative (ARI) dedicated to the exhibition of contemporary art.

Following V-line’s enthusiastic response to his proposal, Trevor is currently in negotiations with them to lease the sight. In the meantime, Trevor will concentrate on transforming the bare building and its surrounds into a place for artistic experimentation and exhibition.

In keeping with Next Wave’s theme ‘closer together’, Trevor has chosen to collaborate with Melbourne based artist Cecilia Fogelberg on the first exhibition, which will be launched during the town’s Arts Festival in November. Titled The Puma, The Stranger and The Mountain, the exhibition will showcase new works by both artists, in a variety of mediums, relating to their experience of local landscape, and legend.

Trevor sees this project as an opportunity to make a positive difference to this building, which has suffered lately, and at the same time bring people closer together through a mutual appreciation of the arts: “It is my intention to raise the profile of the building and to create an event that will ‘kick-start’ the development of the old station into a space devoted to the making and showing of contemporary art in regional Victoria.”

In addition to the exhibition, the old Station will play host to a live graffiti demonstration by Melbourne based artist Michael Porter. Through the course of the day Michael will paint a large, specially constructed wall beside the old station. The public will be able to watch the artist as he works, and the finished work will go on permanent display in the station building.

Trevor hopes his efforts will challenge the notion that contemporary art can only be experienced in urban centres, and hopes there will be opportunities to continue the project into the future.

“I realise it will be a challenge to maintain the momentum you get from an ‘opening night’, however I’m interested in the possibilities of developing the station building into an, exhibition/studio space, suitable to host an artist in residence. I’m certain a visiting artist would gain as much from working and exhibiting in Dunkeld, as the locals would from having an interested outsider contribute to the cultural life of the town.”

The Puma The Stranger and The Mountain exhibition can be viewed at the old Dunkeld Station during the Dunkeld Arts Festival on the 3rd of November, and will be open during weekends until the 2nd of December.