An extraordinary collection of marionette puppets, shadow boxes, hand-stitched quilts and personal art diaries created by volunteers from the Sydney and Central Coast Dutch communities opens at the Bunker Cartoon Gallery on Friday, December 9, and runs until January 28, 2012.
‘Echoes from the Past’ is the result of five years of work by the volunteers and comes to the Gallery following the success of the ‘Odyssey Quilt Project’ earlier this year.
“Coffs Harbour has also had a special part to play in this exhibition, including providing tiny clogs for some of the marionettes,” said Gallery Director/Curator Dr Leigh Summers. “We also have many wonderful Dutch attractions here – including the Clog Barn and the Windmill Restaurant - which will host the volunteers who created the works during their stay.
“This exhibition will appeal to young and old alike and, since it involves woodwork, collage, embroidery, appliqué, dressmaking, painting, architecture and puppet-modelling, there really is something to inspire and intrigue everyone. The accompanying rich historical detail and the documentation of the progress of each work will not only engage people with a Dutch background, but also anyone who understands the pull that our individual cultural history has over us all.”
‘Echoes from the Past’ has been coordinated by Frances Larder, with support from the Dutch Australian Cultural Centre, the Government of The Netherlands, the Wilhelmina Benevolent Society, Dutch Immigration Funds and Liverpool Council. Special guest speaker will be Terrie Beckhouse, Coordinator of the Coffs Harbour Regional Museum. Frances Larder will also give an Artist Talk from 10.30am-12.00noon on Saturday, December 10.
In addition to ‘Echoes from the Past’ visitors will also be treated to the works of Judy Nadin, Australia’s caricaturist extraordinaire. Chosen for her skill at ‘dressing’ her subjects in rich textural fabrics, jewellery and accessories - all with a magical wave of her paintbrush – Judy uncannily brings to life come of the world’s best-known faces including Oprah, Elton John and Princess Diana.
Plus, to get everyone in the summer mood, a wide selection of works from the Coffs Cartoon Collection called ‘Cartoons = Summer Fun’ will also be on show.
Everyone is welcome to come to the Opening Night at 6pm on Friday, December 9. Entertainment will also include traditional clog-dancers, traditional Dutch treats and puppeteer demonstrations.
Entry is free and includes refreshments.
General admissions to the Gallery are $2 for adults and $1 for children. Under fives are free. The Gallery is open Monday to Saturday, 10 am - 4pm at John Champion Way, Coffs Harbour. Please note the Gallery will be closed on Christmas Day.