And in other news I’m talking today at the free CAL lectures/discussions happening in the SLV. I’ll be on around 2.15, discussing where I think we’re heading with ebooks, opportunities, issues and the challenges coming up. A favourite topic for me!

BEAUTIFUL pictures everyone.

It was the most lovely crowd. And what I absolutely loved was looking around at a room full of people all engaging with the stories in the paintings. I heard so many ideas of what was going on – new things I had never thought of, aspects of characters, tensions, emotions, back-stories – there were people who were very emotional about some of the work and people with childhood memories that were suddenly brought back to the surface. Emma, assistant curator of contemporary art at the NGV, opened the show with a wonderful speech. She so obviously understood what I was trying to do and could see how it had come about. Peter was the MC – my most steadfast and needed supporter. I gave a speech about the work and how it came about… But for me, the most important part was the chance to thank everyone who has been so supportive, so engaged and so enthusiastic about this series of paintings. Had I not had that support this would never have happened. It is one thing to discover something I love doing and get incredible joy from – it is quite another to realise that other people love it too. And so many people!

It was an incredible experience. And because I knew I would be in a room of friends I really wasn’t anxious about it at all. And as of tonight… exactly half of the show has sold!

Tomorrow is a big day. We have the family event – which was in The Age’s EG today so I think there will be a great crowd.I’ll do more photos soon but for now I just want to say thank you! To Peter, Emma, Andrew and Tim, Crittenden, Koko Black, Avant cards, my family, my friends and everyone who has been so supportive. I’ve forgotten people, I know!

OPENING NIGHT

Saturday May 1 @ the Prahran Fruit & Vege market 11-2pm on the Market Stage

Part of Literature Live, Children’s Literature in the Marketplace 163 Commercial Road, South Yarra 3141 [Melways Map 2L, H9]

Stonnington Council, with NEEF (the National Employment and Education Foundation), want kids to devour books as well as their fruit & veg. Mark Wilson, Elise Hurst & Kevin Burgemeestre will create an open artists’ studio on the Market stage to show sculptures, drawings and paintings; read from their books; and hand out signed copies of their books to some lucky winners.

Didn’t guess that one did you? The next is a little more predictable…

Sunday May 2nd at the gorgeous Abbotsford Convent from 10-4pm in the Community Rooms via the big-tree courtyard. Perfect place to mooch, graze and variously chillax.

At both I’ll be painting, selling and sporting newly-reddened hair. That last bit may only be of interest to me! But you’ll find me easily…

Yes – we have a name! And yes it is all coming together spookily well! So without further ado…

I hereby launch the new exhibition website and invite you to have a look.

Most excitingly I have released four paintings for pre-sale. These pieces will still form a vital part of the exhibition of course – but they will have that all-important red sticker. If you want to make sure you don’t miss any information about the show or secret sneak-peeks all you need to do is subscribe. You can do that here or from the exhibition site.

I’d love to know what you think and if you have any hot tips for getting the word out about the show.

I am so very impressed with this prize and particularly the opportunity it gives artists to pursue their dreams. Not just with the support of money and chocolate and the inspiration of  gallery membership – but the confidence gained from recognition by their peers and the public that what they love to do is worthwhile. And that they should continue to do it. While some were practising illustrators and designers, others were simply people with a passion for drawing. It was truly inspiring to see everyone’s work – especially the work of the kids, many of whom were drawing at an adult level.

The entrants responded to a template drawn by the talented Michael Lindell.

And so without further ado…

Drumroll…..

Here are the winners!
Judges Prize: Christine Larsen for “Chocolatl… food of the gods”
People’s Prize: Katja Krummel for “Bubbles”
Junior Prize: Alison Low for “The Great Easter Choco Chook-off”
Special Commendation: Daniella Germain for “Finders, Keepers”
Special Commendation: Maxim Poole for “The Egg Thief”

Huge congratulations to all the winners and to the finalists (you can still see their work in the Royal Arcade in Melbourne and on Koko Black’s website). The quality was sensational – so much drawing talent, imagination and wit. It was a huge challenge for us to choose the winners, but a very pleasurable one. I can’t wait to see what people submit next year! I hope you all enter.

Geoff Pollard, Katja Krummel, Shane Hills, Christine Larsen, Emma Mayall, Elise Hurst, Alison Low.

Missing judge from this picture: Guy Grossi

me & Maxim Poole & his amazing drawing! (centre)

Yes, a drawing prize created and supported by the delicious team at KOKO BLACK, chocolatiers extraordinaire.

Pop onto their website quick-smart and download the entry form and drawing template, or pick one up in person from any KOKO BLACK shop. Drawings must be on A3 paper, so if you’re printing out the template you’ll need access to an A3 printer. Entrants must reside in Australia.

Who, or what is emerging from the giant burrow? It’s up to you to draw it!

You have till Friday 5th March when entries close.

Prizes vary depending on your age but include such things as a fund toward art education/supplies, membership of the NGV, and naturally, their oh so fine chocolate. So give it a go. Why am I posting about this? Because I am one of the judges for this year’s prize and I can’t wait to see all of the incredible drawings.

So I’ll be sure to post if there’s something fun coming up.

And if there is something you would particularly like to take part in, please let me know.

Hey kids – If I’ve missed putting something of yours here or if I didn’t put your name with your picture – tell me and I’ll fix it! Thanks for coming along