ARTISTS IN THE GARDEN
PHOTO FESTIVAL

Conceived as an inclusive celebration of place through photography a major addition to the regular monthly events.

The photo festival was to have only one rule, that being that all
photographs had to be taken in the botanic garden over September/October.

All genres of photography were welcome.

In just 31 days the Festival received 292 submissions of varying styles and genres, from 62 different photographers, you can view all of the photographs by clicking the link below.

What a great afternoon with Codie O’Conner as life model. Many participants had never life drawn before and the results were amazing!

Life drawing is really like a meditation – it’s a real joy to discover the energy and beauty of the human form – every model adds a different insight to the human experience – literally drawing out expression through interpretation

‘An Ambiguous Alphabet’ by Carrie and Shane was presented, a wonderfully quirky alphabet of photography

Melissa Smith’s showed her colourful artworks – you can follow her on Instagram mliss.artworks – available for sale – great Christmas gifts and cards.

A fun day inspired by pop art

We had the launch of two books, ‘Stranger Danger’ by Adele Hardy and Jaiden Whitton’s novel, ‘ The Pendulum’

Corrie Wade of Corrie Wade Music Academy played keyboard and then Salsa dancing happened.

A neo-expressionist paint off! This month the focus was on the gifted American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. His neo-expressionist style is now well-recognized—Deborah Harry of Blondie bought a painting from him in the early 1980s for $200, and in 2017 one of his paintings sold for $110 million

A really great afternoon and front page local paper we made new friends and our circular set up made everything more cohesive and everyone seemed to have fun.

With a starting point of Russian revolutionary art Vladimir Tatlin’s 1920’s model ‘Monument for the third International’ we set about to build a ‘Monument for a Moment’ and who would have thought that a stack of bamboo, some cardboard and plastic sheeting could make something so big?

The huge mylar balloons shimmered and floated in the breeze, delicate and mesmerizing and when the wind picked up they had a dangerous edge …

Thanks to Robyn Crisp, Annie West and Bill Mills-Thom for their enthusiastic help, it was a really great team.

Members of the Nambucca Valley Writers Group, Yvonne Kachel, Elizabeth Newman, and Roby Aiken, elicited both through the readings from their anthologies celebrating 30 years as a group.

Artists present still produced an array of artwork expressing diversity and talent – Eric West, Sculptor, Mark West – Nature Photographer, Tammy Mills-Thom- Mixed Media and Conceptual, Sunita Williams – Acrylic on Canvas, Pam Gilmour – Oil on Canvas, Jaiden Whitton – Acrylic on Canvas, Phil Simpson – Acrylic on Canvas, James P Gilmour – Encaustic, Robyn Crisp – Watercolour, Melissa Smith – Acrylic on Canvas and painting live.

The rain torrented down in the morning and the sky became darker and darker as the wind picked up so sadly it was decided that the best thing to do was cancel the event

With the Japanese children’s day on as well this months Artists in the Garden was the biggest so far.

Diversity reigned yet again, with the program covering music, spoken word and visual arts.  

The Sawtell Ukulele group Uko Ono  brought enthusiasm and eclectic fun from 12.15.    Their music attracted a large and attentive audience.  

Then spoken word artist and MC Jaiden Whitton who presented some new material.   Amy Robinson performed some more thought provoking original works and Del Hardy recited two short humorous pieces ‘When Nanny comes to Babysit’ and ‘When We Went in Poppy’s Boat’.   

Original singer/songwriter Georgie Cortes Rayner took the stage – her compositions and cool demeanour suited the amphitheatre the Garden provided, with her songs floating through the  afternoon sunshine.  

Three free workshops were filled to overflowing and were facilitated by Kathy Edwards of Sprout Studio, with watercolour students painting a chrysanthemum, just in time for Mothers Day.    Atalanta Lloyd-Haynes helped little ones as well as  mothers and adults to experience the medium of clay first hand, in a Play with Clay led art experience.    Well known tutor and artists Bernadette Trela led a Paint Your Palette workshop which produced quirky, colourful and fun artworks.   All workshops were full and received positive comments and accolades from participants and observers.  

Visual arts were  provided by Mohamed Bouzerouta, James P Gilmour, Pamela Gilmour, Jaime Griffeon, Melissa Smith, Elisabeth Bor, Jaiden Whitton, Sunita Williams, Alex Accadia, Phillip Simpson, Bernadette Trela and Atalanta Lloyd-Haynes.   An open artwork, ‘Sunshine in the Garden’ was created,  with many participants adding their own impression of flowers in sunshine. Eve and Greg the 3D mannequin mascots once again appeared, with Eve being further adorned.

Kadmium, Art Supplies and Canvas Stretching, displayed and demonstrated product, which was a great addition to increasing the awareness and education of artmaking.

Coffee by Pony Espresso added flavour to the day, with barrista extraordinaire Robert Bradford breaking out into song with a guerilla Karaoke performance later in the day.

The event was marked by originality and creativity of all kinds yet again.

Tareik Hart opened with acoustic guitar improvisation, setting a relaxed tone. 

Drama company 3Wyz Wimmin performed three monologue excerpts from a recent show ‘Yours Sincerely’ as a teaser for their upcoming show ‘Love Bites’ to be launched in the display room at the botanic garden on May 5th.

Jaiden Whitton performed one of  his acclaimed and entertaining spoken word piece.  Finlay  presented ideas and inspiration for all.

People of all ages  played with clay and produced a  range of hand formed pieces, to be air dried and painted at the next event.   

Visual artists – Dianne Curran, Tracylee Cornish, Pam Gilmour, Phil Simpson, Tammy Mills-Thom, James P Gilmour, Jaiden Whitton and Elena Sincock – displayed encaustic, oil painting, acrylic, mixed media, drawing, clay,

Dianne Curran displayed and offered her zines showcasing her collaged concrete poetry.

Shane Fitzgerald and Carissa, like human bower birds sorted through their collected blue objects to produce assemblage/collage pieces and seemed to be having a lot a fun doing it!

Mark West displayed nature photographs whilst Shane FitzGerald’s photographs were displayed via laptop.  

After finally getting the van into the garden, the lovely Rob of ‘Pony Espresso’ added delicious caffeine to the day.

Visual artists, original performing artists, spoken word, writers and presenters proved an eclectic and dynamic mix.  Warm clear weather underpinned the relaxed atmosphere where the public mixed with artists, sharing inspiration and ideas.  

An introduction to monoprints workshop facilitated by James P Gilmour showed the essence of working in reverse.  Participants totally enjoyed the experience and produced unique works in both black and white and colour.  

14 visual artists presented paintings, solar etchings, drawings, prints, sculpture and clay making.  Artist Atalanta Lloyd Haynes produced a set of clay bowls on the day.   Melissa Smith once again painted live and Eric Wests displayed another iconic sculpture from recycled material.  

Alex Accadia delighted with his small painted 3D figures, Mark West with photos from nature, Tammy Mills-Thom, drawing and painting, Phil Simpson, painter, James P Gilmour, prints and encaustic on board, Danny Ooh Yeah, Photography. Pamela Gilmour, oil on belgian linen, Melissa Smith, portraits and paintings, Chris Pile watercolour and solar etching, Leanne, vibrant and healing acrylic in canvas, Elisabeth Bors, scenes of the Kimberley plus more, acrylic on canvas and Jaiden Whitton, abstract and realism, acrylic on canvas.   

Speakers Corner was flush with ideas and performance – Jaiden Whitton and Amy Robinson both performed spoken word, Del Hardy, writer and poet, Duncan MacMartin presented on the neuroscience of creativity, Rachel Kay poet, Finlay gave food for thought through her ideas and Mark West performed an inspirational piece on the success of failing.    

Original performing artists – Sue Cordell, singer songwriter – fun and energetic – Kate Radha Koch – original pieces on Native American Flute with piano – superbly evocative.   Julie-Ann Glur, Looking for Lucy – soaring melody, sweet and powerful.   The Photo Festival banners, showing works from 62 photographers were displayed in the pavilion and around the Garden entry. Combined with Coffee from Robert Bradford of Pony Espresso plus fresh air, sunshine and creativity, a recipe for inspiration, appreciation and celebration.

A fantastic celebration of place through photography with the launch of the Photo Festival, partnered by Coffs Central.

292 stunning photographs from 62 photographers presented on banners… (that’s around 60 m2!) were admired by visitors and looked spectacular & they are in the Coffs Botanic Garden over summer.

Musical performances by singer/guitarist Sue Cordell and ‘The Sailor and the Dancer’ a cello, voice, guitar and violin trio set the celebratory scene.

Spoken word by Jaiden Whitton and Haiku by Laurel Astle was appreciated and applauded.

Visual artists Susan Bryant, Neil Endean, Eric West, Alex Accadia, Phil Simpson, Melissa Smith, Jaimie Griffeon, Mark West, Robyn Crisp, Tammy Mills-Thom, Pamela Gilmour and James P Gilmour.

An open artwork, Aliens Amongst Us, was completed.

Awia Markey from Terrible Art Class engaged 13 participants in a free pastel and charcoal workshop with great outcomes.

A really great afternoon.

A free open learn to draw workshop was held by dynamic artist and tutor Shellie Kelly, which gave 15 participants some fantastic outcomes.

Visual artists included Awia Markey, Melissa Smith, Jaiden Whitton, Phillip Simpson, James P Gilmour, Tammy Mills-Thom, Pamela Gilmour and Robyn Crisp – sculpture by Eric West, George Gardiner and Alex Accadia – Photographer Mark West.

Guitarist/singer Glen Price created a relaxing ambience. Spoken word contributors were appreciated – Amy Robinson, Jaiden Whitton, Phil Simpson and Tammy Mills-Thom.

The beauty of children’s art was demonstrated by the completion of three open artworks, largely contributed to by under 5 year olds! Further embellishment of our mannequins, Eve and Greg was undertaken.

Another totally enjoyable Sunday afternoon.

Musicians and singer songwriters Tareik Hart, Sarah McKenna, Sue Cordell and Peter Crisp performed unplugged through the event.

Spoken word performer Amy Robinson gave food for thought and thought for food. Among other visual artists, Melissa Smith painted live, emerging artist Aurora Kallisto showed her work and Jaime Stanbury displayed her drawings.

An open artwork ‘Life with Guitar’ was completed as well as a 3D piece, ‘Eve in the Garden’. Eve will be attending the November 7th event as will her friend Greg

Proudly, Artists in the Garden obtained a 12 month Cultural Grant from the Coffs Harbour City Council. This will enhance the event over that time. The first open artwork is ‘Make your Mark’, excitedly started by first time artist young Henry and finished by a range of visitors….. Artists Melissa Smith and Sharon Whitewood painted live, Phil Simpson showed off his funky ceramics, Atalanta Haynes performance artist ‘unpacked her suitcase’ and paintings, drawings, mosaics were shown by some 15 artists. George Gardiner planted his funky mushrooms and Kathy Edwards led another fantastic gum leaves watercolour workshop. Another great day for art.

Another great day for Artists in the Garden with 15 artists showing their works.

A sculptural work by Eric West signposted the event with many visitors enjoying another diverse array of artistic work, including recycled plastic works by Tessa Levitt, conceptual work by Tammy Mills-Thom, plen aire works by Brigitte Haas, a short story by Phil Marinucci and another well loved watercolour workshop with Kathy Edwards.

The successful inaugural Artists In the Garden was held on Sunday June 3 from 12 to 3.

Paintings, drawings and sculpture were exhibited by 13 artists. Phil Simpson painted live,

Jaiden Whitton promoted his first novel and performed some of his spoken word, Kathy Edwards gave a free watercolour workshop and Elizabeth Donovan dropped by with some silk paintings.