Getting seen in the right places is one of the first challenges for emerging artists. With the sadly diminishing number of commercial galleries willing to give new artists a go, Collie Art Gallery’s latest exhibition Watch This Space will be the first time many artists will get the chance for their work to be displayed in an A Class Gallery.
Mounting a solo exhibition for the first time, or even after many exhibitions, can be daunting for any artist. Fortunately the artists in this exhibition are in great company. Due to limited space in the gallery artists were asked to submit an image or images of their art for selection to participate. Thirty five emerging and establishing artists will be contributing a total of 70 works in various mediums to what promises to be a very exciting and diverse exhibition.
Gallery Chairperson and career art teacher, Trudi Curran, is no stranger to encouraging emerging artists. “It’s a big step to exhibit your work for the first time. Almost all artists worry whether they’re good enough. One of the most important things we’re doing here at Collie is encouraging local artists to show their work. Some of the artists will be exhibiting for the first time while others have more experience. Who knows? Maybe one of these artists will be the next big thing.”
Local Collie business owners Wanda Bird from Whispering Pines, Lorraine van Empel, from Chook Scraps along with Mick Murray MLA have generously contributed a total of $700 in prize money for a first prize of $500 and a second prize of $200, non-acquisitive.
Prize winners will be announced at the opening on 17 June and the exhibition will run Thursdays through Mondays, 10am-4pm, until 17 July.
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