The Margaret River ‘Out of the Shed’ art exhibition is opening once again in the Foyer Gallery this month, featuring a huge selection of creations from talented local artists.
This year the popular art show will highlight works from the sheds of Colin Andrews (artworks), Ken Collins (sculpture including metal work and limestone), Rob & Dawn Klok (a collaboration of glass and wood pieces), Kerry Sibly (art on recycled materials) and Chris Williamson (art using recycled materials).
As Mr Sibly said, some of the work is “quite literally – on a shed.”
The well known Cowaramup-based artist and MuKau Gallery co-owner said the beauty of the showcase was the history behind seemingly simple pieces of metal, timber and other materials.
“It’s a really great way to show how some of this stuff that a lot of people might consider unusable can be transformed into works of art, and that have real meaning to the area – some of these pieces are painted on pieces of old Cowaramup milking sheds.”
The annual exhibition aims to uncover some of the creativity often hiding in backyard sheds and on rural properties as well as the usefulness of recycled materials found around homes and sheds.
Mr Collins said his work was mainly created from steel which had been welded, riveted and bolted into forms, and that after more than 50 years in metal fabrication, was changing direction to more creative pursuits.
“Some of my pieces are a composite of found objects from the goldfields and local sources,” he said.
“I like to preserve the rusted character of the steel and use various timbers as a contrast in my work.”
Artist Chris Williamson said the show gave him the opportunity to combine his favourite methods and materials – drawing, recycled timber and found objects.
“I’ve built six ‘micro sheds’ – each containing an intriguing image with an amusing storyline.
“Look out for Mr Shorten’s Shed, with its hilarious spoof trade union banner!”
Arts Margaret River spokesperson Anne Shepherdson said the exhibition was a great opportunity to see works and processes that would often remain hidden in backyard sheds.
“Some of the things our local men are creating in their sheds are simply amazing and they deserve to be brought into the light.”
Out of the Shed begins with a launch event from 4.30pm to 6.30pm on Friday September 22 at the Margaret River Cultural Centre Foyer Gallery. The exhibition will run until the end of October 2017. For more information visit www.artsmargaretriver.com