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Presented |
ACCOMMODATION |
19th
September
& ENJOY! |
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To celebrate and promote this growth, a new logo has been developed by committee members Meagan Jacobs and Malcolm King. Expect to see the new Artfest “Face” infiltrating our district from 19th September to 12th October when the festival explodes into our community. Over the years this community based arts festival has bubbled away, each event increasing it’s scope and followers. Now, in it’s tenth year, the festival boasts a massive participation rate and involves more local organisations, people and businesses than any other event. The 24 day festival will include over 60 individual events, across well over 40 venues, includes close to 800 local participants and many from out of the area. This does not include the delighted audiences at the various exhibitions, performances, readings, films and other art related offerings; many of these people are visitors which has a tremendously positive impact on the local economy at the time. To celebrate the 10th Anniversary the committee are working on a few new and exciting additions, including the involvement of many visiting artists, musicians, films and writers. Of course we can be assured that many of the old favourites will continue to feature. The theme chosen for this year is “LAND” – this theme will become a common thread throughout festival events and the various arts prizes. The organisers invite local groups and businesses to start planning their involvement in this inspiring festival. There are several ways that one might participate; a business could become an exhibition venue, host an event such as music or performances, advertise on the festival program and/or website, sponsor a specific part of the festival or offer to help in the planning. As with any community event, the support of the local community is essential. A major component of getting the Artfest off the ground is the ability to raise the necessary funds. The committee has been on the look out for their fairy god-mother to fill up the bank account, but would happily accept the generosity of local businesses to help make it all happen. “So many other festivals and events have the support of a major philanthropist or sponsor, especially when it comes to arts prizes” commented Coordinator Julie Sydenham. “We have the potential to put our area on the map, and already have managed to secure major headline acts, internationally recognised sculptors, writers and other artists. With the support of a major sponsor we could make so much more happen.” In 2007 the festival had a generous list of local sponsors which lead to a highly successful event. The 2008 committee would be delighted to hear from any local businesses, groups or individuals who were willing to offer their support. “Nobody on the committee is paid to do this, we do it out of passion for the arts and for our area – it would be wonderful to see the businesses who benefit so much from our efforts contribute. Donations, however small are welcome, but more generous supporters are needed if Milton-Ulladulla is to attract the visitors that it needs.” Potential sponsors, advertisers, venues, artists and participants are encourage to visit the festival website to download information and entry forms. All enquiries can be directed to Julie at House of Jules Art Studio on 4454 5993. The website is www.escapeartfest.info
8x8 Canvas Prize...
Sydney has the “Archibald”, Melbourne has the “Signature of M”, but
we have the 8x8! A fundamental component of the annual Escape
Artfest is this wonderful competition which is both big and little –
and importantly, it’s open to ALL.
Artist Info Night...
The time has arrived. ArtFEST ’08 is less than four months away and
the committee is now calling for local artists and venues to
indicate their entry. To facilitate this process the Festival
Committee are hosting an information night for all those interested
in participating in this years ArtFEST in September.
Another treat in store for Movie Buffs... It is testament to the quality of our local cinema that the Film Festival which is presented each year in conjunction with the Arts Festival, is now celebrating it’s 10th year! Locals may remember that last year the Film Festival opened with the hilarious English comedy “Death at a funeral” and boy oh boy what a great laugh and treat that was for us. “I remember” reflects Festival Coordinator Julie Sydenham, “we had to go a few times because I laughed so much I missed some of the movie. I must admit I have never heard an audience laugh so much during a film.” Sue & John Kasoulis from Arcadia Twin Cinema in Boree Street have announced that they will once again be presenting the Escape Arts film Fest in 2008 and that the extended festival this year will be even more dynamic than previous years. The overall film festival will include both international and home grown films and will run from 19th September to the 12th October. There will be a special “Short Film Festival” on the Opening Weekend (20th & 21st September). Sue Kasoulis explains that “we can’t have a festival without promoting our home grown talent. The rest of the world is really starting to take notice not only of our actors but, choreographers, costume designers and directors. This goes well for the industry in the future and we hope this year to showcase more of this talent”. The whole art festival maintains a fundamental aim to promote the whole spectrum of arts; the film festival is an integral part of making this happen. When Julie pressed Sue as to the names and artist of the films we will be able to watch, with a twinkle in her eye she said “you’ll just have to wait and see, but you’re in for another treat”. So she said just keep an eye on the Escape ArtFEST column in the Times each week as well as the festival website – www.escapeartfest.info. Send a Postcard to Milton & Win... Why do we send postcards? To brag about a holiday? Make family and friends jealous? Just to say “hello”? Whatever the reason, it’s always good to send a postcard and just as good to receive one. Sending one to Milton could win you a prize. For the fourth year running PresOz Computer Services are organising the “To Whom It May Concern” Postcard Art Competition in conjunction with the annual Escape ArtFEST. The main aim behind this popular community competition is to encourage the public to “have a say”; allowing artists, students, parents, children, businesses or anyone else, to communicate about whatever issue they feel important. The postcard sized artwork could be political, satirical, humorous, glamorous or simply fun. There are no rules on what the design is, only that it should be suitable for public viewing. Artworks that defame, offend or otherwise cause our community problems will for obvious reasons not be displayed. To enter into this competition you should visit the escape ArtFEST website to download an entry form. Design a postcard in your choice of media – painting, drawing, photography, collage, etc. Paste the cut-out section of the entry form onto the back of your postcard along with your details and post it. There is no entry fee apart from the cost of your stamp. It’s all very simple. Three prizes will be awarded by the Escape Artfest committee; two open prizes of $100 and one of $50 for the best entry by a school student. In previous years this competition has attracted entries from as far away as America. There are no limits on where you live, your age or the number of entries you may submit. The organisers would like to see as many entries as possible for 2008. To encourage these entries, Carolyn Whan from PresOz Computer Services has arranged for the postcards to be displayed in the windows of the Milton Chemmart Chemist for the period of the festival – 19th September – 12th October. This kind of participation by the local businesses is an integral component of the Escape Artfest and the committee are very pleased to have a new “exhibition” space as part of the three week program. Entry is now open for the Postcard Art Competition and the organisers are keenly awaiting the first artworks to start flooding in. Visit www.escapeartfest.info to download the entry form and most importantly encourage others to enter as well. Inspired by Italy... For centuries Italy has been a haven for artists. Beautiful landscapes, coastlines, ancient towns, people and food. Like many artists before her Julie Sydenham, accompanied by her partner Greg, recently made the pilgrimage to this inspiring country, soaking up the culture, the art and the scenery. Julie owns and runs House of Jules Art Studio in Milton where she teaches a range of classes as well as producing her own selection of art and ceramics. Julie also coordinates the annual Escape ArtFEST and plans to exhibit a selection of “Italy-Inspired” works at the studio over this period in September-October. “I’ve always had a passion for art, so the choice to become an art teacher was an easy one” explains Julie. She recalls how Italy has always been at the top of her travel list. “I’ve spent so much time pawing through books and images of European art that the opportunity to see it first hand feels long overdue!” As Julie expected the trip to Italy was everything she’d hoped for, and more. “I feel most comfortable when I’m holding a paint brush and I came away from Italy with a renewed desire to paint, especially ceramics; one of my true loves is hand-painted plates, and I have to say that I was incredibly inspired by the work I saw whilst travelling through Umbria and Tuscany. Of course I absolutely loved seeing the Renaissance and Classical Art but it was the ceramics that made my heart beat faster.” Julie is now looking forward to putting this inspiration into effect and explains that she’s already prepared a whole host of blank ceramic pieces just beckoning her to paint them. “They’re calling my name and I can’t wait to get started; it’s going to be a very enriching experience to see what comes from this time.” This new inspiration coincides with another exciting development in the House of Jules. Since it’s introduction in 2000 the art supplies in the studio have expanded at a steady rate. “When I began the studio I wasn’t aware of how large this side of it would grow. We’ve come to the realisation that to allow this to continue growing we need to take action; so that’s exactly what’s happening.” From September Julie and Greg will be opening a new art supply store in the main street in Milton. “We haven’t settled on a name for the new shop as yet, but we’ve had plenty of ideas – you’ll just have to wait and see. I’m leaning towards something cheeky.” Julie will continue to run classes from the Myrtle Street address where House of Jules is presently located. “The classes will stay much the same, only now we’ll have more space! I’m looking forward to working in a bigger area as I like the idea of letting loose! I’m sure all of the students will enjoy this as well.” More space will also mean better display areas for both Julie’s and her students work. “This has always been a bit of an issue so it’s wonderful to look forward to, especially when I have all of these Italian-inspired ideas rushing around my head!” The studio will host a selection of works by both Julie and her students over the Escape ArtFEST. More information can be found at either www.escapeartfest.info or www.houseofjules.info.
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