2019

Pauline O’Shannessy-Dowling – local Ballarat Artist

Pauline O’Shannessy-Dowling discussing her artwork and granny squares.

Examples of POD Artwork

Local Artist, Pauline O’Shannessy-Dowling spoke at our April meeting.  She came to art later in life and was a nurse prior to this.  Her artwork is mainly drawing and she has a distinct style that was influenced by Hundertwasser.   She studied art at Ballarat TAFE in 2004.

She is a very colourful artist and her Granny Squares definitely are an extension of her drawing, as you can see from the image above.

In 2011, Pauline won the emerging artist at the Flanagan Art Prize.   She currently co-hosts the Arts Program on  99.9 FM on Wednesday nights.   Also she has begun a ‘Drawing with POD’ session every month where people just get together and draw at various locations around Ballarat.

2018

We again plan to have some interesting speakers at our meetings this coming year.

International Artist  Alan Leishman was a wonderful guest speaker introducing the Society to his life of painting.

Scott Bain,  of  Best of Ballarat fame,  bought to the Society his amazing collection of unusual sculptures. The miniature insect based sculpture pieces were detailed and fascinating to see.  A great example of the uniqueness and variety of art produced within the Ballarat community.

July Meeting will be ‘The Ballarat Shop’ talking about ways to sell your art in various formats.

                                                              2017

Our speaker for September meeting was Christine Lethlean from Margie and Bert Studio at Clunes.   She had a beautiful array of her artwork created from material and memories using stitching.   An inspirational speaker with some lovely art to share.

Christine Lethlean from Margie and Bert Studio, Clunes

The speaker at  August the 5th meeting was Claire Hanrahan and Alan from SCOPE.   Art in the community is so important and it was wonderful to see how SCOPE in Ballarat engage around 32 adults from 18 – 40 in their art making.  They provide them with opportunities to experience different media.

On October  6th, 7th and 8th, 2017 they are having an exhibition at the Trades Hall building in Camp Street.   6 p.m Friday is the opening.

Claire Hanrahan and Alan from SCOPE

Alan’s painting that won a prize at the “Kaleidoscope” exhibition in Melbourne.

We have begun the year with two fascinating speakers.   In the February meeting we enjoyed seeing the work of  Amber Nuttall,  who gave us an informative insight into textile designing and in our March meeting we were humbled and inspired by the Next Gen 2017 winner, Bernadettte Amedgnato, whose refugee journey and art work reached out to all of us in such a positive way.

Bernadette speaks about her linoprints and the story of her life.

Teachers have an important role in mentoring their students. Here Bernadette’s teacher shares further prints.

The April meeting’s guest presenter was Julie Collins from BOAA, who gave us an insight into the wonderful events coming up in 2018 with the Biennale of Australian Art during September and November in Ballarat.

Guest speaker, Julie Collins speaks about BOAA

2o16

During 2016, Guest Presenters have been an interesting conclusion to the meetings.   Art comes in many different genres and these talks have included:  pratt ware; printmaking; portrait and life drawing and individual artists speaking about their art journey.