Register your interest NOW for the Certificate III in Ceramics 2012

 

detail of ceramic works by recent students from a range of courses. From left to right; Ali Hutton, Kay Bazley, Katherine Kennedy, Peter Lewis, Raku firing, Ilona Ede.

Do you have an interest in hand-built and wheel-formed ceramics? The Certificate III in Ceramics is a full-time, 3 day per week ceramic speciality course, which is completed over 1 year, and an information and assessment session is being held at the Nepean Arts and Design Centre on Thursday December 8 at 12.30pm.

The Certificate III in Ceramics will equip you with the skills, knowledge and experience in a range of ceramic techniques including the use of the pottery wheel, the hand-building of sculptural work, mold-making, surface decoration, glaze technologies and kilns and firing.

For those with an interest in working with clay, this is a fantastic opportunity to gain comprehensive skills in many aspects of ceramics. Why not join other like-minded people in the best ceramic art facilities  in Western Sydney?

For full details, including course fees, location of enrolments and units covered, visit our course information page, and click on the link for Certificate III in ceramics. This will take you to an information leaflet for the course. Bookmark the course info page for the latest info on all our courses on offer in the Fine Arts section.

To register your interest in the course, you can visit the link below.

http://tiny.cc/wzkb0

You can also phone the college (131 870) and register over the phone.

You be required to attend information session on Thursday 8 December at 10am in room C1.09 at Nepean College, Kingswood Campus, 12-44 O’Connell Street Kingswood (enter via gate 2).

Click here for a map and instructions on how to find us.

For more news and views from the ceramics department at The Nepean Arts and Design Centre, visit the ceramicsnepean wiki.

Jo Ernsten opens Bruni Guenther-Tsapilis's exhibition

Natalie Smith - gallery owner, Jo Ernsten - guest speaker, Bruni Guenther-Tsapilis - featured artist

NADC Fine Arts teacher Jo Ernsten gave the opening address at Bruni Guenther-Tsapilis's exhibition  at Sassafras Creek Gallery  on  Saturday 26th November. Bruni has recently completed the Advanced Diploma of Fine Art at NADC, majoring in printmaking. As Bruni's printmaking teacher, Jo was able to talk knowledgeably about Bruni's approach to her themes and their relationship to contemporary practice.

Apart from being a great show it is also an excellent gallery space with good food and stunning views over Sydney basin from its back deck - definitely worth a look! Open until February.

Late  applications are currently being accepted for the Advanced Diploma of Fine Arts for 2012. For more information, ring the Fine Arts Head Teacher on ph 9208 9513.

Jo Ernsten, Bruni Guenther - Tsapilis

Certificate IV in Visual Arts and Contemporary Craft: Apply NOW for 2012!

Drawing by Robyn Gosby, Certificate IV Visual Arts and Contemporary Craft, 2011.

The Certificate IV in Visual Arts is a full-time (3 day per week), 1 year course that gives a solid foundation in key studio areas within visual arts practice. The CIV offers studies in drawing, painting, fine art photography, printmaking, art history/ theory and ceramics. It is also the recommended pathway course for the new Diploma of Visual Arts, which will be introduced at NADC in 2013.

Certificate IV students gain a great deal of skills and inspiration during their studies, and many of our learners this year will go on to enrol in Diploma studies in 2012.

The image above is by 2011 CIV student Robyn Gosby, from a drawing class taught by Dalia Maron. To see more of the wonderful work created in this class, visit our  CIV 2011 Drawing flickr set. 

We are currently taking registrations of interest for the Certificate IV in Visual Arts for 2012. You can register online by visiting this link:

http://tiny.cc/aaerk

You can also phone the college (131 870) to register.

Once you are registered you will required to attend information and selection session on Tuesday December 6 at 10am in room P121 at Nepean College, Kingswood Campus, 12-44 O’Connell Street
Kingswood (enter via gate 2). 

We may also consider late applications, but given the level of interest in the course, we highly recommend registering for the first round offers.

To read more about the Certificate IV in Visual Arts, or any of the other courses we have on offer,
visit the fine arts course information page on the NADC website.

Fine Art Graduates 2011

 some of the works on display in the Trapezium Gallery

What an amazing exhibition it was from the students graduating this year in the Diploma of Fine Arts!

For more room shots of this terrific exhibition, visit our flickr set of the show.

Of course, the opportunity to continue to appreciate the exhibition, and  buy work from these talented artists can still be taken up by visiting the exhibition website.

The show came down without a hitch on Friday, leaving many to muse on how long a show like this takes to hang, and how quickly by comparison it takes to come down. Gone, but not forgotten!

Michael Sharpe and Danielle Pearse de-install their work from the exhibition on Friday

Fine Arts Intro course finishes on a strong note

Printmaking teacher Matthew Ablitt (far right) with students from the 7 week Fine Arts Intro course

In Term 2 and Term 4 of each year, NADC offers a full-time introductory course in Fine Arts. The course is 7-9 weeks in duration, and participants attend for 4 days per week with studies in printmaking, painting, drawing, ceramics and communication skills.

The photo above shows students from our most recent Intro course with a collaborative colour reduction lino print they produced during the course. As well as creating a limited edition of their own original print, the students produced this fun collaborative work. Class teacher Matthew Ablitt guided the students step by step in the skills required to make a colour lino print and the results were very impressive.

The last Fine Arts intro course has just wrapped up for the year, with many participants inspired to go on to further study with us in 2012. Congratulations to all students on their achievements in the course. 

To keep informed about our courses, keep your eye on the blog and our facebook page, or bookmark the course info page on our website. The next full-time Intro course is scheduled to start in Term 2, 2012.

Bruni Guenther-Tsapilis exhibits her prints at Sassafras Creek

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Bruni Guenther-Tsapilis, who studied the Advanced Diploma of Fine Art with us this year, is having a solo exhibition of her work at Sassafras Creek Gallery in Kurrajong. 

The exhibition opens on Saturday November  26, from 3pm to 5pm. The exhibition will be opened by NADC printmaking teacher Jo Ernsten. 

Bruni dropped off all her work for assessment on Friday, and her solo show opens on Saturday: that's quite a week! Congratulations to Bruni on the exhibition.

Tim Allen judges Art Show at Blue Mountains Grammar School

 Dr Ken Marshall, Tim Allen and Trevor Barman

NADC Fine Arts teacher Tim Allen recently visited the Blue Mountains Grammar School in Wentworth Falls to judge their annual art exhibition. The Dr Ken Marshall Art Awards at the Blue Mountains Grammar School is the annual art award for students from year 7 to year 11, and offers lots of different prizes across all media. In the photo is Dr Ken Marshall (sponsor of the award) on the left and Trevor Barman (Headmaster of BMGS) on the right, with Tim in the middle.

Pottery exhibition organised by our former students

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Mike Moore and Jeff Lees began their ceramic training at NADC, and are now very active in the community organising classes, workshops, and exhibitions.

"The tyro’s of Positive Pottery would like to invite you to the opening of their exhibition, titled “T4 12” on Thursday 1st December; as part of World AIDS Day, 2011. This class has been made possible by a generous “Matching Grant” from the CITY of SYDNEY and the exhibition is sponsored by St Vincent’s Hospital. Please find attached your invitation to this event at St Vincent’s Hospital, Darlinghurst; official opening will be by Professor Andrew CARR, Director of HIV and Infectious Diseases at 6pm.
See you there"
-Mike Moore and Jeff Lees

Top of the Heap!

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Opening at the same time as The Diploma of Fine Arts graduation show, is 'Top of the Heap', work by students in Year 2 of the Diploma of Fine Arts, who will continue their studies before graduating next year.

When you come along to the grad show this Thursday at 6.30pm, make sure you climb the stairs to see a wonderful collection of painting and drawing by our continuing Diploma year 2 students.

Lewers at Lewers

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A fascinating opportunity to find out more about the work of Margo Lewers, and particularly interesting to anyone who saw 'Framed' at PRG by our Advanced Diploma of Fine Art students, which also explored the work of both Margo and Gerald Lewers.

Barbara Kenny in the Mt Druitt Standard

Advanced Diploma of Fine Art student Barbara Kenny was recently featured in the Mount Druitt Standard, talking about her work that recently featured in Synergy-8, at the Trapezium Gallery. To read the story, click here:
http://mt-druitt-standard.whereilive.com.au/news/story/art-inspiration-is-from-nature/

Our students selected for the Fisher's Ghost Prize

Alex Zou,'Reality Non Phase No.12', mixed media on paper, 2011

Carol Fitzgerald, 'Waiting', mixed media on paper, 100cmx45cm, 2010

At least three students currently enrolled in fine arts courses at the Nepean Arts and Design Centre have been selected for this year's Fisher's Ghost Prize at the Campbelltown Regional Art Gallery.

Alexander Zou and Carol Fitzgerad from the Advanced Diploma of Fine Art, and Shiou-An Zou, Marcela Vilaplana, and Natalie Horvat from the Diploma of Fine Art, have been selected as finalists for the Prize, which opens tomrrow night at 6.30pm at Campbelltown Regional Gallery.

Congratulations to the artists on their inclusion in this exhibition.

Diploma of Fine Arts Graduation Show opens November 10

The Grad Show opens November 10 at 6.30pm in the Trapezium Gallery. Put the date in your diary, watch this space for more info..........

Cath Barcan's new website

 

images from Cath Barcan's website

 Fine Arts Head Teacher Cath Barcan has launched her website, featuring artwork from the last twenty or more years. Have a look at http://www.cathbarcan.com/

More good news from an NADC printmaking graduate

 We just spotted this article in the Mount Druitt Standard describing the ongoing industry practice of our graduate Linda Brescia. Well done Linda!
http://mt-druitt-standard.whereilive.com.au/news/story/artist-returns-to-childhood/

Elaine Shipp's lino print included in a new publication.

 "Self Portrait" lino print by Elaine Shipp

Cetificate IV in Visual Arts and Contemporary Craft student Elaine Shipp has recently had a lino print included in an  anthology of poetry published in Scotland.

"I was contacted in May by Margaret Preston (a flautist and composer from Scotland), asking me for permission to reproduce my lino-cut print, ‘Self Portrait’ that she had seen on my blog, in an anthology of poetry entitled ‘Lovelorn’ she was self publishing", said Elaine.

The blurb on the back of the book states: “Lovelorn is an accessible anthology of poetry which reflects on the up and downs (and ins and outs) of love. Each poem is poignantly illustrated by a specially selected linocut picture. The artists are from all over the world and their styles are equally diverse.”

‘Lovelorn’ was published in September by Matador, Leicestershire, ISBN 978-1780880-365 and is available through Margaret’s website (www.ceremony.uk.com). 

Congratulations to Elaine on her inclusion in the book.

 the cover of 'Lovelorn'

FOLD (live): Call for Participation- Presented by Parramatta Artists Studios as part of Parramasala

Still from FOLD {Live} Performance in San Francisco, 2011 

Parramatta Artist studios are hosting an exciting performance art project, and they are looking for participants. Keep reading for all the info on this exciting opportunity...........

What is FOLD {Live} ?
FOLD {Live} is an on-going project by San Francisco based artist Surabhi Saraf – a series of site-specific public performances where performers (volunteers) fold laundry per a choreographed routine. FOLD {Live} celebrates the mundane by taking a private, solitary activity and presenting it, multiplied, in a public space
Who are we looking for to perform?
Surabhi is looking for volunteers to participate in the upcoming FOLD {Live} public performances in Parramatta, NSW on 3th, 4th, 5th and 6th of November (times tbc). The volunteers will need to commit to approx 8hrs for learning the choreography. Participants don’t need any performance or dancing skills: everyone is welcome. Surabhi is particularly interested in having a diverse group of volunteers.
How do I sign up and find out more info?
1. You can sign up to participate in this project here: http://foldliveproject.net/participate/
2. Or call Sophia at Parramatta Artists Studios for more details on 9687 6090.

Also for more details on the project please visit: http://foldliveproject.net/

Basic details about rehearsals and performances
• Rehearsal dates: from Mon 24 Oct – Thurs 3 Nov
• Performance dates: from Thurs 3 Nov – Sun 6 Nov
• Participants must attend 4 rehearsal sessions (of the 9 available) to be able to perform.
• Participants must perform once, but can participate in all 4 performances if desired.
• For rehearsal and performance times, please register as per above or call PAS.

Parramatta Artists Studios
45 Hunter St, Parramatta NSW 2150
P 02 9687 6090
E studios@parracity.nsw.gov.au
For more info on Parramsala: http://parramasala.com/

Certificate III in Ceramics exhibition opens Wednesday October 26, 12 noon

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Students from the Certificate III in Ceramics are showing their work in an upcoming exhibition called Trilogy. The exhibition opens on Wednesday the 26th of October at 12 noon in the Trapezium Gallery, and runs until the 4th of November.

You are warmly invited to attend the opening, where many pieces will be for sale. (Please note, purchased work may not be availbale for pick up until after assessment in the first week of December.)

The Certificate III in Ceramics is a three day a week course covering many aspects of ceramics, with an emphasis on wheelwork, handbuilding and mold making and casting. Students also learn about glaze technology, and kilns and firing. If you are interested in studying in the CIII Ceramics next year, please visit http://tiny.cc/wzkb0 and register your interest. You can also call the College on 131 870 and register your interest by phone. To download an information leaflet, visit our course information page here.

Di Holdsworth exhibits at Defiance Miniature Sculpture exhibition

miniature sculpture exhibition including work by Fine Arts teacher Di Holdsworth

NADC Fine Arts Teacher Di Holdsworth is included in an upcoming exhibition at Defiance Gallery:

Defiance Gallery invites you to the 16th Annual 6x6x6 Inch Miniature Sculpture Show

Opening 6-8pm, Wednesday 26 October

at Defiance Gallery I, Newtown

Preview 11-5pm Saturday 22 October

To be opened by

Terence Maloon, Senior Curator of Special Exhibitions at the AGNSW at 7pm.

All works in the exhibition can be viewed at

http://www.defiancegallery.com/artists/mini-majors1.htm?page=2

Opening night - 26 October

Exhibition runs until 26 November 2011

The exhibition features 80 artists with over 120 works, and $10 000 in prizes.

For a video of Di's work in the show, go to

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzfjtmVf_WQ

'Cities Connect': Hilary Latta's Cross-Cultural Art Project

Norman admiring his work, Pasay City, Manila, 2011

Certificate III Ceramics student Hilary Latta is undertaking a major community art project between Australia and the Phillipines. Hilary, who is know at  NADC for her high energy, is not only studying ceramics full-time this year, but also employing her art skills  to facilitate an art project  that connects both young and old artists from the two countries.

Hilary has recently returned from a two week residency in the Phillipines, where she worked intensively with children from the local school and orphanage to develop artworks on the theme "My City". The children were encouraged to explore their relationship with their enviromnment, and delved into ideas such as sense of place and belonging.

Hilary has conducted workshops with children in Sydney that explore the same theme, and is also inviting local schools to join in. The work from all the children will be exhibited together at Newtown Mission, 280A King St Newtown, opening on  the 25th of February, 2012.

As well as showing the children's work, Hilary is seeking donations of small artworks on the same theme by adult emerging and established artists. This work will be sold on the night, with all funds raised going to the 'Jesus loves the Little Children Foundation Orphanage' in the Phillipines. If you would like to donate an artwork, call Hilary on 0488 568 251.

Advanced Diploma of Fine Art students in the Penrith Press

Congratulations to our Advanced Diploma of Fine Arts for their favourable mention in this week's Penrith Press.
http://penrith-press.whereilive.com.au/lifestyle/story/amazing-art-puts-talented-in-frame-at-penrith-regional-gallery/

Testimonial: Lenore Gee, Diploma of Fine Art

 Lenore Gee, Diploma of Fine Arts graduate, NADC

What did you like most about studying fine arts at NADC?
The things I most appreciate when looking back at my NADC experience were the varied level of skills that fellow students brought with them, from the complete novice to the more experienced, looking to extend their skills or gain academic standing as a pathway to further education. The teachers I experienced were practicing artists that offered a wealth of practical experience within a nurturing environment.

What are you doing now and how did TAFE help you get there?
I am currently in third year at COFA studying photo media and constantly appreciative of the strong grounding that TAFE has provided me within all art disciplines. I would never have found the confidence to attend university without both the experience and the encouragement acquired from the curriculum and teachers at TAFE.

What are your plans and goals for the future?
I plan to continue with both my studies within the arts and my art practice.

 Anything else?
Studying at TAFE was a lot more challenging than I had expected, it helped me to become confident in my ability to achieve in a structured educational environment, and within my own art practice.

Synergy-8 opens in style

Guests begin to arrive at the opening of Synergy-8 last night at the Trapezium Gallery.

Click for a larger image.

A sizable crowd gathered in the Trapezium Gallery last night to view the work of our graduating students from the Advanced Diploma of Fine Arts, for the opening of their exhibition, Synergy-8. 

John Kirkman, CEO of Penrith Performing & Visual Arts, spoke warmly to the crowd of the student's work. Advanced Diploma Course Co-ordinator Shadee Selim also addressed the crowd, as did student representative Carol Fitzgerald.

The show is running in the Trapezium Gallery until the 19th of October. You can find more information about each artist and their work at the exhibition website.

Testimonial: Tia McIntyre, Diploma of Fine Arts

What did you like most about studying fine arts at NADC?
The teaching faculty at NADC really paid attention to the individual needs of the students. We all came to TAFE for different reasons and with different end goals.  I always felt supported and encouraged and have maintained relationships with my peers and teachers  in my professional life since graduating.

What are you doing now and how did TAFE help you get there?
My professional life in the arts industry has been a continuum from studying Fine Arts Diploma.  Studying at NADC provided me with the opportunity to establish a solid foundation in the arts industry before I graduated, making my transition into the workplace smooth and sustained.  In the years since graduating I have worked across numerous organisations developing and delivering arts projects that include curating, public art, events planning and project management, professional development programs for artists and arts based community development projects.

What are your plans and goals for the future?
I will continue in Arts Administration and Project Management and look forward to further study toward teaching in the future.

Blackheath Art Prize: our students scoop the pool!

Nicola Mason, 'Reflection at Everglades', oil on canvas, 2011

Congratulations are in order to four of our current students whose work has been recognised in the Blackheath Art Prize. Nicola Mason, who is studying the Certificate IV in Visual Arts and Contemporary Craft part-time, was awarded second prize by judges Mathew Lynn and Robert Malherbe. The judges comments on Nicola's work describe it as a 'quiet and intense picture, showing a well-known place in a completely different light. A moody, awkward composition that resolves itself wonderfully with a quiet drama."

Also recognised was Diploma of Fine Art student Marcela Vilaplana, whose inkjet print 'Emptiness 1' was Highly Commended. Fellow Diploma student Janet Reinhardt was Commended for her Untitled charcoal drawing, and evening student Mandy Schone-Salter was commended for a photographic diptych.

Congratulations to all the artists on their success.

Advanced Diploma of Fine Art graduating students exhibit in the Trapezium Gallery

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Our hard-working Advanced Diploma of Fine Art students have an exhibition coming up  in the Trapezium Gallery  on Wednesday October 12 at 6pm. the exhibition will be officially opened by John Kirkman, CEO Penrith Performing &Visual Arts.

To read more about the artists and their graduating exhibition, visit the exhibition website at
http://www.synergy-8exhibition.blogspot.com/

Applications for the Advanced Diploma close on October 28, 2011. (Although late applications may be accepted, on-time applications have priority). For more information, view our course information page here.

Testimonial: Julie Brockbank, Diploma of Fine Arts, 2008

 Julie Brockbank, NADC Fine Arts graduate

What did you like most about studying Fine Arts at NADC?
As a mature age student returning to study with a view to facilitating a career change, NADC provided a stimulating environment where I was able to develop skills and interact with like minded people.

What are you doing now and how did TAFE help you get there?
Currently I’m in my final year of a Bachelor of Fine Arts at COFA, UNSW.  I received advanced standing in a number of subjects as acknowledgment of my study at TAFE which fast tracked my degree.  With lots of encouragement from my TAFE teachers I developed the confidence and study ethic necessary to progress to University.

What are your plans and goals for the future?
Next year I hope to complete an Honours program at COFA and after that ... who knows !!!!

Anything else?
I’m a strong advocate of the TAFE system.  The practical and theoretical skills I gained at NADC provided a strong foundation for my studies at University.

Jennifer Gabbay finalist in Portia Geach Memorial Award, 2011

 

Jennifer Gabbay,  'Fragments of Myself', oil on board, 100cm x 80cm, 2011

Blue Mountains artist, and Diploma of Fine Art Year 2 student Jennifer Gabbay has been selected as one of 50 finalists in the prestigious Portia Geach Memorial Award for 2011.
 

The winner was announced at an official opening on Thursday 22nd September 2011 at the S.H.Ervin Gallery, Watson Road, Observatory Hill, The Rocks in Sydney and is open to the public from Friday 23 September  until Saturday 6 November 2011. After the initial showing, the exhibition will tour to the Tweed River Art Gallery at Murwillumbah, Northern NSW from 3 February to 18 March 2012.

 
The Portia Geach Memorial Award was established 50 years ago and has become Australia’s leading prize for portraiture by female artists.  Worth $18,000, its winners have included Jenny Sages, Wendy Sharpe, Jenny Watson and Nancy Borlase. Each year the award is held at the National Trust’s S.H. Ervin Gallery in Sydney.

Portia Geach (1873-1959) studied at the Melbourne National Gallery School and was a committed artist who had a talent for portraiture, which later became her specialty.  In 1896 she was the first Australian to be awarded a tuition scholarship to London’s influential Royal Academy.  Aside from her art, she was also zealous about feminism and spent much of her life fighting for the rights of women.  

Congratulations to Jennifer on being included in this prestigious show.

Separations

2nd yr Diploma of Fine Arts student Janet Reinhardt will be exhibiting in Balmain at The Watchhouse over the break. The show will only be up for the weekend of the 8th/9th (opening on the 7th) so mark your calendars! Details below...

Separations

The Watchhouse, 179 Darling Street, Balmain

An exhibition of Prints and New Media

Featuring the work of video artists John Bennett and John Laidler,

and the prints and digital work of Janet Reinhardt and Bronwyn Rodden

8^th – 9^th October 2011, 10am to 5pm daily

Opening 6pm Friday, October 7th – All welcome

In this exhibition four artists explore the issue of separations in terms of both our alienation from our own nature and origins as well as our increasing alienation from the natural world. The video installations are really found poems, which address three main areas; the uneasy Brownian motion of airports, the natural environment and our cultural past. The prints and digital work examine both the beauty of the natural environment and man’s ephemeral and sometimes uncomfortable existence within this natural context.

Di Holdsworth at NG Gallery

 

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Fine Arts teacher Di Holdsworth is exhibiting in a group show at NG Art Gallery, opening on Tuesday September 26 from 6pm-8pm. The exhibition will be officially opened by Wayne Tunnicliffe, Head Curator of Australian Art at the Art Gallery of NSW.

There are plenty of good reasons to visit NG Art Gallery. As well as the chance to see this show, you could visit Mission, which is located downstairs, and serves great food and coffee. Or just round the corner is White Rabbit, the impressive private museum featuring contemporary Chinese art. 

 Misty (detail), 150x65x40cm, Di Holdsworth, mixed media assemblage with music box, 2011

To see a video of Di's work follow this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBlonQbkLAU

Information and enrolment session for our FREE Term 4 fine arts course: this Thursday September 22 at 10.30am

Here's that information again: it's such a good offer for anyone wanting a short course in printmaking, ceramics, painting and drawing, that we thought we'd tell you about it all over again. For those who missed the last post, read on. And don't forget to share it with anyone you know who might be interested.......

from left to right: detail of works by Carl Miranda, Louisa Antico, students at work, Jane Ross, Marcela Vilaplana, and group installation. All artwork from students enrolled in a range of Fine Art courses at NADC over the past few years.

The Fine Arts section at NADC is offering a FREE introduction to fine arts course that runs full-time for 7 weeks.

The course will give learners an opportunity to have hands-on studio classes in drawing, painting, printmaking and ceramics. This course has proven very popular in the past, with many students using it as a stepping stone to further fine arts study.

An information and enrolment session is being held on Thursday September 22, 2011 at 10.30am in the Trapezium Gallery, Building P Nepean College. Interested prospective students should attend this session. For information on how to find us, click here .

The course commences on Monday October 10 and runs for 7 weeks, concluding Thursday November 24.
Classes are from 9.30am to 2.30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during this time.

For more information on this course, download a course information leaflet here or call the section on ph 9208 9513 or customer service on 131 870.

Who will our miniworks finalists be? Find out on Wednesday September 21

 

Andy Petith, 'Remembering Vincent', mixed media, 2011. 3D miniworks entrant, 2011

This Wednesday is a  big day for small sculpture when the Director of the Hawkesbury Regional Gallery, Kathleen von Witt announces the 10 finalists and grand prize winner of the 2011 3D miniworks competition. Make sure you head down to C Block at 12 noon on Wednesday for the opening and announcements. For those who can't make the event, you can still catch the show until October 14.

Aeden Harris and Toni Warburton at Hazelhurst Regional Gallery & Arts Centre

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'In clay' is the title of an exhibition at the Hazelhurst Regional Gallery & Arts Centre, which features work by teachers, artists and designers from the Ceramic Design studio at Sydney Institute. WSI fine arts teachers Aeden Harris and Toni Warburton are in the show, which runs until the 9th of October, 2011. For further details, click the invitation above.

Why not make it a gallery weekend?

Lisa Reid, Early Years...Special Olympics, acrylic on canvas 165 x 75.5, 2011

Let's face it, this weekend, resistance is futile. There is so much to see and do at our local galleries at the moment, you may as well make this weekend a gallery weekend.  This Saturday September 17, we have our Advanced Diploma students exhibiting at the Penrith Regional Gallery with the opening starting at 5pm.
And on Sunday, NADC teacher David Newman-White is exhibiting with the late Arnold Freen at Lane Cove Art and Cultural Centre (see previous posts for full details of both shows).

That leaves you just enough time to squeeze in a visit to ' High & Lofty: The Ecclesiastical Banner Project, an exciting project in a range of exhibiton spaces in Parramatta. A walking tour of the exhibition will be held this Saturday from 2pm-4pm.  After which you can pop on over to Lewers :)

For more details of the exhibition, walking tour, and an upcoming banner making workshop, click on the invitation below

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'Trajectories' opens in style

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Congratulations to all the artists exhibiting in 'Trajectories' now showing in the Trapezium Gallery. It was a great opening with outstanding catering and an exhibition to be proud of. You can catch the show until next Thursday September 22.

David Newman-White exhibits with the late Arnold Freen

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Fine Arts painting and drawing teacher David Newman-White is exhibiting in a two-person exhibition at the Lane Cove Music and Cultural Centre. The exhibition, entitled "Golden Moments', features work by David, and also by the late Arnold Freen who is remembered fondly by many of us here at Nepean Arts and Design Centre.

A number of Arnold's fellow students and friends have come together to ensure his work was framed and installed as he would have wished.

You are warmly invited to join in a celebration of both artists works on Sunday September 18, from 4pm-6pm at the Lane Cove Music and Cultural Centre. Click the invitation above for further details.

FREE Fine Arts intro course starts October 10

From left to right: details of work by Erika Glynn, Diploma of Fine Art 2009, Jane Ross, Certificate IV in Visual Arts and Contemporary Craft 2010, Danielle Higham, Diploma of Fine Art 2010, exhibition by Diploma of Fne Art Year 1 students, 2010, detail of work by Sean Sweeney, Diploma of Fine Art 2010, Matthew Mead, Diploma of Fine Art 2010.

The Fine Arts section at NADC is offering a FREE introduction to fine arts course that runs full-time for 7 weeks.

The course will give learners an opportunity to have hands-on studio classes in drawing, painting, printmaking and ceramics. This course has proven very popular in the past, with many students using it as a stepping stone to further fine arts study.

An information and enrolment session is being held on Thursday September 22 at 10.30am in the Trapezium Gallery, Building P Nepean College. Interested prospective students should attend this session. For information on how to find us, click here .

The course commences on Monday October 10 and runs for 7 weeks, concluding Thursday November 24.
Classes are from 9.30am to 2.30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during this time.

For more information on this course, download a course information leaflet here or call the section on ph 9208 9513 or customer service on 131 870.

'Trajectories' opens in the Trapezium Gallery, Wednesday September 14 at 12 noon

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You are warmly invited to the opening of 'Trajectories', Wednesday the 14th of September at 12 noon in the Trapezium Gallery. This vibrant exhibition features the work of students in the Certificate IV in Visual Arts and Contemporary Craft, and is a wonderful showcase of the skills and confidence they have acquired through their course.

The exhibition features drawings, paintings, ceramic works and printmaking, many of which are available for sale at affordable prices. An original artwork makes a unique gift, so why not start your Christmas shopping early this year?

All are welcome to the opening of the exhibition on Wednesday the 14th of September at 12 noon. Gallery hours and dates are  listed on the above invitation.

A course information leaflet for the 2012 Certificate IV in Visual Arts and Contemporary  Craft can be found on our course information page. You can register your interest in our 2012 intake for this course here.

Miniworks finalists to be announced on Wednesday September 21

 Nathaniel Mikhaiel,  15cmx 15cm maximum, chess piece, porcelain, 2011

The Annual 3 D miniworks exhibition has been extended, and the 10 finalists, including the overall winner, will be announced by the Director of the Hawkesbury Regional Gallery, Kathleen von Witt, on Wednesday September 21.

This fantastic exhibition features over 80 inventive, elegant and affordable three-dimensional artworks, each of which is no larger than 15cm in any direction.


The exhibition has been extended until Friday October 14. If you haven't already, get down to C Block to check out some of the great works on show. A preview of some of the work by our talented students can be found here.

We hope you can join us for refreshments to celebrate the announcement of the finalists, on Wednesday September 21 at 12 noon in Block C.

Our Advanced Diploma Students at the Penrith Regional Gallery & The Lewers Bequest

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Eight students from the Advanced Diploma of Fine Arts have been given a fantastic opportunity to work on a project at The Penrith Regional Gallery & The Lewers Bequest. The students have been working on site-specific work at the Gallery, in the form of window-based installation, followed by photo-works that interpret and creatively extend their installations.

The end result of their efforts will be exhibited in an exhibition called 'Framed', which has an opening celebration on Saturday September 17, from 5pm-7pm, at the Gallery.

The working process is giving our students an opportunity to experience the formal demands of working as an artist, including fulfilling briefs and submitting proposals.  After  on-site briefings by Gallery staff,  the students developed site-specific proposals which presented a contemporary response to key issues of Australian Modernism and Abstraction.

The proposals were presented to Gallery curatorial staff and the student's course lecturers. Once approval had been given each artist then returned to the studio to produce an artwork designed to be framed, physically and metaphorically, within the window of Lewers House. The installed works were then documented, and further re-figured into a photo based artwork for exhibition.

As previewed in the invitation above, the process has resulted in a lovely body of work that engages with the site and history of one of Western Sydney's important Regional Galleries.

The official opening of 'Framed takes place on September 17. Also being celebrated at the same time is 'C Block', an exhibition of drawings by NADC Fine Arts teacher Catherine O'Donnell, and 'Snapshot' a vibrant exhibition of photography by teenagers.

We hope you can join us on Saturday September 17, between 5pm and 7pm at the Penrith Regional gallery and the Lewers Bequest to celebrate these exhibitions. The full address of the  and hours of the Gallery can be found on the above invitation.

'Infusion' opens this Thursday, Trapezium Gallery, 6.30pm

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The Trapezium Gallery is a hive of activity as students from Year 1 of the Diploma of Fine Arts prepare for their exhibition, which opens this Thursday, August 25 at 6.30pm.

A vibrant array of works are starting to clad the walls and preparations for the catalogues and catering are being finalised.

The first year of the Diploma of Fine Arts is a wonderful foundation training in the fine arts, with students developing skills in ceramics, painting, photography, drawing and printmaking, as well as studying  art history.

Infusion is a terrific showcase of al the skills our first year students develop, and an opportunity for them to learn something about the professional practice required in order to mount an exhibition.

The exhibition opens this Thursday, August 25 at 6.30pm at the Trapezium Gallery, Block P, Nepean College. All welcome.

Applications for the 2012 intake of the Diploma of Fine Arts are now open. For more details, visit our course information page, and download a Diploma of Fine Arts leaflet.

Photographic Workshops for Teenagers at Penrith Regional Gallery & The Lewers Bequest

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Penrith Regional Gallery & The Lewers Bequest is please to present a wonderful series of photography workshops for teenagers. The workshops complement SNAPSHOT 2011 teenage photographic exhibition  which will be on show from 10 September – 13 November, a unique show that is exclusively for teenagers.

To make your booking,call Amanda Palmer at the Gallery on ph 4535 1100

Eclectica closing Party: Tuesday 16th August, 12 noon

installation shot, Eclectica, 2011

You are warmly invited to the closing party of 'Eclectica', to be held on Tuesday August 16, at 12 noon in the Trapezium Gallery. This elegant exhibition showcases the work of three fine art photographers and three ceramic artists currently studying part-time at Nepean Arts and Design Centre.

This closing party will be your last chance to see the work from the show, so come along and enjoy some light refreshments, as well as a chance to meet the artists.

Eclectica features work by Margaret Lewis, Marcela Vilaplana, Nicholas Sar, Kathryn Trippett, Brenda Maccioni, and Kay Bazley.

Peter Lewis Completes Memorial Commission

Peter Lewis, who studied Ceramics at WSI Nepean last year,  has won a commission to produce a bronze memorial.

"This work will be sent to a metal foundry to be cast in bronze for a K9 memorial being installed at Tahmoor, NSW to honour police dogs which have died in the line of duty.

I used the free form coil building technique to create the work using the skills that I was taught at TAFE by Sue Jorgensen and Rob Linigen. This meant the the sculpture is hollow (therefore lightweight) and I did not need a metal armature to support the work. " Peter Lewis

You can also check out an article about Peter's commission that appeared in the Penrith Press.
http://penrith-press.whereilive.com.au/news/story/castlereagh-sculptor-completes-first-stage-of-police-dog-memorial/

Full-time fine arts intro course enrols June 28

  
details of artwork produced in a range of NADC fine art courses. From left to right Cole Barrett, Jo McDonald, Julieanne Bartolo, Phillip Murray, Ali Hutton, student at work.

In second semester, NADC is offering the Certificate II in Visual Arts and Contemporary Craft as a  full-time introductory course in visual arts studio practice.

The course is offered full-time (3 days per week) over the 18 weeks of Semester 2, with classes running from 9am-4pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

The course is suitable for those who wish to commence full-time study in the visual arts, with an emphasis on hands-on studio practice.

 Subjects covered include painting, ceramics, drawing, photography, printmaking and history/ theory.

Many of our students use this as a stepping-stone to further study with in a following year, for example the Certificate III in Ceramics (course # 19123), the Certificate IV in Visual Arts and Contemporary Craft (Course # 19114) or the Diploma of Fine Art (course # 19145)

Enrollments for this course are being taken on June 28. For full details, visit the course information page of our website, and download a brochure for Certificate II in Visual Arts and Contemporary Craft (course #19112)

An information session will be held on Tuesday June 28, at 10.30am in  the Trapezium Gallery, Nepean Arts and Design Centre. Enrollments will follow from 11am until 7pm on that date.

Click here for details on how to find us.

FREE Part time courses in Fine Arts: enrolling Tuesday June 28!

sample images from a range of NADC courses. from left to right: Matthew Mead, Kay Bazley, Katherine Kennedy, Sean Sweeney, Caroline Eadie, and Terry Malone (final image by Edward Davidson)

Nepean Arts and Design Centre at Western Sydney Institute is offering the wonderful opportunity to enrol in a FREE part-time course in either ceramics, printmaking, painting or drawing. Each course runs for 3 hours per week for 18 weeks, and there are no entry requirements other than a willingness and a commitment to undertake the course.

Our classes run in the evenings from 6pm-9pm, plus one Saturday course. Printmaking is held on Tuesday evenings, drawing on Wednesday evenings, and ceramics on Thursday evenings. Painting is held on Saturday morning from 9am-12 noon.

The classes start in semester 2, (week starting Monday July 18, 2011.) 

The courses are suitable complete for beginners, but could also be undertaken by those who need a refresher for their art practice. As well as raw beginners our classes may also suit artists wishing to explore a new medium, or highschool art teachers wishing to undertake some professional development.

 It may be possible to enrol in more than one class.

NADC fine art teachers are all professional artists and instruction is by demonstration and studio practice. Class sizes are limited which means each student has the opportunity for personal feedback, as well as the benefit of group instruction.

Enrollments are being taken in person at The Nepean Arts and Design Centre from  on Tuesday June 28. There is an information session at 10.30am, and enrolments follow from 11am until 7pm.

Details on how to find us can be found here

For a course information leaflet, which includes details on when and how to enrol, visit the course info page of our website, and click on the link to course # 9069 Statement of Attainment in Skills for Work and Training, for the area that you are interested in (painting, printmaking, ceramics or drawing).