Friends Old and New Exhibition

The Manjimup Art Gallery’s new exhibition, Friends Old and New, features the original Manjimup Art Prize work of seven artists displayed alongside one of their more contemporary works. The artists include Susan Bradshaw, Hans Arkeveld, Louise Lodge, Lindsay Pow, Dawn Brittain, Dean Home and Patricia Matson (dec.).

Local artists and art lovers have always valued the positive impact of the arts on their lives and the community. In the late 1960s they collaborated to establish the Manjimup Art Society and subsequently the Manjimup Art Prize. The Prize added an artistic and cultural vibrancy to the town’s event program from 1967 until 1984. When the Art Society folded in the late 80’s, the artworks were entrusted to the Shire of Manjimup where they are maintained as the Art Prize Collection.

For many years, a significant number of the works from the Collection graced the walls of the Manjimup Town Hall at a time when it represented the primary venue for all major community events and celebrations. As a result, many locals are familiar with the works that bore witness to their weddings, community dances, elections, graduations and school speech nights.

The Art Prize presented the work of artists, including those showcased in Friends Old and New, at various stages in their career, playing a small part in their artistic journey. Shire President, Paul Omodei said ‘This exhibition allows us to reacquaint ourselves with some of our favourite works from the Art Prize Collection and to celebrate the artistic journey of seven of the artists involved’.

Friends Old and New will be on display at the Manjimup Art Gallery from 14 May to 19 June 2021.

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Authorised by Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer
Contact Sheri Laba, Public Relations Officer

Contact for comment: Paul Omodei, Shire President
Contact: 0448 810 773