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Our next exhibition is …… (#98) Circus of Life - Peter Cole – paintings and sculpture - February 15 to March 14. Opening event on February 15.

Peter Cole Artist statement

My work is mostly autobiographical – a form of self-portraiture in that it deals with aspects of the self.

Oppression in its various social, political and personal forms is a common thread. I prefer not to talk about

possible levels of meaning as I like the viewer to bring their own experience and interpretation to the work

and for there to be an element of mystery. The works can be read in a number of ways. I am an object

maker and my sculptures say a lot about myself and how I feel about the world.

PETER COLE - Curriculum Vitae

1946 Born Bairnsdale, Victoria. Currently lives and works in Venus Bay, Victoria

1968 Degree in Fine Arts (Painting) Prahran College of Advanced Education, Melbourne.

Gecko Studio Gallery Newsletter – February March 2015

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INDIVIDUAL EXHIBITIONS

2014 Circus of Life, The Hughes Gallery, Sydney

2009 As the Crow Flies, Ray Hughes Gallery, Sydney

2006 Barking at the Wall, Ray Hughes Gallery, Sydney

2004 A Sculptor’s View, Drawings, Ray Hughes Gallery, Sydney

2002 Sideshow, Ray Hughes Gallery, Sydney

2000 Ray Hughes Gallery, Sydney

1998 Facing Up / Facing Off, Ray Hughes Gallery, Sydney

1996 Ray Hughes Gallery, Sydney

1992 Ray Hughes Gallery, Sydney

1990 Whistling in the Dark, Drawings Ray Hughes Gallery, Sydney

Man Gone Missing, Sculpture, Ray Hughes Gallery, Sydney

1988 Walking on the Wall, Ray Hughes Gallery, Sydney

1986 Ray Hughes Gallery, Brisbane

1985 Ray Hughes Gallery, Sydney

1984 A Jaundiced View, Ray Hughes Gallery, Brisbane

Extracts from a Whittler’s Log, Pinacotheca, Melbourne

1983 Ray Hughes Gallery, Brisbane

1981 Ray Hughes Gallery, Brisbane

GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2013 The Nineteen Eighties, Six Artists, a curated exhibition, The Hughes Gallery

2013 Life’s a Beach, a summer group exhibition, The Hughes Gallery

2012 Fresh From the Studio, Ray Hughes Gallery, Sydney

2012 15 Artists 2013, Redcliffe City Art Gallery

2011 Adam and Eve, Ray Hughes Gallery, Sydney

2010 The Art of Wood, Redcliffe City Art Gallery & Bribie Island Community Arts Centre, QLD

2010 Constellations: A Large Number of Small Drawings, RMIT Gallery, Melbourne

2009 Thinking Aloud, Ray Hughes Gallery, Sydney

2008 Magistery, La Trobe Regional Gallery, Morwell & Monash Faculty Gallery, Caulfield

2007 Thinking Allowed-The Big Drawing Show, Ray Hughes Gallery, Sydney

2006 The Idea of the Animal, R.M.I.T. Gallery, Melbourne Arts Festival

2003 A Modelled World, McClelland Gallery and Sculpture Park, Langwarrin, Victoria

2001 National Sculpture Prize, National Gallery of Australia, Canberra

2000 Thinking Aloud, Ray Hughes Gallery, Sydney

1999 Birds in Art from Private Collections, Deutscher-Menzies Gallery, Melbourne

1999 Ray Hughes at George Gallery, Melbourne

1994 Identities-Art from Australia, Taipei Fine Arts Museum & Wollongong Art Gallery

Still Life, Ray Hughes Gallery Brisbane

1993 Drawing Show, Ray Hughes Gallery, Brisbane.

Nuclear (R)age, Monash University Gallery, Melbourne

The Barwon Wetlands Art Project, Geelong Art Gallery Victoria

Just Sculpture, Ballarat Fine Art Gallery

1991 Thinking Allowed, Ray Hughes Gallery, Sydney

Indo -Eco, Latrobe Valley Arts Centre & Linden Gallery, Melbourne

1990 Contemporary Artists of Gippsland, Latrobe Valley Arts Centre and

regional galleries in VIC, SA., QLD and NSW

20 Australian Artists, Ray Hughes Gallery at Galleria San Vidal, Venice

1989 Sculptors Works on Paper, Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, Melbourne

Rod Withers Memorial Exhibition, Reconnaissance Gallery, Melbourne

‘The Intimate Object, 200 Gertrude Street, Melbourne

1988 A Changing Relationship, Aboriginal Themes in Australian Art - S.H. Ervin Gallery, Sydney

Artists for another Biennale, Ray Hughes Gallery, Sydney

Seventeen Australian Artists, Ray Hughes Gallery at Galleria San Vidal, Venice

Regan as Icon, Centre Gallery of Bucknell University Lewisburg, Pennsylvania;

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Humphrey Fine Art, New York City and Reading Art Gallery, Pennsylvania, USA

1987 Painters and Sculptors, Queensland Art Gallery, Brisbane and Museum of Modern Art, Saitama, Japan

1987 Contemporary Australian Art, A Review, Opening Exhibition, Museum of Contemporary Art, Brisbane

Recent Drawings, Ray Hughes, Brisbane

3rd Australian Sculpture Trienniale, National Gallery of Victoria

Gravity’s Angels, Regional Galleries of Victoria, NSW & QLD

1986 Ray Hughes Gallery at Nieman Marcus, Dallas, Texas

Artists Make Furniture, Ray Hughes Gallery, Sydney

Thinking Aloud, Ray Hughes Gallery, Sydney

1985 The First Exhibition, Ray Hughes Gallery, Sydney

Trois Australiens - Peter Cole, Andrew Dunstone and Tom Risley, Ray Hughes Gallery at

Gallerie Boudin, Lebon, Paris

The First Exhibition Group Show, Ray Hughes Gallery, Sydney

1984 Acquisitions and Alternatives - Sculpture, Monash University Gallery, Melbourne

The Hugh Williamson Prize, Ballarat Fine Art Gallery Victoria

1983 Continuum - 83, Lunamai Gallery, Tokyo, Japan

Australian Perspecta ’83, Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney

1982 From the Country, Victorian College of the Arts Gallery, Melbourne

1981 Relics and Rituals, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne

Ten Years, George Paton Gallery, University of Melbourne.

1980 Fifteen Sculptors, AGDC Touring Show, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne & regional galleries

1978 7th Mildura Sculpture Triennial, Mildura Arts Centre, Mildura

The Map Show, Ewing Gallery, University of Melbourne

1975 Six Contemporary Gippsland Artists, Latrobe Valley Arts Centre & Geelong Art Gallery

6th Mildura Sculpture Triennial, Mildura Arts Centre, Mildura

Survival Kits, Ewing Gallery, University of Melbourne

The Grid Show - A Structured Space, Ewing Gallery, Melbourne

Artist’s Artists, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne

1974 Boxes, Ewing Gallery, University of Melbourne

Outdoor Sculpture, Ewing Gallery, University of Melbourne

1973 Sculpturescape 73, Mildura Arts Centre, Victoria

1972 Film Construction, (with Colin Suggett) Pinacotheca, Melbourne

1970 Five Young Painters, Powell Street Gallery, Melbourne

SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY

Scarlett, K. Australian Sculptors, Nelson 1980

Sturgeon, G. The Development of Australian Sculpture - 1788 - 1975, Thames & Hudson 1978

Taylor, R. Peter Cole - Autobiography in Sculpture, World Sculpture Magazine, Vol 6, No.3, 2000

COLLECTIONS

Taipei Fine Arts Museum, Taiwan

Queensland Art Gallery, Brisbane

Hamilton Art Gallery, New Zealand

The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston, Tasmania

Mildura Art Centre, Victoria

Latrobe Regional Gallery, Morwell, Victoria

Toowoomba University, Queensland

Private collections in Australia and USA

** We are expecting a large crowd for this opening so remember that the show will be up when we open the doors at

10am if you will like a preview before the official opening.

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Peter Cole Peter Cole - Postcard from Moreton Bay,

2012, mixed media, 160 x 150 x 15 cm

Peter Cole - Shock & Awe,

2014, acrylic and carbon

pencil on wood panel, 120 x

90 cm

Peter Coloe - The Red Tiger,

2014, mixed media, 208 x 146

x 20 cm

Gecko Studio Gallery

What’s next? Exhibitions in the pipeline……(NB details may change before these exhibitions open)

(#99) the whole shebang: a survey of recent works - Susan Quinn - Paintings - March 15 to April 18. Note - opening event on March 22 (#100) Blown Off Course - Kerry Spokes - drawings, iPhoneography and printmaking - April 19 to May 16. Opening event on April 19

And then……….Gecko Studio Gallery will go off on a slight detour following the closing of Kerry’s show. We will be presenting a “stockroom” approach for five months before resuming monthly exhibitions in mid October. Why? Well, after eight and a half years and 100 monthly exhibitions, we need a small change and we need a bit of a rest – in a fashion. We have a range of projects to carry out which will make life easier for us and make the gallery better in the long run. Running a stockroom setup (and a bunch of projects) is hardly a rest but at least we will be spared the deadlines and take a rest from the openings. We will be exhibiting a number of artists together and their work will need to be kept fresh and replaced whenever we sell a work. We figure that during the quieter months that visitors will be more interested in works from a number of artists rather than just one artist. Come in and check it out. More in later newsletters.

ArtHouse accommodation

Brought to you by Gecko Studio Gallery - the ArtHouse, fine accommodation in Fish Creek. The ArtHouse offers guests a stunning and beautifully appointed cottage hidden away behind Gecko Studio Gallery in the heart of Fish Creek.

Entering through the gate, guests are greeted by the lovely private garden filled with interesting plants and flowers plus the ancient apple tree in pride of place in the back yard.

The walls host an array of contemporary original artwork by renowned local artists for sale - your very own private gallery.

With an open central living area, full kitchen, 2 generous sized bedrooms and unique bathroom the ArtHouse is light filled and cosy. There is a wood fired heater with wood provided as well as a reverse cycle air conditioner.

Quality linen and bath towels are provided; just bring your beach towels.

A library of art books and novels, an interesting DVD and CD collection and current art and style magazines have been collected for your enjoyment.

Fish Creek is home to 4 galleries, cafes' (including 9 Acres Coffee Bar and Food Store situated right next door), interesting shops and the iconic art deco Fish Creek Hotel with the fish on top.

The ArtHouse is perfect as a base from which to visit local wineries, walk or ride on the Great Southern Rail Trail and of course visit Wilsons Prom and the many beaches in the local area.

When staying at the ArtHouse guests are treated to a chilled bottle of Waratah Hills Award winning Sparkling Rose, Loving Earth organic chocolate, Promontory Preserves jam and a fresh grind of coffee from 9Acres café next door! What a treat!

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Accommodates 4 - 2 bedrooms each with queen size bed. 1 bathroom. Lounge room, dining room, back deck with BBQ, lovely garden. Minimum stay – 2 nights and 3 nights on long weekends.

Rates based on 2 guests per night.............

Peak & school holidays rates: midweek price $270/night. Weekend price $290.

Off Peak rates: midweek price $230/night. Weekend price $250.

Extra guests $20 per adult, $10 per child - per night.

Contact Kerry or Michael at Gecko Studio Gallery on 03 5683 2481 or Kerry on 0423 721 593.

ArtHouse on Facebook ArtHouse on Stayz ArtHouse on airbnb

See all the images at ArtHouse or the 3 links above.

Gecko News

● We now stock a range of canvas bags and accessories from Nomad Essentials. Nomad Essentials was born from the philosophy of traveling light – both environmentally and practically. Every canvas bag & accessory is engineered with clever features. Designed for the gear you need to carry while on the move in the modern world. Large range of back packs, iPad and laptop bags, bathroom bags, crossbody bags, organisers and more. Clever design (designed in Melbourne), quality materials and great customer service with a 12 month Warranty. In most cases Nomad will try to repair your item, otherwise they will replace the item and mail it to you free of charge. Below is a list of some of the organisations Nomad Essentials supports through donations, volunteering or promotion….Sea Shepherd, Extreme Ice Survey, WSPA, Greenpeace, Animal Friends Jogja (Jogjakarta, Indonesia), The Green School Bali & Fred Hollows. http://www.nomadessentials.com.au/

● Opening hours / days – Gecko Studio Gallery is now open 10am to 5pm, Thursday to Monday again i.e. we will be closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays until mid December

● Framing quotes/ consultations – a reminder that it is wise where possible to make a time with Kerry for framing consultations and quotes. Kerry can be contacted on 0423 721 593 or at the Gallery (5683 2481). Kerry is not always at the gallery or we may have an event underway so it helps if you can book a time.

● Gecko on Facebook - Keep up to date with our news and events on the Gecko Studio Gallery Facebook page. Please like us!

Gecko products for all! ● Gecko 2015 calendar – A3 size this year, good quality card and decent sized squares for writing stuff in. $30 reduced to $20 each, stock still available.

● Gecko has two new lines of cards available that Kerry has designed. There are the twelve cards that make up the “Eclectic Petal” series and the twelve images in the “Domestic Bliss” series.

Cards are $5 each and are available as sets of 6 in funky packaging. More info and images on Facebook

Kerry Spokes See Kerry’s artist page on Facebook ● Kerry is exhibiting in The Gippsland 14 Exhibition – Media House Gallery, The Age, 655 Collins St Melbourne from February 2 to April 22 and then tour to Meeniyan Art Gallery from April 24 to May 22 (opening Sunday April 26 between 2 – 4pm). The Age building is right alongside Southern Cross station. See below.

● Kerry has constructed her own website to showcase her many talents and the fascinating artworks she produces using traditional drawing, painting and printmaking techniques plus, of course, her iPhoneography and digital collage work. New works being added regularly.

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Workshop - iPhoneography and Digital Collage Workshop (#3) with tutor Kerry Spokes.

Due to continued interest – the third workshop in this subject will be held Saturday 21st January, 10am – 3pm at Gecko Studio Gallery – (Studio space at the back of Gecko) Fish Creek. Cost is $120 which includes materials ie. printing of images. Bring your own lunch, tea & coffee provided.

Participants will be guided through the process of taking an image with one of the many ‘cameras’ available as apps on their mobile device. They will then have the opportunity to superimpose elements into the one image to create a collage which they can then enhance and add filters to using apps - all done on the iphone or ipad.

Requirements: Participants will need to bring their iphone or ipad (iPad 3 onwards) to the session, with at least Snapseed and Superimpose apps already downloaded on their device. These can

be purchased in the Appstore through your itunes account. Any questions, ph Kerry on 0423 721 593. To book, phone Gecko Studio Gallery on 5683 2481 Thur to Mon or Michael on 0421 209 878, fill in the form on the website or email framing@geckostudiogallery.com.au Workshop held at Gecko Studio Gallery, 15 Falls Rd Fish Creek. For more information visit our workshop page at http://www.geckostudiogallery.com.au/iphoneography-digital-collage-workshop/

Prom Coast Arts Council Inc.

● The next meeting will be Monday February 17 at 7pm at the home of Anda and Yianni Banikos (ph 5687 1206) 150 Meikle Rd, Waratah North. All welcome. Website Prom Coast Arts on Facebook

Prom Coast Arts Council presents - Carolina Cordeiro – in Concert On Saturday February 14th - Valentine’s Day, as it happens - Prom Coast Arts Council is presenting Melbourne-based singer, Carolina Cordeiro, in a concert at the Waratah Hills Winery at Fish Creek.

Carolina Cordeiro will be performing haunting songs of love, longing and tragedy in the Fado tradition of Lisbon, Portugal. Performed in an intimate, emotional style and accompanied by guitar, these mournful songs will cloak you in an intoxicating melancholy. Carolina will be accompanied by two other musicians. (check out the PCA Facebook page to watch Carolina in action)

Born in Lisbon, Portugal, Carolina came to Australia as a young child. She has played widely in Melbourne's world music scene, as well as at many festivals around the country.

This will be the second concert in Prom Coast Arts Council’s inaugural music concert series, following on from the tremendously enjoyable and successful performance by the Kammermusik String Quartet at Waratah Hills last October. Thanks to Tony Walker for all the planning effort.

7pm for 7.30pm start. Concert at Waratah Hills Vineyard, 20 Cottmans Rd, Fish Creek. Ph 5683 2441 Tickets $40 or $35 for PCA members. Available at Gecko Studio Gallery (15 Falls Rd, Fish Creek.Ph 5683 2481, open 7 days until Feb 2,then closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays), Main Street Revelations (31 Main Street, Foster. Ph5682 1381. Weekdays 10am - 5pm. Saturday 9:30am - 4pm. Sunday 10am - 4pm) & Waratah Hills Vineyard. Contact: Michael Lester on 5683 2481 or 0421 209 878 Tickets nearly sold out. Watch a video at PCA Facebook

Local Art Venues and Events

The Alison Lester Shop Prints Books Cards Gifts – 1 Falls Road, Fish Creek, Victoria 5683 2352. Keep an eye on the Facebook page for when Alison will be in-store for book signings and other special events. Facebook - www.facebook.com/pages/Alison-Lester/219864641549443 http://alisonlester.com/ (Psst…all the prints at the Alison Lester Shop are framed by Gecko Studio Gallery)

Stefani Hilltop Gallery Artist-in-residence Bianca Biesuz-Stefani. 39 Keane’s Rd, Fish Creek. Ph 5683 2253. website Open Thursday to Monday or by appointment.

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Ride the Wild Goat Workshop & Gallery 5 Falls Rd, Fish Creek. Ph 5683 2661. Paintings and one-off handmade furniture & objects by Andrew McPherson. Open Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon – 10.30 – 4.30pm. 0417 370 596 andrew@ridethewildgoat.com.au

The Celia Rosser Gallery and Banksia Café Promontory Rd, Fish Creek. Open hours: Fri, Sat, Sun 10am – 4pm or by appointment. Ph 5683 2628. andrew@celiarossagallery.com.au

The Gippsland 14 - Award winning Gippsland artists on show with paintings, prints & constructions inspired by the wonderful place in which they live and work. Artworks by Peter Biram, Sue Coppock, Ken Griffiths, Mandy Gunn, Susan Hall, Carolyn Henry, Wayne Milner,John Mutsaers, Graeme Myrteza, Tracy Roberts, Kerry Spokes, Ursula Theinhert, Meg Viney and Libby Witchell.

Media House Gallery, The Age, 655 Collins Street, Docklands from February 2 - April 22, 2015. Gallery Hours: Mondays - Fridays 7 am - 7 pm, closed weekends. Free admission. Links- Art Almanac: http://www.art-almanac.com.au/whats-on/melbourne/#m Tourism Victoria: http://www.visitvictoria.com/regions/Melbourne/Events/Art-and exhibitions/Exhibitions/The-Gippsland-14.aspx That’s Melbourne: http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/Whatson/Exhibitions/Art/Pages/2b6349b2-0a85-45e7-9595-b943dea5f554.aspx Eventfinda: http://www.eventfinda.com.au/2015/the-gippsland-14/melbourne/docklands Country Life Publishing: www.gippslandmagazine.com.au Video: http://youtu.be/oAmkfmL63L0 A selection of the exhibition will tour to the Meeniyan Art Gallery, 84 Whitelaw St., Meeniyan, Victoria, following its showing at Media House, from April 26 to May 22, 2015. (Gallery hours: 10 - 4 weekdays (except Tuesdays), 11 - 5 weekends.)

Stockyard Gallery ● Life Aquatic 2015 - Impressions of coastal life in South Gippsland – annual small canvas competition and exhibition. Until February 16

Gallery open 10 am to 4 pm daily Phone: 5682 1125 email info@stockyardgallery.org.au Facebook

Meeniyan Art Gallery ● Shadow on the Land – group show featuring Janie Frith, Catherine Wheeler, Blamey, Liana Lux, Sue Gilford. Until February 26.

● Forest for the Trees - An exhibition of works by Anne Roussac-Hoyne in the Access Gallery. Until February 26. ● Meeniyan Art Gallery workshops New schedule of workshops available from MAG – see http://meeniyanartgallery.com.au/workshops/ Contact Meg Viney meg.v@bigpond.com 56642430 (bus. hrs)

84 Whitelaw St, Meeniyan. Wednesday to Monday (closed Tuesday) 10 – 4pm. Saturday & Sunday 11 – 5pm. Ph 5664 0101 email blogspot/website

Bob Hickman - Painting classes b5x2 hour classes in Koonwarra studio, either afternoon 1-3pm or evening 6-8pm.Still only $100 per block. Book now on 0439 303 244. Also, printmaking and hebel stone carving weekend workshops throughout the year. Check out www.bobhickman.blogspot.com.au or contact Bob on 0439 303 244 for more information.

The Boobook Art Studio in South Gippsland - committed to providing enriching, high quality art

instruction to children & teenagers. Jacqui Dinsbergs. Studio address: 84 Whitelaw St, Meeniyan, Vic

3956 Postal address: PO Box 252, Foster, Vic 3960 website

Drawing Classes Classes run by Ann Parry. First and third Fridays at Port Franklin schoolhouse. 10.30am – 2.30pm. Tea & coffee provided, take your own lunch. Some art materials provided or take your own. $35 each session, $50 when there is a life model. Contact Ann 0448 390 785 or 5664 6558.

Freestone Press Gillian Kline 0408514560 gilliankline@bigpond.com website New program for 2015 starting soon, check the website.

Photography Exhibition featuring local wildlife and scenery – Jason Sullivan. Until February 28 at Inverloch Community Hub & Art Space – 16 A’Beckett St, Inverloch. www.jasonsullivanphoto.com

Prom Coast Film Society - Season 2015 The Prom Coast Film Society was established in 2011 to provide the communities in the Corner Inlet and the Prom Coast area with regular access to quality, predominantly non–mainstream films in an affordable, social setting. Films are shown on the first Friday of the month at the Fish Creek Hall, South Gippsland on the basis of its centrality, low cost and suitability for screening films to a small audience.

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The Film Society is a member of, and operates under the rules of the Australian Council of Film Societies (ACOFS) and the Federation of Victorian Film Societies (FVFS). Membership allows the Film Society to gain non-commercial screening rights to the films at a significantly reduced cost. As per the rules of the ACOFS and FVFS, attendance at the Prom Coast Film Society screenings will be by subscription only. Membership can be offered by annual or 3 monthly consecutive screenings. No charge is allowed for individual screenings. Costs are very reasonable with $60 for an annual subscription and $25 for a 3 monthly subscription. You can take out membership on any film screening night. However, in order to allow time for processing, we suggest you get to the film well before the start time. Fish Creek Hall is an ideal central venue for the film nights. While plenty of seating is provided, many patrons have taken to bringing along their own chairs or comfort-enhancers such as cushions. The Hall has heating so patrons don’t normally need blankets, but many people still bring these along for their own comfort. You can purchase a glass of wine from Windy Ridge winery or a glass of juice. The Committee puts on a supper at each film and for a small donation you can get tea, freshly brewed coffee and home-made cakes or biscuits at the end of the evening. This allows members to discuss the films or just have a social get-together. Members are encouraged to bring a guest to a film – for example, you might have a visitor to the region, or you might want to give someone a ‘taste’ of the Film Society. The Film Society welcomes this, but please note that you are expected to abide by the guidelines of the Society. If patrons want to bring the same guest to more than one screening during the term of their membership that guest would be expected to take out their own membership. You can check our program at: www.famda.org,au, or contact the film society through: famda@dcsi.net.au

Season 2015 Mar 6 Calvary (Ireland drama 2014) & The Guard (Ireland comedy/crime/thriller 2011) Mar 27 Wadjda (Saudi Arabia comedy/drama 2012 ) May 1 The Lunchbox (India drama/romance 2013) June 5 Ernest and Celestine (France, Belguim animated/family/world cinema 2012) & The Triplets of Belleville (France, Belgium, Canada, UK, Latvia animated/ comedy 2003) Jul 3 Charlie’s Country (Australia drama 2013) Aug 7 The Rocket (Australia drama/world cinema 2013) Sep 4 Disconnect (USA, drama/thriller 2013) Oct 2 Boyhood (USA drama 2014) Nov 6 The Babadook (Australia horror/thriller 2014) and The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane (Canada drama/mystery/thriller 1976) Dec 4 The Dallas Buyers Club (USA drama/true story 2013

First Friday of each month - 8pm. Fish Creek Hall. Annual Subscription - $60, 3 Months - $25. Subscription only, no single tickets. website email Facebook 2015 screening list in next month’s newsletter.

● Amazig Cultural Tours Morocco - 2015 Art Photography Tour. 7 – 21 April 2015. Midnight at the Oasis ...a contemplative, meditative, slow-art approach to photography... with Susan Purdy. ACTM Specialist Art Tours work with selected artists who have a culturally sensitive approach to place and a specialist media or area of practice that provides a focus for a cultural holiday with a difference. Well recognised for her work in photo-media, Susan Purdy takes a contemplative 'slow art' approach with her photography. Morocco... Marrakech – Atlas Mountains – Sahara... Rather than skating across the surface, a meditative pace on this 14 day tour will allow for an emphasis on sensing the world around us to allow space and time for images to rise internally and attain a complexity and depth to the work making considered responses to the culture and landscape on hand. More….. For detailed Itinerary visit the website: http://culturaltoursmorocco.com PRICE: 2,980 Euro per person twin-share. Minimum participant 8, Maximum 12 To book a place contact: Rita Lazauskas enquiries@culturaltoursmorocco.com

Arts/Culture/Tourism / Community newsletters ● Bass Coast Shire Council Free Arts News - click on the Arts Officer link ● Stockyard Gallery – not sure how to subscribe but I guess emailing them at info@stockyardgallery.org.au and asking for their newsletter should do the trick ● Regional Arts Victoria, Gippsland - monthly newsletter compiled by Deb Milligan. ● ArtSpace Newsletter – send email to artspacemoney@gmail.com ● Meeniyan Motel Newsletter Meeniyan Motel email newsletter ● Craft Victoria - Craft Almanac e-news go to Craft Victoria website and find the subscribe area at the bottom of the page. Craft Victoria subscription ● Fishy News – The

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newsletter for Fish Creek. Available from Fish Creek post office (Luke at the P.O. is the editor) and various outlets around town. ● Venus Bay/Tarwin community newsletter “Matter of Fact”

Lyrebird Arts Council

● Lake Street Dive Friday March 6th. Table Seating. BYO. All Ages. Doors 7pm Show 8pm. Tickets: Concession $45 Adults $50 (includes GST and booking fees) In the last 12 months, Boston’s pop-soul juggernaut Lake Street Dive went from playing for a small devoted following, to selling out venues around the world, and performing songs from their newest album Bad Self Portraits on the likes of The Colbert Report, Late Night With David Letterman, Ellen and most recently Conan. For the very first time Lake Street Dive will head to Australian shores for a limited string of performances. Tour promoter and chief at Love Police, Brian Taranto (aka BT), explains his discovery of Lake Street Dive; “My buddy co-produced the concert ‘An Evening with Llewyn Davis’ in New York City last year. He called me the day after the event and said, ‘you gotta get on Lake Street Dive, they stole the show.’ Now when Gillian Welch, Jack White, Patti Smith and more were on the bill, that’s a pretty good wrap.” Rolling Stone called the band “unexpected showstoppers,” while Hollywood Reporter noted the group “delivered one of the show’s best moments with the swinging ‘You Go Down Smooth,’ with stirring vocals by lead singer Rachael Price.” The New York Daily News was similarly enthused, saying Lake Street Dive “was the evening’s wild card,” and noting Price “has the soulful howl of a young Etta James.” The new album, Bad Self Portraits, which was released earlier this year by the Northampton, Massachusetts indie label Signature Sounds Recording as the follow-up to a self-titled debut and subsequent EP, is a microcosm of Lake Street Dive’s evolution of the band from a weird alt-country jazz group to purveyors pop-soul, that turns ‘60s influences like Brill Building girl groups (‘Stop Your Crying’), British Invasion rock (‘Bobby Tanqueray’), horn-driven Stax R&B (‘You Go Down Smooth’), Motown soul (‘Use Me Up’) and even The Band-like gospel blues (‘What About Me’). The Lake Street Dive tour begins on February 21 at Melbourne’s SummerSalt Festival and continues right through to WOMAD NZ on March 15 . This tour will give local audiences a genuine opportunity to catch a band at their absolute best. Get on board.

● Bombino (Niger) Thursday 12th March, 2015 Table Seating. BYO. All Ages, Doors 7pm, Show 8pm. Tickets: Concession $35 Adults $40. His debut Nomad debuted at #1 on the Billboard World Music album chart and iTunes World chart and has earned rave reviews from top media outlets around the world The album was recorded with 2013 Grammy Award-winning Producer of the Year Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys at his Nashville studio, Easy Eye Sound.… “Utterly, utterly fantastic…” BBC. “A perfect match of sound and soul [that] introduces a new guitar hero.” Rolling Stone.

Bombino is a member of the Tuareg Ifoghas tribe, a nomadic people descended from the Berbers of North Africa; for centuries they have fought against colonialism and the imposition of strict Islamic rule. During his lifetime, the Tuareg people have fought the Niger government to secure their rights on numerous occasions, causing Bombino and his family to flee several times.

While living in Algeria and Libya in his teen years, Bombino’s friends played him videos of Jimi Hendrix and Mark Knopfler, among others, which they watched over and over in an effort to master their licks. Bombino worked regularly as a musician and also as a herder in the desert near Tripoli, spending many hours alone watching the animals and practicing his guitar.

He recalls the time he’s spent in the desert and those he has left behind during the upheavals that repeatedly sent him and his family into exile. It’s through the sound of his work, at least initially, that Bombino communicates with listeners outside his homeland. His simple but evocative lyrics are sung in the Tamasheck language of the Tuareg people of Niger.

“A heavy-duty recalibration of desert blues.” ’UNCUT “Bombino is…a star. The lyrics aim to celebrate and protect Tuareg culture and identity.” New York Times…

When those guys get in front of you and Bombino is playing electric guitar, you don’t have to be in the desert. They will transform wherever they are. That’s what’s amazing about Bombino.” Dan Auerbach (BLACK KEYS)

● Mavis Staples - Thursday 2nd April 2015. Table Seating. BYO. All Ages. Tickets: Concession $60 Adults $65

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VH1 named Grammy Award winner MAVIS STAPLES as one of the 100 Greatest Women of Rock and Roll, and Rolling Stone listed her as one of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. MAVIS STAPLES is the real deal. In her 67-year career – from her ground-breaking family gospel group – THE STAPLES SINGERS ‘I’ll Take You There’, ‘Respect Yourself’, ‘If You’re Ready (Come Go With Me)’ and on her own, MAVIS STAPLES is responsible for blazing a Rhythm & Blues trail, while never relinquishing her Gospel roots and it is now that her star is shining brightest.

● Purchase tickets online via Lyrebird website Book tickets via email: lyrebirdarts@hotmail.com OR Book tickets via email: lyrebirdarts@hotmail.com OR any of our local ticket outlets: Gecko Studio Gallery, Fish Creek; Duck Hutt, Meeniyan; Main Street Revelations, Foster; The Rusty Windmill Cafe, Leongatha.

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Fish Creek ● Fishy News – The newsletter for Fish Creek. Available from Fish Creek post office (Luke at the P.O. is the editor) and various outlets around town.

● Fish Creek Art Group Inc. Meets at Fish Creek / Tarwin Cricket Club Room on the first Tuesday of each month, 10.30 – 2.30pm for painting or drawing. For more info contact Bianca on 5683 2377 or Judy on 5663 2369.

● The Flying Cow Café – 9 Falls Rd, Fish Creek. Breakfast & lunch - 10am onwards, closed Wednesday and Thursday (open Thursdays in January). Ph 5683 2338

● 9 Acres - coffee bar, bookshop and foodstore. Fabulous fresh roasted coffee, house blended herbal teas, bulk wholefoods. Free WiFi. Open Thursday to Monday - 8.30am to 4pm. 17 Falls Rd, Fish Creek, ph 5683 2246. Email coffee@9acres.com.au website

● Waratah Hills Vineyard - Neil and Judy Travers (and Megan). The cellar door is open every weekend, all public holidays (exc. Christmas, Boxing Day and Good Friday) and daily throughout January. Opening Hours – 11am to 4pm. 20 Cottmans Rd (Off Promontory Rd) Fish Creek. Ph 5683 2441 vineyard@waratahhills.com.au www.waratahhills.com.au/

● Café KO Bar and Grill – 2 Old Waratah Rd, Fish Creek. 5683 2207. Open Wed to Sunday. On Sat & Sun, breakfast will on offer from 9am. Other days: open from 12-12.30 for lunch and dinners from 5.30pm onwards. www.kookscatering.com.au/

● Fish Creek Hotel/Motel (with the giant fish on the roof) 1 Old Waratah Road, Fish Creek 3959. Ph 5683 2404. bigfish@fishcreekhotel.com.au Simon & Terry. http://www.fishcreekhotel.com.au/

● Tiliqua – Fish Creek - Tiliqua is a self-contained holiday home accommodating up to 8 people and is

located on the very edge of the Fish Creek township. The living areas offer spectacular panoramic views across the countryside. Bookings : Promaccom ph: 03 5682 1436 or free call 1800 458 382. For more information visit www.promaccom.com.au/tiliqua/index.htm

● Fish Creek Cottage – holiday accommodation - 39 Old Waratah Rd, Fish Creek. Bookings: www.stayz.com.au/121861

● Fish Creek General Store - 25 Falls Rd, Fish Creek. Ph 5683 2226. Prop. Carolyn Fryer.

● Basia Mille - luxury apartments, vineyard and olive grove. Hosts Geraldine and Tony Conabere. 1 Taylor Court, Fish Creek (Waratah North) 0414 295 048 / 5687 1453. info@basiamille.com.au http://basiamille.com.au/

● Prom View Nursery - Ph 5683 2234. www.facebook.com/PromviewNurseryGallery Hoddle Rd Fish Creek 3959

● Promontory Gourmet Foods - PO Box 25 Fish Creek 3959. Ph 5683 2313. catmcglead@dcsi.net.au

● Fish Creek Post Office – Deidre and Luke. 29 Falls Road, Fish Creek VIC 3959. Ph 5683 2461. Mon – Fri 9am - 5pm, Saturday 9am - 12pm.

Walkerville South ● Bear Gully Coastal Cottages - waterfront accommodation overlooking Waratah Bay with views to Wilson's Promontory. 33 Maitland Court, Walkerville South. Ph 56632364 www.beargullycottages.com.au/

Walkerville North ● Walkerville Caravan Park - 3 Loop Road, Walkerville North, VIC 3956 Ph 5663 2224. www.caravan-parkfinder.com.au/campsites-and-caravan-parks/view/22198-walkerville-caravan-park

Meeniyan ● moo’s at meeniyan ● 89 Whitelaw St, Meeniyan. Ph 5664 0010, fax 5664 0050

eat@moosatmeeniyan.com.au www.moosatmeeniyan.com.au

11

Winery of the Month Bellvale Wine is a family-owned business run by principal winemaker and viticulturalist, John Ellis and situated in the lush Tarwin River valley of South Gippsland. Bellvale was established in 1998. For Moo’s in February Bellvale are showcasing these wines: 2012 Athena’s Vineyard Chardonnay – crisp and tightly structured, with a well-defined balance between fruit; white peach and melon, with secondary characters and finely integrated spicy oak. Extraordinary length to the palate where rich concentration is balanced by the fine acidity, producing a delicious wine 2013 Quercus Pinot Noir – restrained silky tannins, powerful expressions of flavour, lively and bright with a seductive aroma leading to strong spicy overtones of red fruits Artist of the Month Marie Werrett is a local artist who had quite an interest in drawing and painting at school many years ago but never pursued it at the time. After some prompting from a friend who gave her paints, brushes and a canvas she hesitantly started painting in 2006 with an art group in Leongatha South and has loved painting ever since. Her work started with a focus on seascapes and more recently expanded to clouds and other images from nature. Marie uses acrylic paint on a variety of surfaces including canvas, linen and wood. Her interest in art extends to mosaics and photography and she produces cards from her images of paintings and photos. With the art group Marie has exhibited in “The Art of Friends”, Gecko Studio Gallery (Fish Creek) and at Inverloch Hub. Over the past few years she has also exhibited in the Venus Bay Artist Contemporary Showcase, Welshpool Art Show, Inverloch Art Gallery, Leongatha Art Gallery, Mirboo North, Marysville and Meeniyan Art Shows and Meeniyan Art Gallery.

Foster ● Windy Ridge Vineyard & Winery, 527 Fish Creek-Foster Road, Foster (5km from Foster; 8km from Fish Creek). Ph: 5682 2035 mobile: 0416 192 264 tasteWine@windyridgewinery.com.au www.windyridgewinery.com.au/ ● Rhythm Café Fully licensed. 3-5 Bridge St, Foster ph 5682 1612. Trading hours 10am – 4pm, closed Tuesday & Wednesday. Tapas night every Friday 5 - 7.30pm. ● The Greenhouse Garden Centre & Café. 25 - 27 Main St, Foster, ph 5682 1930 facebook ● Promontory Home Produce & Craft Markets. Foster Showgrounds. Sun Mar 11 & Sun Apr 8. No dogs allowed.

Yanakie ● Coastal View Cabins - 150 Foley Road, Yanakie, Wilson’s Promontory Ph 5687 1248 Mobile 0433 772 713 website Mark and Craig

Local Radio ● Catch “Sounds”, a music show that samples new releases as well as favorites that never date in the folk, blues, alt country and world music genres. Presented by Ian Bevington, Suzanne Henderson and Tony Walker on at 6pm Thursdays. ● Night Surf - Gerald and Anne –

Thursday, 8 – 10pm. Very cool music. 8pm - 10pm ● Talking Books with Jan Bull – a radio program on books and reading every Sunday morning after the 11 o’clock news. ● Ramalama Ding Dong - Denis & Dave 8pm - 11pm Friday nights. Local FM station 3mFM – 88.1, 89.1 and 89.5 on the dial radio@3mfm.com.au www.3mfm.com.au/ Also check out the 3MFM website as it is now possible to stream 3mFM via the internet

Kerry Spokes and Michael Lester Gecko Studio Gallery 15 Falls Rd, Fish Creek 3959 Ph & fax 5683 2481 framing@geckostudiogallery.com.au www.geckostudiogallery.com.au

Newsletter written/compiled by Michael Lester.

Care has been taken in compiling the information on events in this newsletter. However, Gecko Studio Gallery does not warrant or represent that the newsletter is free from errors or omissions.

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