Studio News | February-June 2021
5 Years: Exhibition Install
We started 2021 on a high, installing The Art Factory: 5 Year anniversary exhibition at the
Wagga Wagga Art Gallery.
Late Night at the Gallery
Wagga Wagga Art Gallery opened its doors for a Friday Night Silent Disco and DJ Set in
its exhibition spaces. Art Factory artist Layla Bacayo DJ'd the Silent Disco amongst the
works in the 5 Years Exhibition.
5 Years: Official Opening
We celebrated 5 years of The Art Factory with an exhibition at the Wagga Wagga Art
Gallery. A selection of works by artists in our Wagga and Temora Studio’s showcased
the breadth and scope of creative practices in the Studio. The exhibition launched in a
Global celebration with over 150 visitors from the community. To honour our artists, we
held a Finissage at the conclusion of the exhibition where Samra, Isobel and Lorraine spoke to an audience about their practice, and working in the Studio.
Artist of the month- Leeanna Wheeler | March
When did you start creating works?
I started making works when I was at school.
What kind of works do you make?
I use pencils and shading with charcoal, painting and clay works.
What influences your work?
I get my ideas from movies, audio books and my own original ideas.
What are your aspirations for the future?
I want to try and do a huge work this year! I think I would draw and paint on it.
What’s your favourite thing about being in the studio at The Art Factory?
I can be myself and it’s the first time I can be crazy with my artworks! I love being able to
create works independently in the studio. I was excited to work somewhere all about art!
What sustains your practice?
Painting makes me happy and calm and I put my soul in to making beautiful artworks.
Bella Mullins Card Packs
Artist Bella Mullins has released Card packs featuring her bright artworks! You can find them at The Art Factory Webstore.
Canberra Excursion
The crew travelled to Canberra to see artworks by Annelise Triulcio and Tabitha Harmer in the NDIS Centre and the Ann Harding Conference Centre.
Studio Visit- Gen_U Geelong
Studio crew member Jordy visited Gen_U; a Supported Studio based in the heart of
Geelong to see the exhibition 'Journey of Extraordinary Encounters' in their James Street gallery.
Artist of the Month: Chris Salter | April
When did you start creating works?
When I started at The Art Factory in 2020.
What kind of works do you make?
I make large abstract paintings.
What influences your work?
Colour
What are your aspirations for the future?
A solo exhibition, and to keep painting at The Art Factory.
What’s your favourite thing about being in the studio at The Art Factory?
Just painting!
Together More Than Ever- Youth Week Exhibition
Coinciding with Youth Week, The Art Factory held a group exhibition featuring works from
our artists under 24 year old. A great turnout with over 50 visitors and a segment in Prime News Riverina.
The Portrait Factory
As part of FRESH Festival, The Art Factory invited members of the public to the studio to have their portraits created by Steven O'Hara, Jacquie Meyers and Layla Bacayo.
Samra's New Gear
After participating in Platform Live 2020, artist Samra Angilo received a generous gift certificate for new art supplies by an anonymous donor. Samra said upon opening her box of goodies 'it was better than Christmas'.
Artist of the month- Raine Mitter | May
When did you start creating works?
I started making art when I started at The Art Factory.
What kind of works do you make?
Animals and patterns.
What influences your work?
Lots of different things to draw.
What are your aspirations for the future?
I want to use different materials like paint and pastel.
What’s your favourite thing about being in the studio at The Art Factory?
Creativity!
Chris and Kerrie's Grant
Art Factory artist Chris Salter and studio crew member Kerrie Rudd were successful in applying for a grant from Eastern Riverina Arts to create collaborative works!
National Art Glass Gallery- Tom Moore: Abundant Wonder
The Art Factory crew were blown away by visiting Abundant Wonder- an exhibition in the national art glass gallery by Tom Moore.
Wagga Wagga City Council Grant
The Art Factory hired the Platform accessible space to run workshops by Jacquie Meyers and Tabitha Harmer. Jacquie demonstrated how to create one of her signature portraits with the residents of Gumleigh Gardens. After lunch DJ Lay-Da-Best played a set for the children from Shaw St. Childrens Centre and Tabitha showed them some drawing tips!
F. Stop Workshop
Damian and Leigh headed to F.Stop Workshop to have their portraits taken for a complimentary wet-plate portrait as part of a Renew Wagga Wagga open day.
Allison Davies- Up To Date Window Exhibition
Art Factory artist Allison Davies displayed an array of her 2D and 3D works in the feature window at the Up To Date Store in Coolamon.
Artist of the Month- Rochelle Hapgood | June
When did you start creating works?
I've been at The Art Factory since 2018 but I have worked in the Kurrajong Art Studio for over 10 years.
What kind of works do you make?
At the moment I like working with watercolour pencils and creating monoprints with my drawings.
What influences your work?
I work with different themes; in the past I have worked on flags and beach houses, realistic animals and cute characters.
What are your aspirations for the future?
I might work with something new in the future!
What’s your favourite thing about being in the studio at The Art Factory?
Talking to my friends and making art with them.
Lorraine O'Hara- Colourful Wonderful exhibition opening
One of The Art Factory's leading artists Lorraine O'Hara held her first solo exhibition
Colourful Wonderful in the E3 Art Space at Wagga Wagga Art Gallery. A wonderful week with over 150 visitors to the exhibition and 9 works sold!
The Art Factory- Short Film Launch
The Art Factory launched a short film celebrating its 5 Years as a Supported Studio, created by Mayfly Media.
Farewell to the Temora Studio Crew
The Art Factory studio in the Temora Rural Museum is farewelling its Saturday program after a wonderful 10 years of creative practice! Jenny, Ivan, Richard, Paul, Steven, Luke, Peter and Lorraine have attended the studio every Saturday with arts worker Angela Coombs-Matthews.
That's a wrap for the first half of 2021! We'll be back in a few weeks to resume
our projects for the rest of the year.