The Association of Sculptors of Victoria is an inclusive, not-for-profit collective of contemporary artists whose purpose is to inspire,stimulate and advance the appreciation, creation, and exploration of three-dimensional art in society.

The July Meeting


Meredith in Bolin Bolin Gallery
The July meeting was hosted by Meredith Plain at the well known Bulleen Art and Garden (BAAG) centre in Manningham road East Bulleen. Meredith is a staunch member and supporter of ASV and a successful ceramic artist in her own right for the past 25 years. Due to the cold and rainy weather, the tour of the garden and grounds was abandoned in favour of a really fascinating slide show and talk by Meredith of her extensive coverage of sculpture gardens in many other countries including England, Denmark, Portugal, Spain, and France.

BAAG consists of a general garden centre that includes a wide range of plants and associated garden products, unusual gifts and a gallery, garden classes and a garden supplies yard. There is a focus on sustainable gardening and living, the natural environment and creativity. This includes an emphasis on food plants and sustainable living classes. The heart and soul of BAAG lies in the devotion to the arts and crafts through the support give to helping local artist to become known by exhibiting their work in the Bolin Bolin gallery at BAAG. Many budding artist have been stimulated and encouraged by the series of hands on workshops instigated by Kevin Free in 2000, which includes limestone (with Jenny Whiteside), clay sculpture, mosaics and basket work.
 

Bulleen Art and Garden by night

BAAG is in the heart of the Valley of the Arts, home of the Heidelberg and Angry Penguin art and craft movements. Creativity has an important role at BAAG. Art is used to convey environmental messages, encourage creativity, entertain customers and provides an outlet for local artists to exhibit and sell their work as well as helping to develop an interest and appreciation of art in customers. The current exhibition in the gallery features some fantastic sculpture made from recycled metal by Sean Diamond, from a detailed copper logging truck to a giant metal rose and tree made from metal salvaged from the royal Children’s hospital, and a number of large spheres. There is also a beautiful 1.8×1.8m Silky Oak hand carved relief panel is by Matt Baird and metal wall pieces and ceramics by Anne Maree Gentile, pottery by Terry Marston and ceramic sculpture by Wendy Smart and Meredith.
Bolin Bolin Gallery has 8 to 10 exhibitions in the gallery each year according to Gallery Director Meredith "this includes Solo exhibitions, group exhibitions, some of which we organize. We try to have a varied range of exhibitions and work included. Usually garden and 3d work is most popular, often quirky. Including metal and ceramic sculpture, pottery, mosaics, also baskets, glass, etc. Sculptures are also displayed outdoors in the nursery and there are artwork and handcrafts in the shop area," she said. There are a number of permanent murals and sculptures installed around the centre. Efforts are made to use local artists in the design and production of features such as signage and on the front fence. The next major work will be a large fibreglass and metal sculpture at the entrance that will be launched onSeptember.5th to 18th at 5.30 pm
 

 Report by Gordon Robertson,
Meredith’s details are: http://meredithplain.baag.com.au
 Meredith@ baag.com.au www.baag.gallerycom.au Phone 8850.3030


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