First exhibition for new gallery space featuring local arts group Latitude 23
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‘This is Latitude 23’ will make its mark as the first exhibition to feature at Fig Tree Galleries, Yeppoon’s brand-new venue for contemporary art.
Showing off their vibrant and eclectic nature, the exhibition features some of the members of Latitude 23 Arts, including Alana Read, Elisha Habermann, Kim Semple, Marie Seeman, Michelle Black, Nanette Balchin, Nanette Nebe, Niloufar Lovegrove, Peta Lloyd, Sally North, Sambuddhananda Saraswati and Yvonne Moloney - Law.
The Mill Gallery Expansion project, now known as Fig Tree Galleries, was proudly funded by the Queensland Government in association with Livingstone Shire Council, with a total project budget of $1.3 million
Hailing from central Queensland, the group is keen to show its exceptional level of talent and expose the opportunity for other artists in the region to engage with it for support, exhibition, and professional development opportunities.
Rewarded for its professional approach to art making and exhibiting with a Regional Arts Development Funding (RADF) from Livingstone Shire Council, the group pushed for higher levels of artistic excellence, engaging experienced curator Susie Nawaitodre to assist it in developing its works and cohesion to align with the theme.
Artist and President of Latitude 23, Nanette Balchin said a range of art making styles including painting, printmaking, textiles, photography, and installation will be featured in the exhibition, running from 5 – 26 September.
“We have looked to the magic of the people and places connected to Latitude 23 and to the wider meaning of latitude, to showcase the variety of their abilities and each unique interpretation of the exhibition theme,” Nanette said.
“Members include emerging artists, art tutors, and practising professional artists, who combine a wealth of experience across a broad range of art making mediums and application methods.
“The exhibition is a continuation of the commitment to community and great spirit shared by the collaborating group. The group is inclusive and welcoming, offering new memberships to artists willingly.”
Councillor Rhodes Watson, Portfolio Holder of Vibrant Community (Tourism, Events and Culture), encouraged residents and visitors to drop in and enjoy the inaugural exhibition, and show support for the local arts community.
“This is an exciting first in many ways and marks a new beginning for the regions arts and culture, which Council is very pleased to help facilitate,” Cr Watson said.
The exhibition is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am-2pm from 5 September until Sunday 26 September 2021.
For more information on the exhibition and details about each artist, please visit https://www.facebook.com/latitude23arts
More about the exhibition
Despite distance and difference, one thing undeniably unites the artists and that is their ties to Latitude 23 – the Tropic of Capricorn which runs the breadth of the region and is showcased succinctly through this exhibition.
Cleverly, the artists have set a wonderful challenge for themselves and for the viewer by disguising or hiding the number 23 into every piece of work. It will require some up-close investigation of each work to locate them all!