A Blast for Australia Day!

Ceramics Victoria - ready to demonstrate their art

The "resident " exhibition has been going pretty well - we managed great weather when we were open in spite of a week of 40° days between our first two weekends. The work was well received, a few sold, and the demonstrations inspired curiousity and admiration.

Then on Australia Day all the Groups set up camp in the courtyard and held "court" for an enthusiastic and cheerful flood of visitors.

All the groups were well represented and everyone was inspired to ask questions and try out their skills.

Saeed and a portrait...

Cressida has all the colours there - befitting someone representing the Contemporary Art Society and A4 Art Australia.

Cressida Fox did double duty for the Contemporary Art Society and for A4 Art Australia - so she had all the colours out!

Damien running a walk and talk around the island

Damien from Friends of Herring Island did a walk and talk all around the island - all the plants on the island not withstanding that they are locally indigenous, were planted and nurtured by the Friends. There are pictures on their website of the island in its various modes of construction - levy banks piled high with dredging from the river - you wouldn't recognize the current peaceful bush land setting!

Roulettes on their fly past

And the Basketmakers were there - twisting, weaving, twining - and of course chatting!

Basketmakers very relaxed about getting in a twist

The grand weaving!

Most definitely a  good time was had by all!

Monday 27th is the last day of the sculpture exhibition - and on the first of February Herring Island welcomes the Basketmakers of Victoria!

A sketch in clay

Lift Off!

There it was - the most wonderful sight in the world - the Parks Victoria punt service rounding the bend in the river to take us to Herring Island.

First run of the Parks Victoria punt to Como Landing this summer - hooray!

And we had amazing weather for our opening: mild and overcast in the morning breaking to a sunny afternoon. A few people got lost - the pathways amongst the earthworks are a bit confusing but the aim is to reinstate the vegetation on the river bank so it will all be worth it.

We had a small crowd for the opening - ably performed by Councillor John Chandler representing Stonnington Council - but after that and through the day visitors kept coming, many not realizing that this was the first day this summer that the island has been open.

The sculpture was admired, the festival launched and a good time was had by all... now to make the rest of the festival as much fun - come and join us on the island - there's a lot to see.

The view to the "mainland" from bush-clad Herring Island

Underneath the Freeway - and what is in the boxes?

image courtesy Suzie Ashkenazi

All these sculptors were waiting to go across to Herring Island - so what is in the boxes and bundles? It looks good in the gallery so be there for the launch of the festival at noon tomorrow!