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The Last Leaf, 2017, phemograph, 35.5 x 29.5 cm, ed. 20, one of the works I'm
donating to ART AID FOR GIPPSLAND
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At present, we are experiencing horrific climate change-driven fires across Australia, the like of which have never been experienced and from which the country will never fully recover. Our hearts go out to the firefighters and to those who have lost their loved ones, homes and entire communities. Millions of native animals have died and their natural habitats destroyed, to the point that some species have been pushed to the edge of extinction.
For some of the many ways you can help, go HERE.
In addition, artists can assist the fire relief effort in East Gippsland, Victoria. The following information is from Simon Gregg, Director of Gippsland Art Gallery, Sale:
Artists everywhere are invited to help raise funds for the 2020 Gippsland Bushfire Appeal with ART AID FOR GIPPSLAND.
Gippsland Art Gallery is calling on artists to support the fire relief effort by submitting artworks for a fundraising auction. All artworks will be displayed at the Gallery from 15 February to 15 March, culminating in an auction on the final day, on Sunday 15 March at 4.00pm at The Wedge Performing Arts Centre in Sale (next door to the Gallery).
Simon has prepared the following FAQ:
How do I donate my artwork?
Artworks can be dropped into the Gallery anytime during opening hours (Mon-Fri 9.00am-5.30pm, Sat-Sun 10.00am-4.00pm). It would be helpful if you could complete the ‘Artwork Form’ and drop that in with your artwork, but rest assured we have copies available at the desk that you can fill in also. If delivering directly to the gallery the deadline is 4.00pm Sunday 9 February (as we’ll begin hanging on Monday morning 10th Feb).
Can I post my artwork?
Absolutely. Please send to Gippsland Art Gallery, PO Box 506, Sale VIC 3850, and please wrap well.
I can’t get to the Gallery, will there be drop off points?
Yes, in Gippsland you can drop your work off with our friends at the Town & Country Gallery at 111 Princes Highway, Yarragon. Cut off for deliveries is 12 noon on Friday 7th February. Big thanks to Wayne Foenander from Gippsland Art Couriers who has offered to drive everything at Yarragon down to Sale on Saturday 8th.
If you’re in Melbourne, our friends IAS Fine Art Freight have generously offered to run a shuttle down to Sale from their depot at Tullamarine. You’ll need to get your artwork to them no later than Wednesday 5th February for that one. To book in with IAS and get details for their delivery address please contact the wonderful staff at IAS at melbourne@iasdas.com.au.
We are likely to have a further five other drop off points in Melbourne in West Melbourne, Prahran, CBD, Brunswick, and Richmond (thank you to those kind folk who have offered their homes, studios and galleries). Still working through those details so stay tuned. IAS will be able to pick up from those drop off points but they’d rather it if as much go directly to them at Tullamarine as possible.
We’ve received lovely offers of donations from further afield as well, interstate and overseas. We’re not going to be able to do dedicated freight runs from capital cities other than Melbourne so if postage is not an option flick me an email and we’ll see what we can work out.
How many / how large can artworks be?
Yes, at the beginning I said ‘as many and as large as you like’ but I’ve had to do a reverse flip on that as we’re going to run out of space! So now I’m asking if artists can please donate no more than two artworks (unless they’re really small, or if they’ve already been sent) and please no more than one if its more than a metre square. Please be sure to attach a hanging devise or any special instructions on how to mount/display the work. And yes, artworks can be in any medium or style, including jewellery, artefacts, button art, quilts, and all the other wonderful things people have offered.
Can my kids donate their art?
I would say a cautionary ‘yes’ as we want to make this inclusive but please keep them fairly small as this is all about raising money for those in need.
Where are the funds going to?
100% of what we raise will go to the Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund (GERF).
Will work be vetted / do I need to send images first?
Many of you have sent me links to browse websites and sought advice about whether their work is suitable. We’re not going to select or vet works and we’re perfectly happy for you to send in whatever you want if it’s the work you wish to donate (providing of course that it isn’t obscene or overly crass or crude – this is a family gallery!) If you would like to offer a painting of a bushfire I think that’s ok too, but use your judgement and common sense.
Is moving image art ok?
I did say earlier that artworks can be in any medium but I think we’re going to struggle with moving image/video artworks as we only have two working TVs so some people might miss out. Better, if you can, to send in a digital print or similar.
Key dates
We will be hanging the exhibition from Monday 9th Feb to Friday 14th Feb. There will be an opening on Friday 14 Feb at 6.00pm (opening alongside Peter Cole and Susan Purdy exhibitions) and all are welcome. The works will then remain on display for four weeks until Sunday 15 March. On that day we will hold an auction at The Wedge Performing Arts Centre (next door to the Gallery) which holds capacity seating for 392. We will also stream the auction live over the web and there will be absentee forms and ways people can bid who can’t get to Sale. Further details about all that to come.
What if my work doesn’t sell?
Not sure about that yet – one idea is to have a silent online auction. Will let you know.
ART AID is now up on our website here and we’ll keep providing updates through email and social media. And of course, if you have any other questions I haven’t answered here please flick me an email and I’ll get back to you asap.
All money raised will be donated to the Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund (GERF) to help support those who have lost their homes and property in the devastating East Gippsland bushfires.
Artworks can be dropped off at the Gallery during opening hours up until Sunday 9 February (we will begin hanging the following day). For those who would like to participate but are unable to get their artworks to the Gallery, please get in touch with us asap and we will do our best to arrange collection. Can you please complete the attached Artwork Form and drop off with your artwork, or you can fill one out when you come in (we’ll have some ready at the help desk).
The address for all deliveries is:
Port of Sale,
70 Foster Street,
Sale VIC 3850.
If you have any other questions, you can contact Simon Gregg at simong@wellington.vic.gov.au, or phone on 03 5142 3078 or 0432 899 703 if you need your work collected or for any other information.
