Scotty So: Queen of the Begonias

Here are some snapshots of last Saturday evening’s splendid launch of the Scotty So short film Queen of the Begonias and the Nan Goldin exhibition, The Ballad of Sexual Dependency at the Art Gallery of Ballarat.

1 L-R top: Shane Jones, myself, Scotty So, Tim Jones and Spencer Harrison. (Shane, Tim and I have cameos in Queen of the Begonias and Spencer - among several other hats he wore - was the DOP).

2 L-R: Exhibition Curator Julie McLaren with Scotty, aka Scarlett, Queen of the Begonias; 

3 Post-opening celebratory meal in the Oddie Gallery;

4-5 above (snapped on the day after the opening): Screenshot with me, Shane, Scotty and Tim, followed by closing credits. 

It was a privilege and a pleasure to be a small part of Queen of the Begonias. The film, which was commissioned by the Art Gallery of Ballarat, will be screening 24/7 on the gallery’s Big Screen until 4 April. 

To view an excerpt from Queen of the Begonias, click HERE.

Louise and Jeff get hitched

 

On the evening of Saturday October 1, Shane and I were among the guests at the nuptials of Louise Tegart, Director of Art Gallery of Ballarat and her partner, Jeff Pope.

The ceremony took place in the elegant first floor front gallery of the AGB. It was presided over by the glamorous Renee, a Dolly Parton lookalike - and uncannily soundalike - celebrant. This was entirely in keeping with the alter egos of the talented bride and groom. The astonishingly versatile Louise and Jeff are country music aficionados, who on occasion don their other (Stetson) hats to perform live as Patsy DeCline and Crank Williams.

It was a fun evening. We were delighted to reconnect with several folk we haven’t seen in many a long year, including Wendy Garden (below, left). Shane and I first met Wendy when she was Gallery Curator at Maroondah Art Gallery, where we’ve exhibited on more than one occasion. It seems she got to know Louise when they were colleagues at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Wendy is currently Assistant Director Access & Engagement Library & Archives NT, but occasionally comes to Melbourne to visit family. We’ve vowed to meet there on her next trip, hopefully before the end of this year. 

The festivities continued downstairs with some lively speeches, followed by music and dancing (see below).

On the following day, Louise and Jeff generously hosted a brunch at their beautiful Ballarat house, which we also attended. It provided a wonderful opportunity to meet some lovely people and in some cases follow up on conversations begun the night before.  

Shane and I had a marvellous time. We thank Louise and Jeff for their hospitality and wish them every happiness.