Dear Friends of Despard Gallery,
As we rapidly approach the new year, we would like to express our sincere thanks for your ongoing support in 2018. With many exciting milestones reached throughout this year, I am proud to share with you a few highlights, as well as inform you about some exciting forthcoming events in 2019. I am also delighted to introduce some new artists into our stable.
Firstly, looking back on the year that was, we reflect on twelve successful solo exhibitions at Despard Gallery. We celebrate other key events including artist talks, an art fair and the personal achievements our artists, such as Blake Prize finalist; Patrick Hall, Bay of Fires Art Prize winner; Penny Burnett and winner of The Hutchins Australian Contemporary Art Prize; Michael Vale. We also congratulate Micheila Petersfield for her powerful new photographic series The Silver Screenbeing featured in the Biennale of Australian Art. A significant highlight of our gallery program was the near sell-out inaugural solo exhibition of emerging artist Sam Field, with his innovative painterly exploration of contemporary Australian identity.
As we look to the new year, we are thrilled about numerous exciting upcoming events and exhibitions. Key events to mark in your diary include Young Bloods, a diverse group show of young and remarkable emerging Tasmanian artists in April, a solo exhibition in July by esteemed artist Geoff Dyer and Despard’s return to Sydney Contemporary in September, which will feature a powerful sculptural installation by Patrick Hall.
On display now is our vibrant Summer Show, this annual tradition is a delightful way to celebrate the strengths and diversity of all our artists, across multiple mediums and themes. This year our Summer Show will also act as a platform to introduce new artists to our stable, including Matt Calvert, Lorraine Biggs, Ochre Lawson and Verna Nichols, as well as emerging artists Zoe Grey and Maggie Jeffries. This will be a great opportunity to appreciate the creative energy that makes up our artist stable, as well as preview new works as a visual taste of the year to come.
From all of us at Despard Gallery, we wish you a safe and happy festive season and look forward to sharing many exceptional contemporary artworks from our artists into 2019.
Your sincerely,
Steven Joyce