Threads by Nadrasca and Studio 4 Artists exhibition – celebrating local artists

The Maroondah Federation Estate Gallery proudly presents Threads – a collaborative exhibition of works by artists from the dynamic Nadrasca Community Art Program and local Studio 4 Artists.

Open to the public until 1 November 2019 in Galley One at Maroondah Federation Estate Gallery, Threads brings together varied artworks which share a focus on celebrating local landscapes and the experiences of artists in the Maroondah community.

Speaking at the launch of the exhibition this week, Maroondah Mayor Cr Rob Steane said Council was delighted to support the development and presentation of Threads through the 2019/2020 Arts and Cultural Grants Scheme.

“Artists from local groups, Nadrasca and Studio 4 Artists Inc., have come together for the first time for this collaborative exhibition,” Cr Steane said.

“Threads celebrates what joins these two artistic studios together. Each of the artists has captured an element of their own personal connection to the Maroondah community, sharing with us the beauty of local landscapes, playful childhood memories, or the vivid hustle and bustle of our urban sites.

“I’m sure that for each viewer there is an artwork that will strike a familiar chord, reminding us of the places and stories that join us as a community,” he said.

The Nadrasca Art Program plays an important role in our community, formed in the 1990s to advocate for the inclusion of artists with a disability, in contemporary and traditional art practice.

The creative program offers like-minded artists an opportunity to come together as a group each week, to work on both collaborative and individual projects. The program is overseen by well-regarded artist Ginny Grayson, the recipient of numerous awards, including the 2008 Dobell Prize for Drawing.

“Over the years, this program has culminated in some wonderful artwork being produced and of course sold-out gallery exhibitions. There is a great sense of achievement when the artists see their work displayed publicly,” Cr Steane said.

Based at Maroondah Federation Estate, Studio 4 Artists have been working together for 15 years and meet fortnightly to enjoy drawing classes in the studio.

“Artists from both studios recently met for a portrait drawing session at Maroondah Federation Estate which gave them an opportunity to get to know each other and share their love of drawing. The work produced focuses on celebrating local identity and their experience of living, working, relaxing and playing in Maroondah.

“The success of both groups in creating an environment for professional development and creative exchange is expressed in the culmination of this exhibition,” Cr Steane added.

Established in 1967, Nadrasca provides a range of services and support for people with a disability, including employment for over 400 people with a disability across 24 locations in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

In response to the theme of local artists’ connections to Maroondah and its surrounds, Gallery Two will feature a selection of works from the Maroondah City Council Art Collection which highlight the changing face of local neighbourhoods and the growth of urban culture.

Works on display include locally significant historical works by early 20th Century artists such as Margaret Robbie and Muriel McGivern who have captured the natural beauty of Ringwood’s early landscapes. These are contrasted with more recent works including drawings by Gavin Fry and photographs by Larry Jenkins which document the memories of youth.

THREADS: Nadrasca and Studio 4 (Gallery One) and works from the Maroondah City Council Art Collection (Gallery Two) are on display until Friday 1 November 2019 at the Maroondah Federation Estate Gallery, 32 Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood.