Logan farewells gallery leader Michael Wardell

Gallery coordinator Michael Wardell will be watching from the sidelines, as he is retiring at the end of this month after 12 years guiding the gallery and a 49-year career in the visual arts field.

Michael said while it was tempting to stay and be part of the anniversary year, he might never leave, having already remained a little longer this year so he could be part of the highly successful Brett Whiteley exhibition.

It is a testimony to Michael’s work that the most recent opening of the gallery’s latest exhibitions on December 6, which also doubled as a farewell to him, was attended by an extremely large contingent of local Logan artists.

“That one-on-one relationship with artists is what has kept me here and the curatorial opportunities of working in this wonderful multi-cultural community is what excited me when I first came here,” he  said.

Michael is recognised in the arts sector as a driving force behind the success of numerous artists, both established and emerging, across Australia.

He has greatly expanded the City of Logan’s representation of First Nation artists, including works by Bevan Namponan, Roderick Yunkaporta, Keigh Namponan, David Marpoondin, Fiona Omeenyo, Margery Accoom and Joseph Au as well as local artists Kyra Mancktelow, Jessica Skeen, Uncle Joseph Skeen, Jason Skeen, Aunty Betty Flynn, Aunty Peggy Tidyman, Colleen Sam, Cara Shields and Sally Terare.

Michael’s enthusiasm and experience in the visual arts and gallery sector also contributed to Logan Art Gallery picking up six Gallery and Museum Achievement Awards (GAMAA), mainly for its multi-cultural focused programs, and has transformed its programs and permanent art collection.

“I feel very proud especially of what’s happened with the collection and how we’ve taken it to something that is significant,” he said.

The New Acquisitions exhibition currently on display features many works Michael has played a role in adding to the collection.

Mayor Jon Raven said Michael had made an indelible mark on the Queensland and national arts landscape throughout his career.

“Michael’s remarkable contributions and dedication to the arts community were recognised recently with a 2024 GAMAA Lifetime Achievement Award,” he said.

“We thank him for his service to Council and the Logan community and we wish him all the best for a wonderful retirement.

“His influence and legacy will continue to inspire and shape the future of the arts in Logan for years to come.”

During the GAMAA awards ceremony, Museums & Galleries Queensland Executive Director Rebekah Butler recognised the impact of Michael’s work extended beyond the gallery walls.

“His dedication and passion for contemporary art, his commitment to supporting artists and his love of community have not only enriched the region’s cultural landscape, but have also inspired a new generation of artists and art lovers,” Ms Butler said.

“The innovative exhibitions and programs at Logan Art Gallery, showcased under his guidance, have sparked important conversations and challenged conventional perspectives, underscoring the transformative power of contemporary art.”

As his working life draws to a close Michael admits to mixed emotions.

“Part of me is really excited. For years I’ve been saying I don’t have time to do that and I’m hoping I’m going to be busier than ever next year.

“I want to write a story based on my experience in Australia.”

At the age of 19, and straight out of school, Michael came to Australia from his native Ireland, arriving as one of 10 stable lads on a horse plane with 30 horses.

“I had a free trip to Australia and 100 pounds in my pocket that my mother had given me and I was disowned by my dad temporarily because he had me down for the British Army, and as an Irishman, the last thing I wanted to do was join.”

Michael is looking forward to also spending more time with his artist wife Pamela, four children and four grandchildren.