An art exhibition thirty years in the making

In his eleventh year as Curator, Evan Hollis, has been carefully selecting artworks from galleries around the state, making this far more than simply a school art show.

“The Downlands Art Exhibition truly is a community event that I’m incredibly proud of. The combination of work from local artists as well as interesting and high quality work from around Australia and the world means there really is something here for everyone,” says Evan.

This year’s feature artist, Leisl Mott, grew up in Toowoomba.

Her new collection of work focuses on her favourite landscapes and interiors and she will be demonstrating her techniques over the exhibition weekend.

Alongside Leisl’s work, Evan has chosen to exhibit both traditional and cutting edge artworks, including:
● A selection of Moorcroft pottery
● Advanced digital media by Lucy Quinn,
● Fantastic installations by Ben Rak (Sydney) and Christopher R. Inwood (Brisbane)
● Contemporary works by Johnny Romeo and Esther Erlich
● Traditional bronze sculptures by Jill Dixon
● Contemporary and highly crafted sculptures by Steve Bodrog, who honed his metalworking skills working for Aston Martin
● Brilliant international pieces by Polish artist Cezary Stulgis
● The unique wearable art by Dan Cox
● Lightning Strike sculptures by Michael Nelson Jagamara

Childminding is available on Sunday 11 September from 10 til 2, so parents can enjoy the exhibition and maybe stop for a coffee in the Art Cafe. The cafe fronts onto a sculpture court with works by Chris Darvall, Kaya Sulc and Gabrielle Trabucco.

An exciting addition to the weekend will be the simultaneous exhibition space at the Phoenix Sculpture Garden on Mt Glorious. World renowned sculptor, Graham Radcliffe will be bringing several transportable works to the Downlands gallery and has offered a selection of works for sale at his studio retreat as a part of the catalogued works. This is a great opportunity for Brisbane art admirers to sample the kind of quality presented by the Downlands exhibition if travel to Toowoomba is impossible on the weekend. Graham has refined his forms and crafting technique for over 50 years and his skill is most evident in the mountain paradise setting above Samford Valley.

Complementing our huge variety of sculptural works and set amongst the broadest range of 2D media will be an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary photography. John Elliot, Graham Burstow, Spowart and Cooper, Vincent Parisi, Beth Mitchell, Brian Aston, Scott Bridle, and many more will hang to create one of the best photographic exhibitions seen in Toowoomba – just as one facet of our amazing 2016 exhibition.

Highly regarded artist Stephen Baxter has supplied a wonderful selection of his whimsical ceramic works and delightful acrylic paintings. These will complement some traditional investment pieces by John de Burg Perceval, David Boyd, Tim Storrier, Robert Jacks and Charles Blackman.

Tickets for the Gala Opening Night on Friday 9 September and the Curator’s Vision Tour on Saturday 10 September are now available from Downlands on 4690 9500 or online at www.downlandsart.com

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