Compiler

Cassandra Schultz, Snake eyes (detail from installation, Soapbox Gallery Brisbane, 2003), 2002, cardboard lightbox, kangaroo bones. In Snake eyes at Watch This Space, 9 George Cres, Alice Springs, until 14 September. Visit www.wts.org.au.

Blatant self-promotion

Snake eyes is an exhibition completed for my Masters of Visual Arts degree in 2002. Ironic that it should be shown here now, as it deals with the sense of connection and emotional responses to the Australian landscape. It was created before I had any intention of coming to Alice Springs, when this region was just part of the myth I was investigating. See it at Watch This Space (WTS), 9 George Cres, Alice Springs, from 1 to 14 September. Come to my artist talk and say hello on Friday 8 September.

Burned to a crispe

The Art Shed at 10 Crispe Street has burned to the ground. The home of the Central Australian Art Soceity (CAAS), the longest running art society in the Northern Territory, is no more. The CAAS are the organisers of the Advocate Art Awards (see last month’s Artnotes). The Panorama Guth, a tower containing a painted landscape in the round, also burned to oblivion in mysterious circumstances recently. Perhaps there lurks an art-loathing arsonist amongst us, or maybe it was a reaction to the less-than-favourable review of the Art Awards in the local rag. Tragically, though, one artist has lost nearly thirty years of his work, and the local arts community has lost a vital hub.

Irrkerlantye Arts Centre festival night

This local arts and learning centre puts on a night for all, two or three times a year, where works by local artists are available for sale. Come along on 7 September and enjoy an art exhibition, films, music and dance performances by town camp residents. At the Irrkerlantye Learning Centre, 40 South Terrace, Alice Spings.

Big Country

Leading and emerging Indigenous artists from the Central Desert, Top End, Kimberley and Far North Queensland regional art centres are included in this exhibition at Gallery Gondwana. Participating artists include Rosella Namok, Dolly Snell and Shorty Jangala Robertson. See Big Country until 15 October at Gallery Gondwana, 43 Todd Mall, Alice Springs. Call 08 89531577.

Trashed

Head for the tip and turn right. There you will find the Bowerbird Tip Shop, an invaluable source of inspiration and materials for the local artists who feature in this exhibition, Trashed. Works of art and other inventions using recycled materials are on display and workshops using found and recycled materials occur during the festival. It all  happens from 2 to 10 September at the Bowerbird Tip Shop, Commanage Road, Alice Springs. Call 08 8952 0555 or
email bowerbird@octa4.net.au.

Artastic (Bush Program) exhibition

… features new works from forty young and emerging Indigenous artists, resulting from a collaborative partnership between InCite Youth Arts and Waltja Tjutangku Palyapayi.  From 1 to 10 September at the Aboriginal Australian Arts & Culture Centre, 125 Todd Street, Alice Springs. Call 08 8952 3408.

Desert Mob

Desert Mob Marketplace
Gentler, calmer, the Desert Mob Marketplace draws together Aboriginal art centres in Central Australia to display a wide variety of art and craft, with artists and co-ordinators on hand to sell, inform and inspire. The marketplace offers paintings, ceramics, prints and textile works, with all items under $200. Pick up an acceptable bargain without risking your life. From 10am to 2pm on   9 September.

Desert Mob Dancesite
Desert Mob Dancesite is a traditional dance event, involving artists and their families participating in the Desert Mob exhibition. Dance, ceremony and connection to country form the visual language of the works of art presented in Desert Mob. From 4 to 6pm on 9 September.

Art frenzy @ Araluen

Desert Mob is an exhibition of recent works from over thirty-six community-based Aboriginal art and craft centres located throughout the vast desert region of Central Australia. Like nothing I have ever previously seen, last year’s Desert Mob was a frenzy! Punters mobbed the gallery, pushing ten deep to be the first in the door and stampeded to the galleries. Araluen staff patrolled to ensure no one was ‘cheating’ by calling in the numbers of the biggest bargains. Dealers and designers look entirely conspicuous in ‘city duds’.  Never mind the art, just go for the floorshow. Wear solid shoes. Desert Mob opens at 2pm on 10 September at Araluen Galleries, Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs.

Fiesta!

New general manager Eugene Ragghianti breathes new life into the annual Alice Desert Festival, kicking off in September with an exciting range of events and exhibitions, including one by yours truly. Far too many events to list all of them, so visit www.alicedesertfestival.com.au or call 08 8953 6111.