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The slide show and short video above were taken at the annual PAINT-OUT in 2011. The video was taken when the evening meal was being prepared by Dixie, the chef, with Nereda and Dell as happy assistants.
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The Half Dozen Group has played a critical role in the development and promotion of the arts in Brisbane, according to cultural historian, Judy Hamilton.
During an entertaining and informative Lilian Pedersen Annual Presentation, Judy talked about her research into community arts groups in Brisbane, including the HDG. “The HDG was critical in building up what I call cultural institutional thickness, which is about increasing the scale of community engagement with art,” shesaid. |
Judy told the 40 members and guests present that having widespread engagement and artistic opportunities lis important in case a really talented artist should appear. Those who were associated with the group included William Robinson, Lloyd Rees, Margaret Preston, Sydney Long, Hal Missingham and Melville Haysom.
Judy spoke of the importance of introducing new artistic ideas to the Brisbane art scene. “Many members of the HDG in those days were from down south, and many travelled, including Margaret Cilento, to New York, to work with the likes of Mark Rothko. |
This meant the group was at the forefront of modernism in the city, which didn’t always impress the critics.” She said one critic was so negative, she was asked not to attend HDG exhibitions!
A special guest at the event was Roberta Ott, who is the grand daughter of one of the founders of the HDG, Mona Elliott. After the presentation, members and guests enjoyed the convivial atmosphere, great food (thanks to Trevor Webb) and authentic sangria, (thanks to Mags!) |
The HDGA's inaugural in-studio exhibition, market day and the opening of the anti-graffiti mural by Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, was a great success!
As well as the exhibition of members' work, the mural, market stalls and official ceremony, a steady stream of visitors and members also enjoyed coffee and cake beneath the canopy of the big, old tree while listening to lovely, live entertainment provided by Gemma Johnston. Gemma is a vocalist with a broad range of styles who can be contacted on 0478 8582 388 or [email protected]. Each "cafe" table contained crayons and was covered in paper so that patrons could doodle creatively, if they wished - and there were some lovely drawings to be seen at the end of the day! Young visitors were thrilled with free face painting and enjoyed playing with clay & painting mini dinosaurs. The sausage sizzle and soft drinks marquee and the cake stall were very popular spots. |
The HDGA was very happy to welcome Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, Graham Perrett MP (for Moreton) and Scott Emerson, Shadow Treasurer, and much appreciates their support, both on the day and throughout the year.
The HDGA is also very grateful to member, Kim Woolley, who designed the mural and project managed the implementation onto the walls. |
Copyright (C) The Half Dozen Group Of Artists Inc. 2009-2024
Last updated - 10.02.2024 |