Thirty years of collected artworks brought to light for the first time
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
After thirty years of acquiring works, Blacktown City Council is offering the public a rare chance to see some of the best artworks within Council's collection.
Collection Highlights, a new exhibition at Blacktown Arts Centre, features recent acquisitions from the Blacktown City Art Exhibition and works normally hidden from public view, bringing to light some of the hidden treasures held by Council.
"Collecting art is a positive thing and I am a great believer that if Council is to collect artworks in the long term, it should showcase the range of talent active and available in our region", said Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Leo Kelly, OAM.
"This exhibition is a time capsule, documenting changes to artistic practices and tastes over the past 30 years. It also emphasises Council's support of local and regional artists in the purchase of artwork by Council".
Over many years, Council has acquired art works, ranging from community murals to substantial commissioned pieces by local, national and international artists.
The exhibition features Western Sydney artists such as Jake Soewardie, Marius Jastkowiak, Danny Eastwood, Jamie Eastwood, Luis Martinez, Joan Prince, Catherine O'Donnell, Marie Jenik, Mazin Ahmad, Ali Abbas Hamadi, Lois Eastwood, Jason Wing and Zahid Ahmed.
It also features other prominent artists, such as three Pro Hart paintings acquired by Council in the 1980s.
"This exhibition provides the opportunity for the Arts Centre to better gauge the public's taste and to obtain valuable feedback for Council when considering future acquisitions and purchases", continued Mayor Leo Kelly.
COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS
Exhibition runs: 6 May - 21 June 2008
Blacktown Arts Centre Hours: Tues - Sat 10am-5pm
78 Flushcombe Rd Phone: 9839 6558
Blacktown NSW General admission free