Kirra Galleries

Kirra Galleries News - Selby and Friends

2012-02-22T20:26:00.000-08:00

This isour first Kirra Galleries News for 2012 in which we celebrate our tenthanniversary at Federation Square. It seems like only yesterday that the Premierof the day - Steve Bracks cut a ribbon at 11.00am and two minutes later walkedinto the Gallery.

I havealways been a lover of Classical music and am a great fan of Kathy Selby andher Trio, Selby and Friends. Kathy is one ofAustralia's pre-eminent pianists and has been giving concerts atMelbourne University's Conservatorium, but is moving her venue toFederation Square's BMW Edge. Our Gallery is thrilled at the move and ispleased to mark the occasion by welcoming the Trio and those members of theaudience who are on our email list see details of special offers below.

I look forward to welcoming you for post concert cocktails and a chance to meetthe artists on Wednesday 21 March 2012.

Selby and Friends

Selby and Friends comesto Federation Square

Selby and Friends presents AGhost at the Café,a stunning program of piano trios at BMW Edge Theatre, Federation Square on Wednesday 21st March @ 7:30pmfeaturing Beethoven's 'Ghost' trio, Shostakovich's gut-wrenching response toWWII with his second trio, a set of Miniatures by the English master FrankBridge and the extraordinary mix of jazz, ragtime and blues in Schoenfield'siconic Cafe Music piano trio. Artistic Director Kathryn Selby (Piano) isjoined by former Australian String Quartet leader Sophie Rowell (Violin) andvirtuoso cellist Clancy Newman visiting from New York.

KIRRAGALLERIES' patrons will receive a 10%discount from the cost of their concert tickets by quoting KIRRA when purchasingonline, or over the phone on02 9969 7039. Offer expires March 20th. Please visitSelby and Friends website for further details on this concert and theirentire season at BMW Edge - www.selbyandfriends.com.au

KIRRAGALLERIES' patrons who purchase tickets using the above code will also bewarmly invited to a post-concert cocktail party at KIRRA GALLERIES to not onlymeet the performers and share a glass of wine, but also view our exhibition, 'OSMOSIS' featuringthe work of Tevita Havea and Harriet Schwarzrock. Any Gallery purchasesmade on the night, after the conclusion of the concert, will attract a discountof 10%.

Peter Kolliner OAM
Gallery Director

'OSMOSIS'
Featuring the work ofTevita Havea and Harriet Schwarzrock

1 March 2012 - 1 April2012

Opening Thursday 1 March2012 6.00pm to 8.00pm

Kirra Galleries, Federation Square

(enter via Atrium)

www.kirragalleries.com

Join the artists, collectors andfriends of Kirra Galleries on Facebook.

Kirra Galleries

Federation Square (enter via Atrium)

Cnr Swanston and FlindersStreets

Melbourne.

Phone: +613 96396388

Fax: +6139639 8522

Email: gallery@kirra.com

Opening hours: Monday -Sunday 10.00am-6.00pm

Kirra Galleries Launches 2012 Exhibition Season

2012-02-17T20:59:00.000-08:00

Kirra Galleries Launches 2012Exhibition Season

KirraGalleries will launch its 10th season of exhibitions at Federation Square withnew works from two of Australia's most exciting glass artists, HarrietSchwarzrock, based in Queanbeyan, New South Wales, and Tevita Havea fromSydney.

The exhibition titled 'OSMOSIS'opens on Thursday 1 March 2012.

Pleasejoin us on Thursday 1 March 2012 from 6.00pm to 8.00pm for the opening reception of "OSMOSIS", meetthe artists and view the spectacular glass sculptural forms on display.

RSVP: By Monday 27 February 2012

Phone: (03) 9639 6388

or email: kirra@kirra.com

Tevita Havea

Tevita Havea

Since graduating from the Australian National University School of Art in 2005, Tevita has gained recognition in both Australia and the USA for his innovative work influenced by the cultural environment of his native Tonga. He is one of Australia's foremost emerging artists with a distinctive style using blown glass, woven twine and carved wood to convey the customs and culture of his ancestors in a contemporary style.

In 2007 a piece of his work was purchased by The Corning Museum of Glass and in 2009 he received The New Talent Award from Urban Glass New York and was a finalist in The Ranamok Glass Prize, a travelling exhibition of Australian and New Zealand glass artists.

Artist's Statement

Tevita Havea's work is a lyrical interweave of Polynesian mythology, custom and creation stories; stories about regeneration and the symbiotic relationship between the feminine and masculine.

Tama by Tevita Havea

Hikule'o by Tevita Havea

HarrietSchwarzrock

Sway Wall Piece by Harriet Schwarzrock

Artist'sStatement

Often Iam humbled by the fascinating rhythms and interconnectedness of organisms. Iendeavour to present sculptural forms that allude to this interconnectivity.Here similar organically inspired elements align and effect those adjacent. Itis my intention that the molten plasticity of this diaphanous material providesa shifting cadence, whilst allowing for the interplay of the spaces between.

Russet Sway by Harriet Schwarzrock

Elementally,Schwarzrock's current body of work is derivative of singular cellular forms andtheir varying structures. The intrinsic complexity of growth and natural formsis a vast field from which Schwarzrock draws inspiration.

She works with repetitive blown glass forms and stainless steel in order tocreate wall panels and larger sculptural forms, enabling basic components toamass and become multifarious formations. Subtle shifts and individualdifferences inform the placement of the forms, with the intention to create anambiguous floating feel within the structures.

Shiftingtechnologies and expanding scientific understanding expose beautiful and attimes random interconnectivity. Such themes of interconnectivity andinterdependence are a recurring thread within Schwarzrock's practice.

Biography

HarrietSchwarzrock's practice is in itself a shifting puzzle, at times a raucousfamily affair with contributions from two lovely boys and a wonderful partner.However, at other moments it is a quiet distillation of material, and thecontemplation and placement of forms to create sculptural works. Matthew Curtisand Schwarzrock share a studio in Queanbeyan, NSW, Australia, where they run aglass furnace in which they often tint the molten glass to create variedcolours and hues.

Schwarzrockstudied in the glass studio at Sydney College of the Arts in the 90's, and wasfortunate to have artists such as Elizabeth Kelly, Matthew Curtis, Ben Edolsand Kathy Elliott teach classes in the hotshop during this period. Perhaps mostformative during Schwarzrock's studies was an opportunity to travel to NorthAmerica to work with and assist both Laura Donefer and Stephen Powell in theirvaried studio glass practices.

Schwarzrockclaims that she is fortunate to have a wonderful partner and a rambling studioto experiment and work in.

'Osmosis'Exhibition - opening Thursday1 March 2012.

Kirra Galleries

Federation Square (enter viaAtrium)

Cnr Swanston & FlindersStreets

Melbourne

Tel: +613 9639 6388

Email: gallery@kirra.com

Opening hours: Monday -Sunday 10.00am-6.00pm

Kirra Galleries News - SEGUE Exhibition Opening

2011-11-22T14:07:00.001-08:00

Dr Noris Ionnou opening
the SEGUE Exhibition

Dr Noris Ioannou officially opened the SEGUE exhibition at Kirra Galleries last Thursday evening. The exhibition features the work of four renowned Australian Glass Artists, Catherine Aldrete-Morris, Dr Gerry King, Keith Rowe and Emma Varga.

Dr Ioannou said at the exhibition opening:

"All of these works by these four artists are personable and striking forms. They engage the senses and intellect, they fuse curvature, outline and surface with colour and patterns in new and vigorous ways.

What else have these artists in common?

Passion - and an intensity of commitment to glass akin to the very complexities of the material they manipulate."

Dr Ioannou is the author of 'Australian Studio Glass: the movement, its makers and their art'. He is currently the Coordinator of J-Studios Artist Community, North Fitzroy.

View the Artists Statements online or downloadthe PDF file.

SEGUE

17 November 2011 - 11 December 2011

Kirra Galleries, Federation Square

(enter via Atrium)

www.kirragalleries.com

Catherine Aldrete-Morris

Emma Varga

Keith Rowe

Gerry King

Kathryn Selby Pianist

Kirra Galleries is delighted to welcome renowned chamber music presenter Selby & Friends (S&F) to the BMW Edge Theatre at Fed Square - its new home in 2012.

To celebrate, Kirra Galleries, in association with Selby & Friends, is pleased to make this special offer available to our valued patrons: buy one ticket, get one free to the season opener at BMW Edge on Wednesday 21 March 2012 at 7.30pm. To take advantage of this offer, simply call the S&F office on (02) 9969 7039 and quote 'Kirra Galleries'.

The 2012 Selby & Friends season showcases stunning musical talent whilst presenting a magical variety of ensembles from duos to quartets. Described as "..encapsulating the chamber music experience: intimate, involving music among friends" (SMH, 2011) the 2012 season encompasses works by Mozart, Smetana, Shostakovich, Dvorak, Beethoven, Stravinsky, Chopin and more, whilst highlighting the talents of nationally and internationally renowned Australian performers. Pianist Kathryn Selby's inimitable approach to engaging audiences from the stage with her guest performers makes for unforgettable evenings of exquisite music.

"As a long-standing follower of S&F, I can personally vouch for the outstanding quality of these concerts and hope that you can join me and my wife at the first performance of the year by taking advantage of this special offer."

For all the season details, contact S&F for a free brochure or visit www.selbyandfriends.com.au

Tickets from only $42.
Offer expires 16/12/11

Kirra Galleries

Federation Square (enter via Atrium)

Cnr Swanston & FlindersStreets

Melbourne.

Phone: +613 96396388

Fax: +6139639 8522

Email: gallery@kirra.com

Opening hours: Monday -Sunday 10.00am-6.00pm

gallery@kirra.com

Australian Glass Artists head to Chicago for SOFA

2011-11-01T19:04:00.000-07:00

Momo by Tevita Havea

KirraGalleries Promotes Australian Glass Artists in Chicago

Some of Australia's leading glass artists will leaveAustralia shortly to take part in one of the world's major annualexhibitions of contemporary glass art in Chicago. The artists will be part of the18^th Annual International SOFA (Sculpture Objects & FunctionalArt) exhibition, which will take place at Chicago's historic Navy Pier from Thursday 3 Novemberto Sunday 6 November 2011.

Kirra Galleries willexhibit the work of twelve Australian Glass Artists at SOFA, showcasing avariety of techniques.

Mr Peter KollinerOAM, Gallery Director said "for eight years, Kirra Galleries, located inFederation Square in Melbourne, through its policy of promoting AustralianContemporary Glass Artists internationally, has taken the work of some fortyartists to the renowned SOFA exhibition with the support of the AustralianGovernment through Austrade and the Australia Council.

Mr Kolliner said, "Kirra Galleriesattendance at SOFA Chicago has resulted in many of our emerging artists gainingrecognition from international collectors and galleries. Their works arenow included in many of the most prestigious private and public collections inthe USA. Through this exposure they have also gained internationalrepresentation allowing them to make a full-time commitment to theirart."

"This year we will be represented byour Gallery Manager and Curator, Suzanne Brett and the Gallery's AdministrationManager, Vicki Winter".

"The success of Kirra Galleries'exhibition at SOFA is supporting the development of international markets andrecognition for Australian artists, providing new and emerging glass artiststhe opportunity to gain international exposure."

To celebrate and promote the artists and their works being exhibited at the 18^thAnnual International SOFA (Sculpture Objects & Functional Art) exhibition,Kirra Galleries have released a Special Report - Download 2011 SOFA Report.

Artists beingshowcased in the 2011 SOFA exhibition in Chicago include:

GeorgeAslanis, Tevita Havea, Mikyoung Jung, Laurel Kohut, SimonMaberley, Ruth Oliphant, Tim Shaw, Crystal Stubbs, Emma Varga,Bethany Wheeler, Robert Wynne and Takemura Yusuke.

Kirra Galleries Monash Momentum Exhibition Opening

2011-10-20T18:33:00.000-07:00

Peter Kolliner opening the2011 Monash Momentum Exhibition

Peter Kolliner OAM, GalleryDirector, opened the fifth Monash Momentum Exhibition - 'MM11' Monash inMotion last Thursday evening.

This exhibition celebrates thediversity, artistry and glass making techniques of seventeen talented glassartists who have graduated from Monash University's glass program over thelast five years.

Participating Artists

Ebony Addinsall, EmmaBorland, Dan Bowran, Samantha Cuffe, KirstinFinlayson, Tegan Hamilton, Michelle Kaucic, BrentKing, Jennifer Ashley King, Lisa Krivitsky, EmmaLashmar, Ruth McCallum-Howell, Emily McIntosh, Mariella McKinley, NadiaMercuri, Jasmine Targett, Suzannah Terauds.

Monash Momentum Exhibition- 'MM11' Monash in Motion

13 October 2011 - 13 November2011

Kirra Galleries, Federation Square

(enter via Atrium)

www.kirragalleries.com

Jennifer Ashley King

Samantha Cuffe

Suzannah Terauds

Nadia Mercuri

Ebony Addinsall

Dan Bowran

Brent King

Ruth McCallum-Howell

Tegan Hamilton

Mariella McKinley

Michelle Kaucic

Kirra Galleries

Federation Square (enter via Atrium)

Cnr Swanston & FlindersStreets

Melbourne.

Phone: +613 96396388

Fax: +6139639 8522

Email: gallery@kirra.com

Opening hours: Monday -Sunday 10.00am-6.00pm

Kirra Galleries Monash Momentum Exhibition Alert

2011-10-09T17:37:00.000-07:00

Peter Kolliner OAM, GalleryDirector, together with Management and Staff of Kirra Galleries isdelighted to invite you to the opening of the fifth Monash MomentumExhibition - MM11.

This exciting exhibition willcelebrate the diversity, artistry and glass making techniques of seventeentalented glass artists who have graduated from Monash University's glassprogram over the last five years.

Please join us at our FederationSquare Gallery on Thursday 13 October 2011 at 6.00pm to meet some of theartists and enjoy a glass of wine.

The exhibition will be opened byPeter Kolliner OAM, Gallery Director, Kirra Galleries.

Participating Artists

Ebony Addinsall, EmmaBorland, Dan Bowran, SamanthaCuffe, Kirsten Finlayson, Tegan Hamilton, MichelleKaucic, Brent King, Jennifer Ashley King, LisaKrivitsky, Emma Lashmar, Ruth McCallum-Howell, EmilyMcIntosh, Mariella McKinley, Nadia Mercuri, JasminTargett, Suzannah Terauds.

Monash Momentum Exhibition- MM11

Opening: Thursday 13 October2011 6.00pm to 8.00pm

Kirra Galleries, Federation Square

(enter via Atrium)

www.kirragalleries.com

Kirra Galleries Flame on Glass Exhibition Opening

2011-09-20T15:30:00.000-07:00

Peter Minson (centre) officially opening the Flame on Glass 2011 exhibition along with artists (left) Mark Eliott, Cas Davey and Christian Arnold.

Kirra Galleries Flame on Glass 2011, the 9th Annual Overview of Contemporary Flame Formed Glass, was officially opened by Peter Minson on Thursday 15 September 2011. A number of artists were demonstrating their flamework production techniques.

Participating Artists in the Flame on Glass 2011 exhibition include:
Christian Arnold, Barbara Ashbee, Sally Balfour, Susie Barnes, Wendy Bergamin, Jemma Clements, Richard Clements, Cas Davey, Pauline Delaney, Kristen Dibbs, Mark Eliott, Mathew Farrell, Sally Green, Marilyn Hayes, Terri Kraehe, Len McFadden, Carol Marando, Peter Minson, Anne Oberin, Helen Peake, Lisa Simmons, Alan Ussher, Kathryn Wardill and Laurie Young.

Flame on Glass 2011 15 September 2011 - 9 October 2011

Kirra Galleries, Federation Square
(enter via Atrium)

www.kirragalleries.com

Flame glass artists displaying their techniques (left) Peter Minson, Matthew Farrell, Cas Davey and Laurie Young.

Flame glass used to create jewellery by artist Helen Peake.

Triple Nautilus by Laurie Young and Christian Arnold

Tokyo by Cas Davey

Dali perfume bottles by Christian Arnold

'Alice in Wonderland' by Sally Balfour

Planet Necklaces by Susie Barnes

Kirra Galleries

Federation Square (enter via Atrium)

Cnr Swanston & Flinders Streets
Melbourne.

Phone:   +613 9639 6388
Fax:       +613 9639 8522
Email:   gallery@kirra.com
Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 10.00am-6.00pm

flame on glass 2011 Exhibition Opening

2011-09-08T18:36:00.000-07:00

Peter Kolliner OAM, GalleryDirector, is delighted to invite you to the opening of Flame on Glass 2011, our9th Annual Overview of Contemporary Flame Formed Glass.

Please join us at our Federation Square Gallery on Thursday 15 September 2011at 6.00pm to meet the artists and watch them demonstrating their productiontechniques.

The exhibition will be opened by Peter Minson.

Flamework demonstrations will be held in the Atrium within the immediatevicinity of our Gallery from 6.00pm to 8.00pm on opening night and willcontinue throughout the weekend.

Participating Artists

Christian Arnold, Barbara Ashbee,Sally Balfour, Susie Barnes, Wendy Bergamin, Jemma Clements, Richard Clements,Cas Davey, Pauline Delaney, Kristen Dibbs, Mark Eliott, Mathew Farrell, SallyGreen, Marilyn Hayes, Terri Kraehe, Len McFadden, Carol Marando, RaymondMifsud, Peter Minson, Zhonu Moon, Anne Oberin, Helen Peake, Lisa Simmons, AlanUssher, Kathryn Wardill and Laurie Young.

Flame on Glass 2011
Opening: Thursday 15 September 2011 6.00pm to 8.00pm

Demonstrations:
15 September, 5pm to 8pm

16September, 11am to 5pm

17September, 11am to 5pm

18September, 11am to 5pm

Kirra Galleries, Federation Square

(enter via Atrium)

www.kirragalleries.com

ChristianArnold demonstrating his glass blowing
Photography by Rahime Baypekkara

Lionfish by Mark Elliott

Bonsai by Cas Davey

Belladonna and theMandragon by Christian Arnold

Octopus by Laurie Young

Planet Necklaces by Susie Barnes

Kirra Galleries August Exhibition Opening

2011-08-16T21:49:00.000-07:00

Scott Chaseling speaking at
the exhibition opening

Kirra Galleries new exhibition by Maureen Williams and Benjamin Sewell, titled "Diverse interpretations of the landscape," was officially opened last Thursday 11 August 2011 by internationally renowned glass artist, Scott Chaseling.

Commenting on the opening, Gallery Director Peter Kolliner said, "the exhibition was an outstanding example of world class glass art being inspired by the environment creating signature works that would complement high quality corporate and private environments."

Artists Statement - Maureen Williams:

"My work is concerned with personal narratives and views which are expressed using a three-dimensional canvas to depict altered views or altered landscapes. The paintings reflect my abstract notion of reality as imagery. The imagery has been concerned with the narrative and most recently with the juxtaposition of nature and man's imposition on nature. I use natural and aerial views and the linear aspects of the land together with those impacted by man. Imaginary views are linked with real views and altered.

The work also relates to relationships between man and the land and the fragility of this. Man creates altered views of the land and these are portrayed in various ways and tied to diverse views. Man is depicted in this landscape space in a variety of abstracted approaches."

Artists Statement - Benjamin Sewell

"My current body of work is based on the environment of Northern Illawara, I have chosen aspects of the local topography to capture a sense of the landscape, encompassing the mood and sense of encapsulation the area creates, with the vaulting escarpment as a backdrop to the woodlands and ocean.

The making of each piece has in turn led to the next piece, which has acted as a type of linear mapping of the landscape and for me the maker brings together the contrasting elements to create a sense of the region."

11 August 2011 - 4 September 2011

Kirra Galleries, Federation Square

(enter via Atrium)

www.kirragalleries.com

Peter Kolliner, Gallery Director, welcoming guests and introducing Scott Chaseling (centre) to the Maureen Williams and Benjamin Sewell exhibition opening.

Benjamin Sewell with his work Cairn

Maureen Williams with her work Altered Landscape #1

Obscured View 1 by Maureen Williams

Without & Within 25 by Maureen Williams

Collected Objects by Benjamin Sewell

Juainbilliley Creek by Benjamin Sewell

Kirra Galleries

Federation Square (enter via Atrium)

Cnr Swanston & Flinders Streets

Melbourne.

Phone: +613 9639 6388

Fax: +613 9639 8522

Email: gallery@kirra.com

Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 10.00am-6.00pm

Exhibition Opening - Maureen Williams & Benjamin Sewell 'Diverse interpretations of the landscape'

2011-08-04T17:34:00.000-07:00

Peter Kolliner OAM, Gallery Director, Kirra Galleries is delighted to invite you to an exhibition by Maureen Williams and Ben Sewell titled New Work "Diverse interpretations of the landscape" opening Thursday 11 August 2011 at 6.00pm.

"My work is concerned with personal narratives and views which are expressed using a three-dimensional canvas to depict altered views or altered landscapes. The paintings reflect my abstract notion of reality as imagery. The imagery has been concerned with the narrative and most recently with the juxtaposition of nature and man's imposition on nature. I use natural and aerial views and the linear aspects of the land together with those impacted by man. Imaginary views are linked with real views and altered.

"My current body of work is based on the environment of Northern Illawara, I have chosen aspects of the local topography to capture a sense of the landscape, encompassing the mood and sense of encapsulation the area creates, with the vaulting escarpment as a backdrop to the woodlands and ocean.

The exhibition will be opened by internationally renowned glass artist, Scott Chaseling.

Opening: 6.00-8.00pm Thursday 11 August 2011

Kirra Galleries, Federation Square

(enter via Atrium)

http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=dxcsdbdab&et=1106900633516&s=5&e=001ZnlE-2kCp-rrhk1wftJsDcVvKi4cmOUYEjXvEIOPtklxJMCsr6TL0N9CUeP5QgpiULY5CQUZXGXmSwU6wlfnLH-xapZ7civmLAkTnHzbe_s6Y0nAZe3wkA==

Altered Landscape #1 by Maureen Williams

Into the Woods by Ben Sewell

Interaction 12 by Maureen Williams

Larapinta Series 29 by Maureen Williams

Without & Within 31 by Maureen Williams

Wodi Wodi Track by Ben Sewell

Clouds by Ben Sewell

Cairn by Ben Sewell

A Natural World

2011-07-11T17:37:00.000-07:00

Kirra Galleries new exhibition 'A Natural World' featuring the works of Miki Kubo and Amanda Louden, was officially opened last Thursday evening by internationally renowned Australian glass artist, Brian Hirst.

In his speech Brian said:

"We are here tonight to support the efforts of Amanda Louden and Miki Kubo, two highly skilled and committed artists working with glass.

Both artists design and blow their own glass, using their skills to blow forms specifically for their imagery. They work with their assistants in the hot shop to create surfaces they want to work on - glass is their chosen canvas.

I am happy to say I really admire the work of both Amanda and Miki. The glass works and vision they express so clearly in the work, the subject matter so sensitively done."

Amanda Louden, Peter Kolliner OAM Gallery Director and Miki Kubo at the opening of 'A Natural World'

Miki Kubo with her work 'Spring'

'Chatter' by Miki Kubo

'Cosmos' by Miki Kubo

'Iceland Poppy' by Miki Kubo

Amanda Louden with her work Grevillea bipinnatifida (Fuchsia Grevillea cylinder)

Acacia acinacea (Gold Dust Wattle) by Amanda Louden

'Octopuses' by Amanda Louden

Kirra Galleries
Federation Square (enter via Atrium)
Cnr Swanston & Flinders Streets
Melbourne.

Phone: +613 9639 6388
Fax: +613 9639 8522
Email: gallery@kirra.com
Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 10.00am-6.00pm

'a natural world' Exhibition Opening on 7th July from 6:00 - 8:00pm

2011-07-03T23:55:00.000-07:00

Peter Kolliner OAM, Gallery Director, together with management and staff at Kirra Galleries would like you to join us at the opening of a new exhibition featuring the work of Miki Kubo and Amanda Louden.

This long awaited exhibition brings together two extraordinary glass artists with much in common. Miki and Amanda are both respected glass blowers and makers who share a passion for nature. They both possess exceptional drafting and engraving skills and they use their art glass as a canvas to express their observances and love for a natural world.

"When I choose a subject for my art, I find and connect with a spark in it - a glimpse of its perfection and purity that it reveals to me. When I engrave an animal, it is a portrait of that animal.

Every individual animal is its own spirit. Each piece I make is an individual portrait of that animal, of that spirit."
Miki Kubo.

"Why do I do what I do? Simply, I thought it would look nice. My enjoyment of the Australian bush is most definitely my inspiration and being able to promote some of the incredible range of species out there is a joy. I like the idea of showing a natural world in a permanent form and I do love working with glass."
Amanda Louden.

The exhibition will be opened by internationally renowned Australian glass artist, Brian Hirst.

Opening: 6.00-8.00pm - Thursday 7 July 2011
Kirra Galleries, Federation Square
(enter via Atrium)

http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=dxcsdbdab&et=1106273041716&s=0&e=001yrifZQCb3QClggQa9yMGErpu1_W5vM3ioxMvfg8SInk8oEQwgox33HUmJv2_4SKh-VHnozsEDNIBZ8OqF1UYat9FIYHV_NjakLks069BDfA=

Daisy by Miki Kubo

Tulip by Miki Kubo

Chatter by Miki Kubo

Octopuses by Amanda Louden

Eremophila maculata by Amanda Louden

Daisy by Amanda Louden

'a natural world' Featuring the work of Miki Kubo and Amanda Louden

2011-06-21T17:08:00.000-07:00

Peter Kolliner OAM, Gallery Director, together with

management and staff at Kirra Galleries would like you

to join us at the opening of a new exhibition featuring

the work of Miki Kubo and Amanda Louden.

This long awaited exhibition brings together two extraordinary

glass artists with much in common. Miki and Amanda are both

respected glass blowers and makers who share a passion for

nature. They both possess exceptional drafting and engraving

skills and they use their art glass as a canvas to express their

observances and love for a natural world.

“When I choose a subject for my art, I find and connect with

a spark in it – a glimpse of its perfection and purity that it reveals

to me. When I engrave an animal, it is a portrait of that animal.

Every individual animal is its own spirit. Each piece I make is

an individual portrait of that animal, of that spirit.” Miki Kubo.

“Why do I do what I do? Simply, I thought it would look nice.

My enjoyment of the Australian bush is most definitely my

inspiration and being able to promote some of the incredible

range of species out there is a joy. I like the idea of showing a

natural world in a permanent form and I do love working with

glass.” Amanda Louden.

The exhibition will be opened by internationally

renowned Australian glass artist, Brian Hirst.

Opening: Thursday 7 July 2011

Time: 6.00-8.00 pm

Where: Kirra Galleries, Federation Square (enter via Atrium)

Cnr Swanston & Flinders Streets

Melbourne VIC 3000

RSVP: 4 July 2011

Ph: 03 9639 6388 or Email: kirra@kirra.com

www.kirragalleries.com

Closure of Monash University Glass Studio a Tragedy

2011-06-20T23:33:00.000-07:00

21 June 2011

Dear Clients

RE: PROPOSED CLOSURE OF MONASH UNIVERSITY'S GLASS STUDIO AND TEACHING FACILITY

Those of you who have a penchant for reading The Melbourne Age's 'Letters to the Editor' would find an edited version of a letter to The Editor in today's edition of The Age. The letter and the signatories thereto, in its unabridged version, is re-printed below:

17 June 2011

Letters Editor
The Age
PO Box 257
Melbourne VIC 3001

Dear Sir

Closure of Monash University Glass Studio must be reversed

The proposed closure of the Monash Art & Design Glass Studio highlights the fragile nature of Victoria's fine arts heritage.

Instead of closing this major part of Victoria's art infrastructure, Monash University should be leveraging on the positives of this internationally recognised school and be working to keep it open in conjunction with government agencies and community stakeholders.

This is a glass studio with a significant thirty one year history in the development of glass art in Australia. It represents 25% of the teaching capacity in Australia and the only facility in Victoria.

As the closure is based on a lack of students it is quite clear a recruitment campaign is needed with Monash University and Ausglass, the national industry body, creating a wider awareness of the opportunities for future glass artists.

"The Monash Glass School offers courses for talented students, which are professional, flexible, contemporary and relevant. The faculty produces skilled graduates who shape the future of art and design practice nationally, and on the International stage." These words on Monash University's own website describe accurately the important role the Monash Glass facility plays in the development of Art Glass in Australia.

The University, in conjunction with State and Federal Government agencies, should hold negotiations to look at the positive ways Monash University can undertake to keep the Monash Glass School open for future generations of glass artists.

Once it is closed, the door not only closes on today's glass artists, Monash University will close the doors on generations of Glass Artists.

Yours sincerely

Peter Kolliner OAM, Director, Kirra Galleries

Marcia Bacon, Director, Seaview Gallery

Tali Dalton, Director, Healesville Glassblowing Studio

Eileen Gordon, Director, Gordon Studio Glassblowers

Bev Kenna, Director, Axia Modern Art

Veronica Kukawski, Director, Veronica George Gallery

Denise Orchard, Director, Glass Plus Gallery

Stuart Purves, Director, Australian Galleries

Philip Stokes, Director, Philip Stokes Studio Glass

Joanne Wolswinkel, Director, Town & Country Gallery

The closure of the studio is a big retrograde step for art in Victoria particularly and art in Australia in general.

Inexorable budgetary measures are being forced upon Universities who, by dint of necessity, respond by closing courses where income through students attending is below the cost of running them. A vicious circle of cost cuts result in the downgrading of the prominence of courses, which in turn result in declining student numbers resulting in further cost cuts. This causes Universities' decisions to narrow the spectra of courses offered, and this time it is Monash's Glass Studio which is scheduled to be wiped off the map.

There are four (4) universities offering the studies of glass art in Australia and prominent among these has been Monash. The closure of this studio which was decided upon in 2010 but not announced until a few weeks ago, will reduce the number of teaching facilities to three (3).

Ausglass (the Australian Association of Glass Artists) has today issued a news blast to its members in which item 1 reads, in part:

"Monash Website and Petition: Ausglass is proud to announce that in partnership with the National Tertiary Education Union an autonomous website has been set up http://saveglassatmonash.org.au/ is now operational and a hub of background information, and the latest news.

This beautiful site makes it easy to sign petitions, get background information and lodge your support. It is still in the process of completion but all links are functional and we urge you to have a look and to make use of it."

No decision is irreversible and this one must be reversed.

This letter is sent to all of our clients who have registered their names and email addresses with us, and therefore we presume that you are interested in saving the Monash University Glass Studio.

Please take a moment of your time to visit the website mentioned above, specifically built for the purpose of having the decision reversed. If you agree that the Monash Glass teaching facility should be retained please sign the petition at http://saveglassatmonash.org.au/. If you have friends, acquaintances, or organisations who you think are interested in maintaining Australia's prominence in the World of Art Glass, please forward this email to them.

Universities are there to teach and not merely to cover ever shrinking budgets. If the current trend is allowed to continue, Victoria will degenerate into a bland, colourless, tasteless, odourless and uniformly grey society.

Yours sincerely

Peter Kolliner OAM

GALLERY DIRECTOR

KIRRA GALLERIES

Light in Winter

2011-06-06T23:15:00.000-07:00

Peter Kolliner OAM, Gallery Director, Kirra Galleries and Kate Brennan, CEO, Fed Square Pty Ltd at the 'Light in Winter' opening

The Light in Winter is Federation Square's annual celebration of light and enlightenment. The program brings together local and international artists, designers and multicultural communities with a series of light-based artworks, community events and forums and a mid-winter Solstice Celebration.

Kate Brennan, CEO Fed Square Pty Ltd officially opened the Kirra Galleries "Light in Winter" exhibition last Thursday evening.

Ms Brennan opening the exhibition said -

"At Federation Square the richness of Light in Winter is achieved through its many collaborations and none are more than with Peter and the team at Kirra.

In a new initiative, The Light in Winter is partnering with Kirra Galleries to present a brand new light - the Kade Beacon, designed by Toucan Forged Glass. These lights are the result of over five years of development and will be seen in and around Federation Square for the first time in 2011 unifying the site with beautiful and unique beacons of light. Please do journey around Federation Square and see how many you find!

Even more special is this now annual commitment to celebrating Light in Glass through this exhibition. I am sure you agree it features an extraordinary display of light emitting artwork made by some of Australia's most talented, established and emerging glass artists and designers.

Thank you to Tim Bassett, Rebecca Coote, Tali Dalton, Miles Johnson, James McMurtrie, Harriet Schwarzrock, Tim Shaw, Jason Sims, Stuart Williams, Robert Wynne, Laurie Young and Takemura Yusuke for showing your work here.

This year's light and glass show has a strong contemporary feel with many works resonant of the public realm and public buildings.

Each of the artists have responded to the introduction of the adventure of light in their pieces (and often this has significant technical difficulty) in different ways. We imagine ourselves floating with Rob Wynne's jellyfish in a mysterious space, or lost in Jason Sims Light Boxes' hypnotic corridor, cradling Stewart William's Firefly Light or astral travelling with Tim Shaw's wondrous orbs. As Tim said earlier today we take light from our lampshades for granted. This work pushes light and glass into a new realm. It is enthralling and limitless in applications of wonder.

These exhibitions at Kirra showcase the extraordinary range and flexibility of the glass medium and the inventiveness of the artists involved.

I wish the exhibition well and encourage those buyers of you here to take the Light in Winter to your hearts and homes."

KADE Beacon light - designer Waynne Rayson of Toucan Glass

'Light in Winter' exhibition

2 June 2011 - 3 July 2011

Kirra Galleries, Federation Square

(enter via Atrium)

www.kirragalleries.com

The 'Light in Winter' exhibition

Passing II by Jason Sims

Shine-Lime by Takemura Yusuke

Cape Bruny Lighthouse Stairwell Lamp by Rebecca Coote

Glass Pods 1 by Stuart Williams

The Light in Winter exhibition

Kirra Galleries

Federation Square (enter via Atrium)

Cnr Swanston & Flinders Streets

Melbourne.

Phone: +613 9639 6388

Fax: +613 9639 8522

Email: gallery@kirra.com

Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 10.00am-6.00pm

Light in Winter Exhibition

2011-05-26T23:07:00.000-07:00

Kirra Galleries - Exhibition Alert - 'Light in Winter'

Peter Kolliner OAM, Gallery Director, Kirra Galleries is delighted to invite you to an exhibition titled "Light in Winter" opening Thursday 2 June 2011 at 6.00pm.

In conjunction with the winter celebration Kirra Galleries will be hosting their 3rd annual Light in Winter exhibition. The Exhibition space in Kirra Galleries will be dimmed and will feature an extraordinary display of light emitting artwork made by thirteen of Australia's most talented, established and emerging glass artists and designers.

The artists featured will be:

Christian Arnold, Tim Bassett, Rebecca Coote, Tali Dalton, Miles Johnson, James McMurtrie, Harriet Schwarzrock, Tim Shaw, Jason Sims, Stuart Williams, Robert Wynne, Laurie Young and Takemura Yusuke.

The exhibition will be opened by Kate Brennan, CEO, Fed Square Pty Ltd.

Opening: Thursday 2 June 2011 - 3 July 2011

'Light in Winter' Exhibition

Kirra Galleries, Federation Square.

www.kirragalleries.com

Longing

2011-05-17T20:28:00.000-07:00

As one of the pioneers of the Australian Glass movement, Dr Tony Hanning has earned himself a reputation for his outspoken and often irreverent approach to the decorative arts.

His research has led to an understanding that not everything we see in the world of the decorative arts should be taken at face value; that the field is filled with transgressions and in some cases the kind of perversion that if applied to the visual arts in general, would create uproar. However, the decorative arts have historically been accepted as somewhat benign by comparison with other forms of visual art and have been allowed to get away with salacious subject matter and various treatments that he believes need to be brought to the fore.

His latest work appears in an exhibition titled "Longing - wish you were here" at Kirra Galleries in Federation Square and showcases thirty new works based on various themes from orientalism to the tail-fin chic of the sixties. Common throughout all of the works is the magnificent technical prowess of cameo glass for which he is noted, however this time he has augmented his work with found objects. Neo baroque vases are adorned with bric a brac and items found in the homes of grandmothers, and in one instance a piece blown by one of the world's greatest masters, Dante Marioni from Seattle, is adorned with a piece from an EH Holden.

The result is a grand parody which questions the history of decorative art and the sources of its subject matter and as he ploughs this emotive field, Hanning works his magic on a series of richly statuesque, sumptuously decorated and gorgeously outrageous pieces that lure the onlooker to lose themselves in Longing - wish you were here!

Tony Hanning Current Solo Exhibition - 'Longing' - wish you were here
12 May 2011 - 29 May 2011 Daily 10.00am to 6.00pm
Kirra Galleries Federation Square
www.kirragalleries.com

Tony Hanning with his work VEN

BIK by Tony Hanning

ICI by Tony Hanning

MOR by Tony Hanning

POP by Tony Hanning

Kirra Galleries

Federation Square (enter via Atrium)

Cnr Swanston & Flinders Streets

Melbourne.

Phone: +613 9639 6388

Fax: +613 9639 8522

Email: gallery@kirra.com

Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 10.00am-6.00pm

Longing

2011-04-29T20:24:00.000-07:00

Peter Kolliner OAM, Gallery Director together with Management and Staff of Kirra Galleries are delighted to invite you to the opening of "Longing (wish you were here)" on Thursday 12 May 2011.

Please join us to meet the artist and explore this amazing new body of work.

The exhibition will be opened by Associate Professor Robert Nelson, noted art critic and prolific theorist.

Opening 6.00pm - 8.00pm Thursday 12 May 2011

Solo Exhibition of new work by Tony Hanning
'Longing (wish you were here)' Exhibition

Kirra Galleries, Federation Square

(enter via Atrium)

www.kirragalleries.com

"In this new body of work, the first substantial collection by this prominent artist to be shown in some years, Hanning gleefully mines a seam of arch and hugely questionable material he finds in salacious magazines, dubious advertising imagery and other such media.

His grand parody of sleazy narrative and equally sleazy imagery is here couched in the consciously overblown language of neo-baroque ornament and composition. William Bouguereau's chubby Salon cheesecake is here too, amusingly reprised in the creation of new works that link formal invention with social critique."

Geoffrey Edwards

Director, Geelong Art Gallery

MOR by Tony Hanning

SEA by Tony Hanning

VEN by Tony Hanning

POP by Tony Hanning

Kirra Galleries

Federation Square (enter via Atrium)

Cnr Swanston & Flinders Streets

Melbourne.

Phone: +613 9639 6388

Fax: +613 9639 8522

Email: gallery@kirra.com

Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 10.00am-6.00pm

memories & mementos

2011-03-23T19:57:00.000-07:00

The new exhibition at Kirra Galleries titled 'Memories and Mementos' was officially opened by Dr Gerry King last Thursday evening. The exhibition features new works by Glass Artists Nicole Ayliffe, Annabel Kilpatrick, Laurel Kohut, Kristin McFarlane, Brenda Page and Denise Pepper.

This 'Memories and Mementos', exhibition asks the artists to recall past experiences and to recreate these memories in the form of imagery and objects through the medium of glass.

The works being exhibited will invoke emotions and shared memories drawing the viewer into the artists' worlds.

3 March 2011 to 3 April 2011
'Memories and Mementos' Exhibition

Kirra Galleries, Federation Square.
www.kirragalleries.com

Peter Kolliner OAM,
Gallery Director

Denise Pepper with 'Flummeries'

Dimensions Variable Pate de verre glass, found objects

'Bow Bra Red' by Denise Pepper - Pate de verre glass

Annabel Kilpatrick with 'Jimmy Reg' Open Cast-Crystal Panels

Annabel Kilpatrick with 'Pebbly Beach'
Open Cast-Crystal Panels

Laurel Kohut with 'Bonds of Love' - Silver
Blown, cold worked & engraved glass

Laurel Kohut 'Bonds of Love' - Blue

'A Moment in Time Series' by Nicole Ayliffe

Hot blown, cold worked and engraved glass

Kristin McFarlane with 'Universal Memories: Childhood'
Kiln formed glass with decal prints

Kristin McFarlane 'In Times Past' - Wall Panel

Brenda Page with 'Lost' 3 Wall Panels - Cast, screen printed and fused, stainless steel brackets

Brenda Page with 'Grace' - Cast, screen printed, fused and slumped

Kirra Galleries

Federation Square (enter via Atrium)

Cnr Swanston & Flinders Streets

Melbourne.

Phone: +613 9639 6388

Fax: +613 9639 8522

Email: gallery@kirra.com

Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 10.00am-6.00pm

2011-02-23T19:08:00.000-08:00

In recent months we have been sending news bulletins before our exhibitions only and I now feel that it is time however to write a little about Kirra Galleries and the world of art glass.

THE GALLERY

Often when I am in the gallery I hear people refer to us in terms which imply that our gallery is designed only for the wealthy. I can understand people thinking like this because the larger works are valuable, and of course they should be, because they represent the peak of artistic endeavours in a very difficult medium and we display them with justifiable pride. Such works which we are privileged to be able to offer do give the gallery a distinction and attract attention.

The upper end of the market however is but one segment of our offering as we are, by design, an access gallery in the sense that we do cater for all budgets.

If you come into Kirra Galleries and look around you will be able to see individually cast paperweights between $15 and $50, beautiful bowls between $50 and $500, dichroic glass jewellery starting at $30 and beautifully hot blown glass vases for between $120 and $250.

We are designed to cater to all tastes and all price ranges, be it a mother's day gift, birthday or wedding present or a piece you like just because you like it, you will find it at Kirra Galleries.

All this in addition to the work which we offer to serious collectors and international visitors who are interested in acquiring a significant piece of Australian art.

In recent days we finally concluded the refitting of our gallery, where the previous counter has been completely replaced by a new larger white one, the carpet has been replaced and the year is starting with a bang.

SOFA (Sculpture Objects & Functional Art) CHICAGO

Last November, as in prior years, Kirra Galleries participated in the SOFA expo in Chicago. We have by now become accepted as a regular exhibitor, to the extent that we have a number of very loyal friends who eagerly await our arrival. To our pleasant surprise the VIP passes allocated to us for opening night proved to be insufficient and we had to turn to the event's management to augment our supply.

We represented twelve artists and the number of sales achieved, even having regard to the depressed state of the American economy and the strength of the Australian dollar, was a tribute to the quality of the work that was on offer.

AUSGLASS CONFERENCE

We attended the biennial conference of Ausglass - the Australian Association of Glass Artists where Kirra Galleries moved a resolution which was unanimously accepted, to wit that:

"That the Board investigate a program of enhancing and enlarging the profile of Australian Studio Glass both nationally and internationally."

Therefore in the years ahead we can expect to see art glass or studio glass, as it is often referred, taking a higher profile than heretofore.

KIRRA PRIZE

As you may know, each year Kirra Galleries offers a cash prize to a graduating student from Monash University's Glass Department whose work we judge to be the most promising of the works on exhibit at the graduating students' exhibition.

The winner of the 2010 prize was Dan Bowran. Dan's work is vibrant and cutting edge (no pun intended) and was so successful that two pieces were sold in the first two days of them being on display at Kirra Galleries.

Peter Kolliner OAM

Gallery Director

EXHIBITION CALENDAR

The year promises to be an interesting one from the point of view of exhibitions, so please be aware of the exhibitions currently scheduled:

DATES	EXHIBITION TITLE	PARTICIPATING ARTISTS
3 March 2011-3 April 2011	MEMORIES & MEMENTOS	Nicole Ayliffe Annabel Kilpatrick Laurel Kohut Kristin McFarlane Brenda Page Denise Pepper
7 April 2011-8 May 2011	REFLECTIONS	Kate Baker Lisa Cahill Holly Grace Mikyoung Jung Simon Maberley Ruth Oliphant
12 May 2011-29 May 2011	SENSING	Tony Hanning
2 June 2011-3 July 2011	LIGHT IN WINTER	Christian Arnold Tim Bassett Rebecca Coote Tali Dalton Miles Johnson Harriet Schwarzrock Tim Shaw Jason Sims Stuart Williams Robert Wynne Laurie Young
7 July 2011-31 July 2011	A NATURAL WORLD	Miki Kubo Amanda Louden
11 August 2011-4 September 2011	Untitled	Ben Sewell Maureen Williams
15 September 2011-9 October 2011	Flame on Glass 2011	9^th Annual Overview of Contemporary Flameformed Glass
13 October 2011-13 November 2011	MM11 - The Monash Momentum Continues	5^th Annual Monash Momentum exhibition
17 November 2011-11 December 2011	SEGUE	Catherine Aldrete-Morris Dr Gerry King Keith Rowe Emma Varga
3 November 2011-6 November 2011	SOFA 2011	To be advised

memories & mementos

2011-02-17T18:57:00.000-08:00

Peter Kolliner OAM, Gallery Director together with Management and Staff of Kirra Galleries are delighted to invite you to an exhibition of new works by

Nicole Ayliffe, Annabel Kilpatrick, Laurel Kohut, Kristin McFarlane, Brenda Page and Denise Pepper.

This exhibition titled 'Memories and Mementos', asks the artists to recall past experiences and to recreate these memories in the form of imagery and objects through the medium of glass.

The works being exhibited will invoke emotions and shared memories drawing the viewer into the artists' worlds.

Please join us on Thursday 3 March 2011 at 6.00pm to view the exhibition and meet some of the artists.

6.00pm - 8.00pm Thursday 3 March 2011
'Memories and Mementos' Exhibition opening

Kirra Galleries, Federation Square.
www.kirragalleries.com

Flummeries 2010 by Denise Pepper

Dimensions Variable

Pate de verre glass, found objects

Girl at Dusk detail by Annabel Kilpatrick

Open Cast-Crystal Panels

Bonds of Love - Pink by Laurel Kohut

Blown, cold worked & engraved glass

Optical Landscape engraved Leaf by Nicole Ayliffe

Hot blown, cold worked and engraved glass

Universal Memories: Childhood by Kristin McFarlane

Kiln formed glass with decal prints

Kirra Galleries

Kirra Galleries News - Selby and Friends

Kirra Galleries Launches 2012 Exhibition Season

Kirra Galleries News - SEGUE Exhibition Opening

Australian Glass Artists head to Chicago for SOFA

Kirra Galleries Monash Momentum Exhibition Opening

Kirra Galleries Monash Momentum Exhibition Alert

Kirra Galleries Flame on Glass Exhibition Opening

flame on glass 2011 Exhibition Opening

Kirra Galleries August Exhibition Opening

Exhibition Opening - Maureen Williams & Benjamin Sewell 'Diverse interpretations of the landscape'

A Natural World

'a natural world' Exhibition Opening on 7th July from 6:00 - 8:00pm

'a natural world' Featuring the work of Miki Kubo and Amanda Louden

Closure of Monash University Glass Studio a Tragedy

Light in Winter

Light in Winter Exhibition

Longing

Longing

memories & mementos

Newsletter

memories & mementos