INSPIRED by their local landscapes, and those depicted in works of the Art Gallery of Ballarat collection, all-female art group Sheilas are presenting a new exhibition.<\/p>\n
The collective\u2019s fourth show Personal landscapes<\/em> is currently in the Gallery\u2019s Backspace, featuring 29 artists who have produced mixed media works, paintings, ceramics, sculptures, textiles, lino prints and more.<\/p>\n An original member of Sheilas, Madga Kazmierczac, has a paper-cut work in the showcase.<\/p>\n She said the theme has encouraged the collective to find a greater connection to the land they live and work on, and many have expressed their perspectives through 3D works.<\/p>\n \u201cA real strength has been the 3D works this year. We\u2019ve all been inspired in different ways, and we\u2019ve all freely expressed our personal connections to our landscapes,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cOur group is always open, inclusive and evolving, with about 60 members. We have some new Sheilas who are exhibiting with us for the first time in Personal landscapes<\/em>.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are artists of all skill levels and exist to encourage women to be interested in art. Women are not always supported enough in art, so that\u2019s why we started.\u201d<\/p>\n New Sheila, Julie Mahnken, is showcasing her ceramic sculpture inspired by the mythological story of Eurydice.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s returning to the underworld, and to follow her own destiny. It\u2019s about transformation in a life that\u2019s always changing,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cI joined Sheilas because it\u2019s a great opportunity to participate in community art locally, and in the gallery.\u201d<\/p>\n Art Gallery of Ballarat director Louise Tegart said supporting and inspiring local artists is an important part of the institution\u2019s mission.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re really pleased that Sheilas have used the Gallery collection as inspiration, coming in to look at works, and that they\u2019ve highlighted women artists.\u201d<\/p>\n