Welcome to our April Newsletter for 2022.

President’s Report

President’s Note…
Hello fellow artists and friends,

What a big month!
The 05 March was The Closing of Truth Healing and Prophecy, with the announcement of the $500 People’s Choice prize winner, Cam Crossley, generously sponsored by Marcel Desbiens of Bienarte Art School. A huge thank you to John Waldron and the team of volunteers at The Old Ambo, and to our Exhibitions Manager, Lou Jaeger and our fabulous Arts Connect exhibitions team. Thank you to everyone who visited and voted in the people’s choice. 1239 Visitors were recorded throughout the exhibition, which is pretty impressive considering the extreme weather, floods and the various Covid restrictions over that time. Congratulations to all of the artists involved- it was a really special show.

Next came Open Studios Sunshine Coast. 73 Arts Connect members and several local galleries opened their doors to the public. The event was really well attended and the feedback so far has been very positive. Arts Connect wishes to thank our organiser, Toni Eggleston, who is passionate about coordinating our events. We also have a team of volunteers who have been crucial to the event’s success. Congratulations to the new committee- all of your efforts are really appreciated. A huge thank you must also go to our sponsors, without whom we could not afford to put on the event: Sunshine Coast Council, HOLA, Bathersby Legal, Sunshine Coast Art & Framing, Yandina Art & Framing, The Art School Co, The Sunshine Coast Art Foundation, My Weekly Preview and GT print (who printed everything from our guides to flags and way-finders). Thanks also to Sandi Conte from Earth E-Mag for getting the word out on social media. Congratulations to all of the artists and galleries involved for creating a wonderful experience for audiences. You have been fabulous ambassadors for Arts Connect!

On the 30th we threw the Arts Connect Annual Arty Farty Party. After months of planning and organising the event, I was devastated to miss out. A huge thank you to the committee for stepping up in the final days leading up to finish all the chores and coordinate on the night. They did an amazing job, and I was so delighted to see that everyone had a fantastic time. We had 120 guests and I hear Señor Paella put on an incredible feast. Sunshine and Sons were our hosts for the evening and main event sponsor, and Matt could not have been more accommodating or helpful. Matso’s Broome Brewery and Gage Road Brew co, John Veloso Media (photography), Azza Huasca (live dj/ performance), Cory Carylon (sound equipment and performance) and FIFALITE (lighting) all came onboard as sponsors for the evening to make it really special. A huge thank you also for our raffle prizes donated by Sunshine & Sons, Maleny Art Direct, Sunshine Coast Art and Framing, the Clay Shed and Robyn Lowit Designs. A massive thank you to everyone who came and supported us. I hope you had a really fabulous time and got to meet plenty of the other members of our vibrant art community. I’m determined not to miss the next one!

Our vision for Arts Connect is to provide a platform to improve economic sustainability for artists and the arts in our region. We do this through our various activities such as our major events, member exhibitions, social events and workshops. It’s a big role for a volunteer organisation, but with the help of our members and sponsors, we hope to see our community grow and prosper. If you would like to be on any of our teams, to be a sponsor of Arts Connect or any of our upcoming events, please get in touch: secretary@artsconnectinc.com.au

Wishing you a safe and happy Easter break,
Gretchen.

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