Art Matters Podcast - 2026-3-17

Welcome to Art Matters, the dedicated 3MDR radio Art show that brings the world of local art to the airwaves! Whether you're an art maker an art lover, or just looking for some inspiration, we’ve got you covered.

Join us, as we dive into the local art scene with engaging artist interviews, gallery spotlights, and insightful reviews - real conversations about creativity, passion, and the people making art happen in your community.
We will also venture further afield to bring you information on exciting exhibitions, events and happenings that you should get out and about to attend.

Expect lively discussions, behind-the-scenes stories, and an inside look at what’s new, now, and next in local art.

It’ll be educational, it’ll be entertaining, and it’ll be all about celebrating the talent that surrounds us.

Tune in, get inspired, and be part of the creative conversation on Art Matters!

Let us know about your Art practice at artmatters97.1fm@gmail.com or @artmatters_97.1fm

Welcome to&nbsp;Art Matters,&nbsp;the dedicated 3MDR radio Art show that brings the world of local art to the airwaves! Whether you're an art maker an art lover, or just looking for some inspiration, we&rsquo;ve got you covered. Join us, as we dive into the local art scene with engaging artist interviews, gallery spotlights, and insightful reviews&nbsp;- real conversations about creativity, passion, and the people making art happen in your community. We will also venture further afield to bring you information on exciting exhibitions, events and happenings that you should get out and about to attend. Expect&nbsp;lively discussions, behind-the-scenes stories, and an inside look at what&rsquo;s new, now, and next in local art. It&rsquo;ll be educational, it&rsquo;ll be entertaining, and it&rsquo;ll be all about celebrating the talent that surrounds us. Tune in, get inspired, and&nbsp;be part of the creative conversation on Art Matters!
Let us know about your Art practice at <a href="mailto:artmatters97.1fm@gmail.com">artmatters97.1fm@gmail.com</a> or @artmatters_97.1fm

Art Matters

Art Matters Podcast - 2026-3-17

Art Matters #43 - Cathryn Sofarnos
Intro Track: Paprika Pony, Kim Gordon, No Home Record, 2019


Todays studio guest was Abstract Artist Cathryn Sofarnos whose bold, large-scale abstract paintings layered with colour, line and texture — explore emotion, perception and the feeling of place.
We chatted process and artist statements, how Cathy comes upon her themes or concepts for bodies of work and the love of having space (mental) to create even if your studio is chaotic!

It was a great chat and I hope it left you inspired.

Cathy currently has a solo exhibition called Past Tense which is on at Smith + Gertrude  gallery space at 73 Smith Street Fitzroy - running from March 4th until March 15th.
Get along to see it if you can
You can check out Cathy's website cathrynsofarnos.com
and Instagram @cathrynsofarnos

she also has a work in the group exhibition Continuum at Burrinja Gallery opening this week as a part of the Open Studios program for 2026.

Cathy's studio in this years Open Studios program is Number 1 - up in Kalorama and she will only be open the first weekend 21st-22nd of March - so get in early. 

DANDENONG RANGES OPEN STUDIOS 2026
openstudios.org.au
March 21st-22nd and 28th-29th 
Plus make sure to visit the group exhibition at Burrinja gallery - Continuum 
Opens March 12th.

Burrinja Cultural Centre
351 Glenfern Rd 
Upwey, VIC 
burrinja.org.au

Todays Tracks:
Short Skirt/Long Jacket, CAKE
Mama Roux, Dr John
Intro, The xx

A MASSIVE THANK YOU to all the Art Matters Subscribers:
Little Acres - Ange
Kelly K Sullivan – Collage Artist
Sing Song Ceramics - Selby
Elizabeth Gleeson – Muralist and fine artist
Shirley Dougan – Artist
Natasja - Textile artist
Rajko Grbac (sculptor)
The Forge Institute – Community Group
The Hut Gallery FERNTREE GULLY
Cheech the rescue staffy via Tass & Pottsy from Belgrave 

Please get in touch with us to let us know about your upcoming exhibitions and events.
artmatters97.1fm@gmail.com   or   @artmatters_97.1fm

Art Matters #43 - Cathryn Sofarnos Intro Track:&nbsp;Paprika Pony, Kim Gordon, No Home Record, 2019 
Todays studio guest was Abstract Artist Cathryn Sofarnos whose bold, large-scale abstract paintings layered with colour, line and texture &mdash; explore emotion, perception and the feeling of place. We chatted process and artist statements, how Cathy comes upon her themes or concepts for bodies of work and the love of having space (mental) to create even if your studio is chaotic!
It was a great chat and I hope it left you inspired. Cathy currently has a solo exhibition called Past Tense which is on at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/smithandgertrudefitzroy/">Smith + Gertrude </a>&nbsp;gallery space at 73 Smith Street Fitzroy - running from March 4th until March 15th. Get along to see it if you can You can check out Cathy's website <a href="https://www.cathrynsofarnos.com/">cathrynsofarnos.com</a> and Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cathrynsofarnos/">@cathrynsofarnos</a>
she also has a work in the group exhibition Continuum at Burrinja Gallery opening this week as a part of the Open Studios program for 2026.
Cathy's studio in this years Open Studios program is Number 1 - up in Kalorama and she will only be open the first weekend 21st-22nd of March - so get in early.&nbsp;
DANDENONG RANGES OPEN STUDIOS 2026 <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/art-matters-3mdr/openstudios.org.au">openstudios.org.au</a> March 21st-22nd and 28th-29th&nbsp; Plus make sure to visit the group exhibition at Burrinja gallery -&nbsp;Continuum&nbsp; Opens March 12th. Burrinja Cultural Centre 351 Glenfern Rd&nbsp; Upwey, VIC <a href="https://www.burrinja.org.au">burrinja.org.au</a>
Todays Tracks: Short Skirt/Long Jacket, CAKE Mama Roux, Dr John Intro, The xx
A MASSIVE THANK YOU to all the Art Matters Subscribers: Little Acres - Ange Kelly K Sullivan &ndash; Collage Artist Sing Song Ceramics - Selby Elizabeth Gleeson &ndash; Muralist and fine artist Shirley Dougan &ndash; Artist Natasja - Textile artist Rajko Grbac (sculptor) The Forge Institute &ndash; Community Group The Hut Gallery FERNTREE GULLY Cheech the rescue staffy via Tass &amp; Pottsy from Belgrave&nbsp; Please get in touch with us to let us know about your upcoming exhibitions and events. <a href="mailto:artmatters97.1fm@gmail.com">artmatters97.1fm@gmail.com</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;or&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/artmatters_97.1fm/">@artmatters_97.1fm</a>

Art Matters 10.03.26

Art Matters #42 - Elizabeth Gleeson
Intro Track: Paprika Pony, Kim Gordon, No Home Record, 2019

My guest in the studio today was the incredibly talented Elizabeth Gleeson — a professional muralist and fine artist whose bold, intricate, patterned works have transformed spaces across Australia and internationally.

From large-scale public murals to detailed canvas works, Elizabeth’s unmistakable nostalgic style has brought colour and immersive beauty to bars, restaurants, schools, councils and private spaces — she has been profiled as the feature artist in Grand Designs Australia Magazine and been a feature at many public events.

We chatted about finding her visual language - the mindshift from canvas to mural, her process and the public response to her work - while she is making it.

We talked about how important it is that she makes sure a client will be a good fit and the process for that, as well as the balance of being a full time artist and running every element of a small business whilst also being a mum and a partner and doing all that life brings - BUSY!!

Elizabeth has an amazing website that you can check out to see her beautiful projects and get in touch with her if you want to enquire about a commission.
Check it out here: Elizabeth Gleeson Website

Elizabeth will also be opening her studio (and Home doors) for the 2026 Dandenong Ranges Open Studios program you can jump online and find out all about the program here - openstudios.org.au

Head along to get a two for one deal and see both Elizabeths and Gerard Russo's studios this march and keep your eyes peeled for some cute socks and colouring in sheets !!

DANDENONG RANGES OPEN STUDIOS 2026
openstudios.org.au
March 21st-22nd and 28th-29th 
Plus the group exhibition at Burrinja gallery - Continuum 
Opens March 12th.

Todays Tracks:
Love fool, The Cardigans
Pockets, Parsnip
La jeune fille aux cheveux balancs, Camille

A MASSIVE THANK YOU to all the Art Matters Subscribers:
Little Acres - Ange
Kelly K Sullivan – Collage Artist
Sing Song Ceramics - Selby
Elizabeth Gleeson – Muralist and fine artist
Shirley Dougan – Artist
Natasja - Textile artist
Rajko Grbac (sculptor)
The Forge Institute – Community Group
The Hut Gallery FERNTREE GULLY
Cheech the rescue staffy via Tass & Pottsy from Belgrave 

Please get in touch with us to let us know about your upcoming exhibitions and events.
artmatters97.1fm@gmail.com   or   @artmatters_97.1fm

Art Matters #42 - Elizabeth Gleeson Intro Track:&nbsp;Paprika Pony, Kim Gordon, No Home Record, 2019
My guest in the studio today was the incredibly talented Elizabeth Gleeson &mdash; a professional muralist and fine artist whose bold, intricate, patterned works have transformed spaces across Australia and internationally.
From large-scale public murals to detailed canvas works, Elizabeth&rsquo;s unmistakable nostalgic style has brought colour and immersive beauty to bars, restaurants, schools, councils and private spaces &mdash; she has been profiled as the feature artist in Grand Designs Australia Magazine and been a feature at many public events. We chatted about finding her visual language - the mindshift from canvas to mural, her process and the public response to her work - while she is making it.
We talked about how important it is that she makes sure a client will be a good fit and the process for that, as well as the balance of being a full time artist and running every element of a small business whilst also being a mum and a partner and doing all that life brings - BUSY!! Elizabeth has an amazing website that you can check out to see her beautiful projects and get in touch with her if you want to enquire about a commission. Check it out here: <a href="https://www.elizabethgleeson.com/">Elizabeth Gleeson Website</a> Elizabeth will also be opening her studio (and Home doors) for the 2026 Dandenong Ranges Open Studios program you can jump online and find out all about the program here - <a href="openstudios.org.au">openstudios.org.au</a>
Head along to get a two for one deal and see both Elizabeths and Gerard Russo's studios this march and keep your eyes peeled for some cute socks and colouring in sheets !!
DANDENONG RANGES OPEN STUDIOS 2026 <a href="openstudios.org.au">openstudios.org.au</a> March 21st-22nd and 28th-29th&nbsp; Plus the group exhibition at Burrinja gallery - Continuum&nbsp; Opens March 12th.
Todays Tracks: Love fool, The Cardigans Pockets, Parsnip La jeune fille aux cheveux balancs, Camille
A MASSIVE THANK YOU to all the Art Matters Subscribers: Little Acres - Ange Kelly K Sullivan &ndash; Collage Artist Sing Song Ceramics - Selby Elizabeth Gleeson &ndash; Muralist and fine artist Shirley Dougan &ndash; Artist Natasja - Textile artist Rajko Grbac (sculptor) The Forge Institute &ndash; Community Group The Hut Gallery FERNTREE GULLY Cheech the rescue staffy via Tass &amp; Pottsy from Belgrave&nbsp; Please get in touch with us to let us know about your upcoming exhibitions and events. <a href="mailto:artmatters97.1fm@gmail.com">artmatters97.1fm@gmail.com</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;or&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/artmatters_97.1fm/">@artmatters_97.1fm</a>

Art Matters 03.03.26

Art Matters #41 - Sasha Emrith - BIJOUX
Intro Track: Paprika Pony, Kim Gordon, No Home Record, 2019

Todays guest was Melbourne-based jeweller Sasha Emrith — the creative force behind Bijoux by Sasha, creator of handcrafted pieces that aren’t just jewellery, but heirlooms in the making. Her work has been featured in Vogue, Vanity Fairand walked the runway at Melbourne Fashion Week — all while remaining proudly handcrafted by an all-Australian small business.

Sasha creates jewels for life’s most meaningful moments — timeless adornments designed to hold memory, emotion and story.
We chatted about how she first got into making jewellery - what her processes look like and the connections she has made while learning and making.
Sasha also told us a bit about man-made gems and why shes decided to use them in her work as well as recycling gold and silver as much as she can.

Jump online and have a look at Sasha's gorgeous sparkly jewels find out how to get in touch for a custom jewellery piece and follow along as she takes Bijoux to the stars!

https://bijouxbysasha.com/

Things to look up:
Development Manager job open at Linden Gallery 
lindenarts.org to apply



Burrinja Gallery – LAST WEEKEND Revisions until Sunday 1st March 
The Hut Gallery – workshops at the hut – Monday print workshop, Tuesday still life workshop $5 for members $10 for non members all are welcome – jump on thehutgallery.com.au
KAPI ART SPACE – Sunday social BYO Project 10:30-12:30pm and paint, pinot with heather Bradbury once a month kapiartspace.com

Creative Australia Arts Projects for Individuals and Groups
Applications close 3pm (AEDT), March 3, 2026, for projects beginning from June 9, 2026 to June 2028
This program funds a range of activities and projects, such as the creation of new work, practice-based research, festivals, exhibitions, and more, across all art forms, that deliver benefits to the arts sector and wider public, including national and international audiences and communities. Grants are available from $10,000 to $50,000. Supported activities must not last longer than two years from the proposed start date. Grant guidelines can be found online.
https://creative.gov.au/investments-opportunities/arts-projects-individuals-and-groups

PCA Print Commission 2026
Entries close 5pm, February 28, 2026
For over five decades, the PCA’s Print Commission has showcased many talented and innovative artists working in print – both established and emerging. The Print Council of Australia invites applications for the Print Commission 2026, an opportunity to join this historic lineage of commissioned artists. The PCA Print Commission is open to living artists residing in Australia and New Zealand, with the successful applicant receiving major promotional and professional development opportunities. The Print Commission is launched in September in IMPRINT magazine, and artists’ proofs are exhibited in interstate galleries; prints are also included in the PCA Print Archive Collection, 1967–present, and the Canson Australia and State Library Victoria collections. Submitted images must be original works of the entrant and made in the past three years. Visit the website for additional Terms and Conditions. https://www.printcouncil.org.au/print-commission-entries-2026/



Todays Tracks:
Radio Ladio, Metronomy
Ride that Dolphin, KNOWER
Nobody loves you more, Kim Deal

A MASSIVE THANK YOU to all the Art Matters Subscribers:
Little Acres - Ange
Kelly K Sullivan – Collage Artist
Sing Song Ceramics - Selby
Elizabeth Gleeson – Muralist and fine artist
Shirley Dougan – Artist
Natasja - Textile artist
Rajko Grbac (sculptor)
The Forge Institute – Community Group
The Hut Gallery FERNTREE GULLY
Cheech the rescue staffy via Tass & Pottsy from Belgrave 

Please get in touch with us to let us know about your upcoming exhibitions and events.
artmatters97.1fm@gmail.com   or   @artmatters_97.1fm

Art Matters #41&nbsp;- Sasha Emrith - BIJOUX Intro Track:&nbsp;Paprika Pony, Kim Gordon, No Home Record, 2019
Todays guest was Melbourne-based jeweller Sasha Emrith &mdash; the creative force behind Bijoux by Sasha, creator of handcrafted pieces that aren&rsquo;t just jewellery, but heirlooms in the making. Her work has been featured in Vogue, Vanity Fair and walked the runway at Melbourne Fashion Week &mdash; all while remaining proudly handcrafted by an all-Australian small business.
Sasha creates jewels for life&rsquo;s most meaningful moments &mdash; timeless adornments designed to hold memory, emotion and story. We chatted about how she first got into making jewellery - what her processes look like and the connections she has made while learning and making. Sasha also told us a bit about man-made gems and why shes decided to use them in her work as well as recycling gold and silver as much as she can. Jump online and have a look at Sasha's gorgeous sparkly jewels find out how to get in touch for a custom jewellery piece and follow along as she takes Bijoux to the stars!
<a href="https://bijouxbysasha.com/">https://bijouxbysasha.com/</a> Things to look up: Development Manager job open at Linden Gallery&nbsp; <a href="https://www.lindenarts.org">lindenarts.org</a> to apply 
Burrinja Gallery &ndash; LAST WEEKEND Revisions until Sunday 1st March&nbsp; The Hut Gallery &ndash;&nbsp;workshops at the hut &ndash; Monday print workshop, Tuesday still life workshop $5 for members $10 for non members all are welcome &ndash; jump on thehutgallery.com.au KAPI ART SPACE &ndash; Sunday social BYO Project 10:30-12:30pm and paint, pinot with heather Bradbury once a month kapiartspace.com
<a href="https://creative.gov.au/investments-opportunities/arts-projects-individuals-and-groups">Creative Australia Arts Projects for Individuals and Groups</a> Applications close 3pm (AEDT), March 3, 2026, for projects beginning from June 9, 2026 to June 2028 This program funds a range of activities and projects, such as the creation of new work, practice-based research, festivals, exhibitions, and more, across all art forms, that deliver benefits to the arts sector and wider public, including national and international audiences and communities. Grants are available from $10,000 to $50,000. Supported activities must not last longer than two years from the proposed start date. Grant guidelines can be found online. <a href="https://creative.gov.au/investments-opportunities/arts-projects-individuals-and-groups">https://creative.gov.au/investments-opportunities/arts-projects-individuals-and-groups</a>
<a href="https://www.printcouncil.org.au/print-commission-entries-2026/">PCA Print Commission 2026</a> Entries close 5pm, February 28, 2026 For over five decades, the PCA&rsquo;s Print Commission has showcased many talented and innovative artists working in print &ndash; both established and emerging. The Print Council of Australia invites applications for the Print Commission 2026, an opportunity to join this historic lineage of commissioned artists. The PCA Print Commission is open to living artists residing in Australia and New Zealand, with the successful applicant receiving major promotional and professional development opportunities. The Print Commission is launched in September in IMPRINT magazine, and artists&rsquo; proofs are exhibited in interstate galleries; prints are also included in the PCA Print Archive Collection, 1967&ndash;present, and the Canson Australia and State Library Victoria collections. Submitted images must be original works of the entrant and made in the past three years. Visit the website for additional Terms and Conditions. <a href="https://www.printcouncil.org.au/print-commission-entries-2026/">https://www.printcouncil.org.au/print-commission-entries-2026/</a> 
Todays Tracks: Radio Ladio, Metronomy Ride that Dolphin, KNOWER Nobody loves you more, Kim Deal
A MASSIVE THANK YOU to all the Art Matters Subscribers: Little Acres - Ange Kelly K Sullivan &ndash; Collage Artist Sing Song Ceramics - Selby Elizabeth Gleeson &ndash; Muralist and fine artist Shirley Dougan &ndash; Artist Natasja - Textile artist Rajko Grbac (sculptor) The Forge Institute &ndash; Community Group The Hut Gallery FERNTREE GULLY Cheech the rescue staffy via Tass &amp; Pottsy from Belgrave&nbsp; Please get in touch with us to let us know about your upcoming exhibitions and events. <a href="mailto:artmatters97.1fm@gmail.com">artmatters97.1fm@gmail.com</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;or&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/artmatters_97.1fm/">@artmatters_97.1fm</a>

Art Matters Podcast - 2026-3-17

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