Art Matters #57 - Arts news and reviews
Intro Track: Paprika Pony, Kim Gordon, No Home Record, 2019

Please get in touch with us if you are interested in being a part of the Art Matters team and bringing art to the radio or to let us know about your upcoming exhibitions and events.
artmatters97.1fm@gmail.com   or   @artmatters_97.1fm

To apply for:
The Clunes Ceramic Award 
https://clunesceramicaward.org.au/
ENTRIES CLOSE AUG 9th 2026
______________________________

OPEN CALL - RED ART PRIZE 2027
Open to emerging and established artists alike, the exhibition welcomes a broad range of contemporary practices, including painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture, mixed media, collage, textiles, and digital work.

Artists may submit up to three artworks, with a maximum size of 60 × 60 × 10 cm for 2D works and 60 × 40 × 40 cm for 3D works.

+ Entry Deadline: 20 December 2026
More details, terms and conditions, and submission information via the link
https://www.redgallery.com.au/redartprize2027
___________________________________________
Exhibitions to go see:

Walker Street Gallery & Arts Centre
June 6 to Aug 15 Primary Succession by Wona Baeus and Charlie Lawler

The Track Gallery
July 23 to Aug 3 (opening July 23 at 6pm)  Cinis Ardor Vitae by Michal Plis

Whitehorse Artspace
To July 18 A Way of Seeing by Askolds Petersons

Town Hall Gallery
To July 25 Wall of Magic Creatures by Kate Beynon

Bayside Gallery
June 20 to Aug 30 Max Dupain and Ansel Adams: In search of perfection

Manningham Art Gallery
Until Aug 29th - what we share
Hayley Millar Baker, Michael Cook, Jahkarli Felicitas Romanis, Damien Shen, Dr Christian Thompson AO, Keemon Williams.

Kingston Arts 
3rd July to 29th Aug Water Bodies 
Nici Cumpston, Mandy Quadrio, Aunty Netty Shaw, Aunty Dyan Summers, Judy Watson and Lisa Waup. 

Gippsland Art Gallery
June 6th - Aug 23rd Gippsland Gothic by Frank Mesaric

Mornington Peninsula regional gallery
Until Aug 23rd Helen Britton The story so far

Wangaratta Art Gallery
27 June - 13 Sept petite Miniature Textiles 2026

Todays tracks:
Body language,Booka Shade
Hit my head all day, Dry Cleaning
Liquid love, NO ZU

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 

Art Matters #57 - Arts news and reviews Intro Track:&nbsp;Paprika Pony, Kim Gordon, No Home Record, 2019
Please get in touch with us if you are interested in being a part of the Art Matters team and bringing art to the radio or 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>
To apply for: The Clunes Ceramic Award&nbsp; <a href="https://clunesceramicaward.org.au/">https://clunesceramicaward.org.au/</a> ENTRIES CLOSE AUG 9th 2026 ______________________________
OPEN CALL - RED ART PRIZE 2027 Open to emerging and established artists alike, the exhibition welcomes a broad range of contemporary practices, including painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture, mixed media, collage, textiles, and digital work. Artists may submit up to three artworks, with a maximum size of 60 &times; 60 &times; 10 cm for 2D works and 60 &times; 40 &times; 40 cm for 3D works.
+ Entry Deadline: 20 December 2026 More details, terms and conditions, and submission information via the link <a href="https://www.redgallery.com.au/redartprize2027">https://www.redgallery.com.au/redartprize2027</a> ___________________________________________ Exhibitions to go see:
<a href="https://www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/walker-street-gallery">Walker Street Gallery &amp; Arts Centre</a> June 6 to Aug 15&nbsp;Primary Succession by Wona Baeus and Charlie Lawler
<a href="https://www.monash.vic.gov.au/Things-to-Do/Creative-Monash/Arts-Venues-and-Facilities/The-Track-Gallery">The Track Gallery</a> July 23 to Aug 3 (opening July 23 at 6pm)&nbsp; Cinis Ardor Vitae&nbsp;by Michal Plis
<a href="https://www.creativewhitehorse.vic.gov.au/venues/artspace">Whitehorse Artspace</a> To July 18&nbsp;A Way of Seeing&nbsp;by Askolds Petersons
<a href="https://www.boroondara.vic.gov.au/boroondara-arts/whats/online-exhibitions">Town Hall Gallery</a> To July 25&nbsp;Wall of Magic Creatures&nbsp;by Kate Beynon
<a href="https://www.bayside.vic.gov.au/services/arts-and-culture">Bayside Gallery</a> June 20 to Aug 30&nbsp;Max Dupain and Ansel Adams: In search of perfection
<a href="https://www.manningham.vic.gov.au/venues/manningham-art-gallery">Manningham Art Gallery</a> Until Aug 29th - what we share Hayley Millar Baker,&nbsp;Michael Cook,&nbsp;Jahkarli Felicitas Romanis,&nbsp;Damien Shen,&nbsp;Dr Christian Thompson AO,&nbsp;Keemon Williams.
<a href="https://www.kingstonarts.com.au/whats-on/water-bodies-exhibition">Kingston Arts&nbsp;</a> 3rd July to 29th Aug Water Bodies&nbsp; Nici Cumpston, Mandy Quadrio, Aunty Netty Shaw, Aunty Dyan Summers, Judy Watson and Lisa Waup.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.gippslandartgallery.com/exhibitions/frank-mesaric-gippsland-gothic">Gippsland Art Gallery</a> June 6th - Aug 23rd Gippsland Gothic by Frank Mesaric
<a href="https://mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au/Exhibitions/Current-exhibitions/Helen-Britton-The-Story-So-Far">Mornington Peninsula regional gallery</a> Until Aug 23rd Helen Britton The story so far
<a href="https://www.wangarattaartgallery.com.au/Exhibitions/Current-Exhibitions/Petite-Miniature-Textiles-2026">Wangaratta Art Gallery</a> 27 June - 13 Sept petite Miniature Textiles 2026 Todays tracks: Body language, Booka Shade Hit my head all day, Dry Cleaning Liquid love, NO ZU
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;

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 14.07.2026

Art Matters #61 - JD Mittmann, Curator, Burrinja Cultural Centre.
Intro Track: Paprika Pony, Kim Gordon, No Home Record, 2019

Todays interview on Art Matters was JD Mittmann, Curator and Manager of collections at Burrinja Cultural Centre.
We talked about the Acquisitive Award Exhibition as a part of the Burrinja Climate Change Biennale #4.
The Acquisitive Award Exhibition sits at the heart of BCCB#4, showcasing an inspiring and thought-provoking collection of works that respond to the urgent conversations surrounding climate change and the environment.
Featuring both local and nationally recognised artists, the exhibition will involve more than 40 artists from across Australia who have been selected to participate through an application process. 

The exhibition presents a diverse range of contemporary practices across painting, photography, sculpture, installation, digital and new media, bringing together Victorian and interstate artists in a powerful exploration of art, ecology and the future of our planet.

JD, curated the very first Climate change Biennale back in 2015 - with the vision to hold the climate change themed exhibition every other year - to bring together artists to create works that, move, inspire and start conversations for viewers.

JD highlighted a few different works that will be a part of the show as well as some of the adjoining foyer, airlock and interactive pieces that will happen during the Burrinja climate change biennale period:

Panacea – Dale Cox
Sat 22 Aug - Sun 8 Nov 2026, Burrinja Foyer (free) - Further Information

Roll Up by Liz Magor
Sat 22 Aug - Sun 25 Oct, Burrinja Airlock Gallery (free) - Further Information

Sharon Field – The Scrolls – 3,000 days…and counting
3-6 Sep & 23-25 Oct, Burrinja Foyer (free) - Further Information

Oyster shells amongst bricks (smelling the dust)
By Beth Arnold and Katie Lee. Sun 23 Aug - Sat 17 Oct, Burrinja Foyer (free) - Further Information

ARia: Song Unseen
By Catherine Gough-Brady, W. Sze Tsang and Cassandra Tytler. Sun 23 Aug - Sat 17 Oct, 
Forecourt - Coole's Café at Burrinja (free) - Further Information

The Acquisitive Award Exhibition 
Sat 22 Aug - Sun 25 Oct 2026
Burrinja Cultural Centre
351 Glenfern Rd, Upwey 
www.burrinja.org.au

Exhibition Opening - Sun 23 August, 2pm to 4pm (free event)

Join us in celebrating the opening of the exhibition, experience powerful works that respond to climate change alongside participating artists, and hear the stories, ideas, and environmental concerns behind their creative practices.
RSVP HERE

The 2026 iteration of the BCCB#4 is a very full program with so much to see take, part in and be moved by. 
Including art, film, talks, walks, and music at Burrinja and also The Memo and the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum to find out all about it take a look at the Full program here - Burrinja Climate Change Biennale #4

Main Artwork by Chris Lawry, The Great Wave Goodbye, 2017, Linocut (printed on Japanese paper, and mounted on heavy mount board.

Things to go see:
Town Hall Gallery
Firestation Print Studio Gallery
Linden New Art
Kingston Arts Centre
William Mora Galleries

Todays tracks:
Hard to be Moved, Eddy Current Suppression Ring
My Soul / Half Pint, Dry Cleaning
Out to Sea, Jamie Saxe

SUBSCRIBERS:
Little Acres - Ange
Kelly K Sullivan – Collage Artist
Sing Song Ceramics - Selby
Elizabeth Gleeson – Muralist and fine artist
Shirley Dougen – 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 if you are interested in being a part of the Art Matters team and bringing art to the radio or to let us know about your upcoming exhibitions and events.
artmatters97.1fm@gmail.com   or   @artmatters_97.1fm

Art Matters #61 - JD Mittmann, Curator, Burrinja Cultural Centre. Intro Track:&nbsp;Paprika Pony, Kim Gordon, No Home Record, 2019
Todays interview on Art Matters was JD Mittmann, Curator and Manager of collections at Burrinja Cultural Centre. We talked about the Acquisitive Award Exhibition as a part of the Burrinja Climate Change Biennale #4. The Acquisitive Award Exhibition sits at the heart of BCCB#4, showcasing an inspiring and thought-provoking collection of works that respond to the urgent conversations surrounding climate change and the environment. Featuring both local and nationally recognised artists, the exhibition will involve more than 40 artists from across Australia who have been selected to participate through an application process. 
The exhibition presents a diverse range of contemporary practices across painting, photography, sculpture, installation, digital and new media, bringing together Victorian and interstate artists in a powerful exploration of art, ecology and the future of our planet. JD, curated the very first Climate change Biennale back in 2015 - with the vision to hold the climate change themed exhibition every other year - to bring together artists to create works that, move, inspire and start conversations for viewers. JD highlighted a few different works that will be a part of the show as well as some of the adjoining foyer, airlock and interactive pieces that will happen during the Burrinja climate change biennale period: Panacea &ndash; Dale Cox Sat 22 Aug - Sun 8 Nov 2026, Burrinja Foyer (free) - <a href="https://www.burrinja.org.au/whats-on/panacea-dale-cox">Further Information</a> Roll Up by Liz Magor Sat 22 Aug - Sun 25 Oct, Burrinja Airlock Gallery (free) - <a href="https://www.burrinja.org.au/whats-on/roll-up-by-liz-magor">Further Information</a> Sharon Field &ndash; The Scrolls &ndash; 3,000 days&hellip;and counting 3-6 Sep &amp; 23-25 Oct, Burrinja Foyer (free) - <a href="https://www.burrinja.org.au/whats-on/sharon-field-the-scrolls">Further Information</a> Oyster shells amongst bricks (smelling the dust) By Beth Arnold and Katie Lee. Sun 23 Aug - Sat 17 Oct, Burrinja Foyer (free) - <a href="https://www.burrinja.org.au/whats-on/oyster-shells-amongst-bricks-smelling-the-dust">Further Information</a> ARia: Song Unseen By Catherine Gough-Brady, W. Sze Tsang and Cassandra Tytler. Sun 23 Aug - Sat 17 Oct, Forecourt - Coole's Caf&eacute; at Burrinja (free) - <a href="https://www.burrinja.org.au/whats-on/aria-song-unseen">Further Information</a> The Acquisitive Award Exhibition Sat 22 Aug - Sun 25 Oct 2026 Burrinja Cultural Centre 351 Glenfern Rd, Upwey&nbsp; <a href="https://www.burrinja.org.au">www.burrinja.org.au</a>
Exhibition Opening - Sun 23 August, 2pm to 4pm (free event)
Join us in celebrating the opening of the exhibition, experience powerful works that respond to climate change alongside participating artists, and hear the stories, ideas, and environmental concerns behind their creative practices. <a href="https://boxoffice.burrinja.org.au/WEBPAGES/EntaWebEvent/EventSBAndPrices.aspx">RSVP HERE</a> The 2026 iteration of the BCCB#4 is a very full program with so much to see take, part in and be moved by.&nbsp; Including art, film, talks, walks, and music at Burrinja and also The Memo and the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum to find out all about it take a look at the Full program here -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.burrinja.org.au/bccb4-program">Burrinja Climate Change Biennale #4</a> Main Artwork by Chris Lawry,&nbsp;The Great Wave Goodbye, 2017, Linocut (printed on Japanese paper, and mounted on heavy mount board.
Things to go see: <a href="https://www.boroondara.vic.gov.au/boroondara-arts/whats/online-exhibitions">Town Hall Gallery</a> <a href="https://www.fps.org.au/">Firestation Print Studio Gallery</a> <a href="https://www.lindenarts.org/">Linden New Art</a> <a href="https://www.kingstonarts.com.au/home">Kingston Arts Centre</a> <a href="https://moragalleries.com.au/">William Mora Galleries</a>
Todays tracks: Hard to be Moved, Eddy Current Suppression Ring My Soul / Half Pint, Dry Cleaning Out to Sea, Jamie Saxe
SUBSCRIBERS: Little Acres - Ange Kelly K Sullivan &ndash; Collage Artist Sing Song Ceramics - Selby Elizabeth Gleeson &ndash; Muralist and fine artist Shirley Dougen &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 if you are interested in being a part of the Art Matters team and bringing art to the radio or 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 - 18.08.26

Art Matters #60 - Sammi Edney and Yianni Johns
Intro Track: Paprika Pony, Kim Gordon, No Home Record, 2019

This week on Art Matters, I spoke with artists Sammi Edney and Yianni Johns, a father–daughter duo presenting their upcoming joint exhibition - That little something Xtra!  at Frater Gallery, a part of the Victorian Artists Society in East Melbourne.

I was delighted that Sammi brought in a piece she had just finished and will share an image via the Art Matters socials @artmatters_97.1fm

We chatted about both artists individual creative practices, Sammi a tattooist and fine artist with the genre of imaginative-realism and Yianni an long standing artist and curator with the genre of pseudo-symbolism.
We spoke of the influences and connections that run between their work, and how the opportunity to exhibit side by side came about. We also chatted about what it means to share a creative life across generations—those unique family moments and memories that create the life we share and how that comes into what is going to be a really special joint exhibition.
Make sure to check out Starstruck (movie that influenced the title of the exhibition)

If you would like to go and see the work in person Sammi and Yianni invite you to the opening night 
of That little something Xtra! 
on Thursday 24th September from 6-8pm 
at Frater Gallery 430 Albert St East Melbourne.

And the exhibition will run from the 24th to the 5th of Oct 26
Sammi and Yianni will be in the Gallery everyday whilst it is open painting and chatting to the public - so go in and have a visit if you can - theres nothing quite like having the artist in the space to chat to while you look at their work!

For a look into either of these artists you can also hop on the web at any of the below links -
www.yianniartist.com

www.sammisideup.com 
@sammi.edney.paints 



Todays tracks:
Talking to a Stranger, NO ZU
Mingle, Georgia Knight



SUBSCRIBERS:
Little Acres - Ange
Kelly K Sullivan – Collage Artist
Sing Song Ceramics - Selby
Elizabeth Gleeson – Muralist and fine artist
Shirley Dougen – 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 if you are interested in being a part of the Art Matters team and bringing art to the radio or to let us know about your upcoming exhibitions and events.
artmatters97.1fm@gmail.com   or   @artmatters_97.1fm

Art Matters #60 - Sammi Edney and Yianni Johns Intro Track:&nbsp;Paprika Pony, Kim Gordon, No Home Record, 2019
This week on Art Matters, I spoke with artists Sammi Edney and Yianni Johns, a father&ndash;daughter duo presenting their upcoming joint exhibition - That little something Xtra!&nbsp; at Frater Gallery, a part of the Victorian Artists Society in East Melbourne. I was delighted that Sammi brought in a piece she had just finished and will share an image via the Art Matters socials <a href="https://www.instagram.com/artmatters_97.1fm/">@artmatters_97.1fm</a>
We chatted about both artists individual creative practices, Sammi a tattooist and fine artist with the genre of imaginative-realism and Yianni an long standing artist and curator with the genre of pseudo-symbolism. We spoke of the influences and connections that run between their work, and how the opportunity to exhibit side by side came about. We also chatted about what it means to share a creative life across generations&mdash;those unique family moments and memories that create the life we share and how that comes into what is going to be a really special joint exhibition. Make sure to check out <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starstruck_(1982_film)">Starstruck</a> (movie that influenced the title of the exhibition) If you would like to go and see the work in person Sammi and Yianni invite you to the opening night of That little something Xtra!&nbsp; on Thursday 24th September from 6-8pm&nbsp; at Frater Gallery 430 Albert St East Melbourne. And the exhibition will run from the 24th to the 5th of Oct 26 Sammi and Yianni will be in the Gallery everyday whilst it is open painting and chatting to the public - so go in and have a visit if you can - theres nothing quite like having the artist in the space to chat to while you look at their work! For a look into either of these artists you can also hop on the web at any of the below links - <a href="https://www.yianniartist.com">www.yianniartist.com</a>
<a href="https://www.sammisideup.com">www.sammisideup.com</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sammi.edney.paints/">@sammi.edney.paints</a>&nbsp; 
Todays tracks: Talking to a Stranger, NO ZU Mingle, Georgia Knight 
SUBSCRIBERS: Little Acres - Ange Kelly K Sullivan &ndash; Collage Artist Sing Song Ceramics - Selby Elizabeth Gleeson &ndash; Muralist and fine artist Shirley Dougen &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 if you are interested in being a part of the Art Matters team and bringing art to the radio or 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 11.08.26

Art Matters #59 - Maddie Reece - Museum Exhibitions Curator at Yarra Ranges Regional Museum
Intro Track: Paprika Pony, Kim Gordon, No Home Record, 2019

Today Adriana Alvarez interviewed Maddie Reece from the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum about the current exhibition showing - GONDWANA VR.
They chatted about Gondwana VR and how it is an immersive and interactive virtual-reality experience that invites you to discover the world's oldest tropical rainforest, the Daintree Rainforest in Far North Queensland, Australia. 

We discovered that the experience for viewers changes every time you visit as each day Gondwana VRis different and unrepeatable. 
In this durational experience the rainforest gently unfurls offering viewers time to reflect on the change and loss of this irreplaceable ecosystem. Weather, seasons, and biodiversity shift as you navigate a vast map of ancient trees, rugged mountains and idyllic beaches. But a broader narrative stirs below: over the course of each showing, the rainforest degrades, artistically rendering climate data projections up to the year 2090. The only salve to this seemingly inevitable decline is people - the more time an audience spends in Gondwana, the more resilient the forest becomes.

They also talked about how Gondwana VR was developed by artists Emma Roberts and Ben Joseph Andrews over approximately four years and is presented at Yarra Ranges Regional Museum as part of the 2026 Burrinja Climate Change Biennale - Burrinja.org.au for more details on that. 
They touched on how the experience for the viewer is interactive and about how technology has enabled a different kind of interaction with art in spaces like this. 
Get along to see this while you can - as Maddie said we most likely wont have it shown in Victoria again for quite a while.

Exhibition on Display
From Wed 15 Jul 2026 to Sun 1 Nov 2026 
Yarra Ranges Regional Museum
Free Exhibition

Also coming up on Friday the 28th August is the Museum after Dark winter offering - so much to see and participate in - Tarot, DJs, food,Pop Up stalls, exhibition access and heaps more - BOOK NOW
check it out here - Museum after Dark
Thanks you to both Adriana and Maddie for an excellent interview.

Exhibitions to go see:
Deakin University Art Gallery
Deakin Burwood Campus (Building FA), 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood 3125.
Free entry. OPen Mon–Fri 10.00 to 4.00. 
Aug 24 to Oct 9 Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award.


Galleria Crocodillo
Naarm, 738 Plenty Road, Reservoir 3073.
Thurs 11.00 to 6.00, Fri–Sat 12.00 to 8.00, Sun 1.00 to 6.00.
To Aug 23 River Bodies by Robyn Phelan. Elemental encounters between clay, fire, and water.

Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens (Benga)
66 McCrae Street, Dandenong 3175.
Free entry.
Wed–Thurs 10.00 to 3.00.
To Aug 27 Extraordinary Stories: Collection Highlights. 

Whitehorse Art Gallery
Box Hill Town Hall, 1022 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill 3128.
Tues–Fri 10.00 to 4.00, Sat 12.00 to 4.00.
To Sept 5 Emma X Zhang: After Image 

Walker Street Gallery & Arts Centre
Cnr Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong 3175.
Mon–Sat 11.00 to 3.00.
To Aug 15 Primary Succession 

Bulleen Arts And garden centre
Hidden In the Garden
11 July to 18 August  2026     
Free motion embroidery, basketry, glass art by
Carly Leech, Jeanette Carter,  Jenie Yolland  

Maph
BROOK ANDREW  
ROLLERCOASTER: winhangadurinya in motion
6 June – 30 August 2026

SUBSCRIBERS: 
Little Acres - Ange
Kelly K Sullivan – Collage Artist
Sing Song Ceramics - Selby
Elizabeth Gleeson – Muralist and fine artist
Shirley Dougen – 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 if you are interested in being a part of the Art Matters team and bringing art to the radio or to let us know about your upcoming exhibitions and events.
artmatters97.1fm@gmail.com   or   @artmatters_97.1fm

Art Matters #59 - Maddie Reece - Museum Exhibitions Curator at Yarra Ranges Regional Museum Intro Track:&nbsp;Paprika Pony, Kim Gordon, No Home Record, 2019
Today Adriana Alvarez interviewed Maddie Reece from the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum about the current exhibition showing - GONDWANA VR. They chatted about Gondwana VR and how it is an immersive and interactive virtual-reality experience that invites you to discover the world's oldest tropical rainforest, the Daintree Rainforest in Far North Queensland, Australia. 
We discovered that the experience for viewers changes every time you visit as each day Gondwana VR is different and unrepeatable. In this durational experience the rainforest gently unfurls offering viewers time to reflect on the change and loss of this irreplaceable ecosystem. Weather, seasons, and biodiversity shift as you navigate a vast map of ancient trees, rugged mountains and idyllic beaches. But a broader narrative stirs below: over the course of each showing, the rainforest degrades, artistically rendering climate data projections up to the year 2090. The only salve to this seemingly inevitable decline is people - the more time an audience spends in Gondwana, the more resilient the forest becomes. They also talked about how&nbsp;Gondwana VR was developed by artists Emma Roberts and Ben Joseph Andrews over approximately four years and is presented at Yarra Ranges Regional Museum as part of the 2026 Burrinja Climate Change Biennale -&nbsp;<a href="burrinja.org.au">Burrinja.org.au</a> for more details on that. They touched on how the experience for the viewer is interactive and about how technology has enabled a different kind of interaction with art in spaces like this.&nbsp; Get along to see this while you can - as Maddie said we most likely wont have it shown in Victoria again for quite a while.
Exhibition on Display From Wed 15 Jul 2026 to Sun 1 Nov 2026&nbsp; <a href="https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Explore-Yarra-Ranges/Arts-and-our-creative-community/Cultural-venues/Yarra-Ranges-Regional-Museum">Yarra Ranges Regional Museum</a> Free Exhibition Also coming up on Friday the 28th August is the Museum after Dark winter offering - so much to see and participate in - Tarot, DJs, food, Pop Up stalls, exhibition access and heaps more - BOOK NOW check it out here - <a href="https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Explore-Yarra-Ranges/Arts-and-our-creative-community/Cultural-venues/Yarra-Ranges-Regional-Museum/Whats-On/Museum-After-Dark-Creatures-of-the-Night">Museum after Dark</a> Thanks you to both Adriana and Maddie for an excellent interview. Exhibitions to go see: <a href="https://www.deakin.edu.au/about-deakin/locations/campuses/melbourne-burwood/art-gallery">Deakin University Art Gallery</a> Deakin Burwood Campus (Building FA), 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood 3125. Free entry. OPen&nbsp;Mon&ndash;Fri 10.00 to 4.00.&nbsp; Aug 24 to Oct 9&nbsp;Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award. 
<a href="https://www.galleriacrocodillo.com/">Galleria Crocodillo</a> Naarm, 738 Plenty Road, Reservoir 3073. Thurs 11.00 to 6.00, Fri&ndash;Sat 12.00 to 8.00, Sun 1.00 to 6.00. To Aug 23&nbsp;River Bodies&nbsp;by Robyn Phelan. Elemental encounters between clay, fire, and water.
<a href="https://www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/heritage-hill">Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens (Benga)</a> 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong 3175. Free entry. Wed&ndash;Thurs 10.00 to 3.00. To Aug 27&nbsp;Extraordinary Stories: Collection Highlights.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.creativewhitehorse.vic.gov.au/venues/artspace">Whitehorse Art Gallery</a> Box Hill Town Hall, 1022 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill 3128. Tues&ndash;Fri 10.00 to 4.00, Sat 12.00 to 4.00. To Sept 5&nbsp;Emma X Zhang: After Image&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/walker-street-gallery">Walker Street Gallery &amp; Arts Centre</a> Cnr Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong 3175. Mon&ndash;Sat 11.00 to 3.00. To Aug 15&nbsp;Primary Succession&nbsp;
<a href="baag.com.au">Bulleen Arts And garden centre</a> Hidden In the Garden 11 July to 18 August&nbsp; 2026&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Free motion embroidery, basketry, glass art by Carly Leech, Jeanette Carter,&nbsp; Jenie Yolland &nbsp;
<a href="maph.org.au">Maph</a> BROOK ANDREW&nbsp; ROLLERCOASTER: winhangadurinya in motion 6 June &ndash; 30 August 2026 SUBSCRIBERS: Little Acres - Ange Kelly K Sullivan &ndash; Collage Artist Sing Song Ceramics - Selby Elizabeth Gleeson &ndash; Muralist and fine artist Shirley Dougen &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 if you are interested in being a part of the Art Matters team and bringing art to the radio or 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 14.07.2026

Art Matters

In 1 playlist(s)

Art Matters

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips