At First Mondays in May we were addressed by local artist Anna Mackrell. Anna is a painter of Landscapes and Still Lifes. Her landscapes are mainly of the local area around Strathbogie. Trees and paddocks, farm buildings, hills and clouds are all prominent.  All are impressive.

Anna also exhibited a few collages which she has recently started producing.

We congratulate the Gallery for exhibiting local Artists. The last two months have been exceptional.

Join us on Monday 2 June at 10am to hear Mary Tonkin in conversation with curator Fleur Rendell in the Bennett Gallery. The discussion will center on Rambles, Tonkin’s exhibition of large immersive paintings and the pencil, charcoal and ceramic drawings that underpin them. Learn about the artistic practice of this treasured Australian artist, how she developed her plein air approach and some experiences that have shaped her work.

​Neville Gibb

At this month's 'First Monday' session on Monday 7th April at the Benalla Art Gallery, Simeon Ayres spoke about his exhibition A Cartography of the Heart Country - A Courtship of Belonging. 

Simeon's practice is defined by landscapes that are aerial, map-like in perspective, while also encompassing more traditional and pictorial depictions. His pictures are landscapes in the true sense of the word. They depict the land. The watercourses that cover the land.  He gives almost an exact record of the landscape. It is extremely interesting to someone who recognises the area portrayed.

This exhibition is of a high standard and well worth looking at.  

Join us at the Gallery at 10 am on Monday 5 May when local artist Anna Mackrell will "describe her working process, her drawings, collages and oil paintings. Hear how she is influenced by the landscapes around her home in the Strathbogie Ranges. This talk will be held during her exhibition, A Well Structured Nature, a retrospective of expressive landscape and flower paintings inspired by the region that she loves".


​Neville Gibb

At the 'First Mondays' session at the Gallery in early March we listened to Danny Lacy, Director of the Shepparton Art Museum (SAM).  Danny has had an interesting career and filled us in on the various posts he has held over the years. We were brought up to date with the activities of SAM and their visions for the future. The Shepparton Art Museum is a magnificent building and Danny is working with others towards filling it with Art worthy of the building. Danny's slide presentation reflected the development of SAM's collections, including the Carillo Gantner gift - which is indeed worthy of viewing.

SAM will shortly be showing a Brett Whitely exhibition. Visiting this exhibition is recommended. Whitely was one of our greatest artists and it is entirely possible he died before he did his best work.
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On view in the Simpson Gallery is a series of paintings entitled A Cartography of the Heart Country - A Courtship of Belonging by a local Artist Simeon Ayres. These are a series of paintings which in effect are Maps of Watercourses in the local district. Some of these paintings are exceptionally worth viewing and hopefully might become part of the Galleries collection.

Join us at 'First Mondays' at the Gallery on Monday April 7 at 10 am to hear Simeon describe his process and the maps and drawings in his exhibition.  Join members of the group at the Munro and Sargent Cafe afterwards to chat about the exhibition and catch up with other members of the group.  

Neville Gibb

Benalla Art Gallery welcomed esteemed artist Ron Robertson-Swann who presented  a talk about his practice for the first First Mondays session of the year in early February. Robertson-Swann’s exhibition, Illusion and Gravity: 1960s and 70s painting and sculpture from the artist’s collection, was on display in the Simpson Gallery.

Robertson-Swann’s most controversial and famous sculpture Vault – known as the Yellow Peril – was commissioned for Melbourne City Square in 1980 before being, as Ron puts it, banished. Vault now live s happily on the forecourt of the Australian Centre of Contemporary Art in Southbank, Melbourne.
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Ron has had an eventful life apart from the Vault and he entertained us with details of various occurrences that were of note to him.

At 'First Mondays' on Monday 3 March at 10 am, Benalla Art Gallery welcomes Danny Lacy who will talk about his background, the line-up for 2025 at Shepparton Art Museum and their Hermannsburg works that Benalla Art Gallery will borrow for an upcoming exhibition in June. 

​Join U3A Art Appreciation members at the Gallery for Danny's presentation and, if you can, stay on to enjoy a coffee and chat at the Munro and Sargent Cafe.

​Neville Gibb

At ​our December session at the Gallery we joined artist Juan Ford for an artist talk exploring his art practice, which spans more than twenty years.  Juan's presentation coincided with his major survey exhibition Juan Ford: A Survey at the Bennett Gallery from 8th November 2024 to 26 January 2025.

Begin the new U3A year by joining us on Monday 3 February 2025 between 10 and 11 am when "Benalla Art Gallery welcomes esteemed artist Ron Robertson-Swann who will present a talk about his practice for the first First Mondays session of the year. Robertson-Swann’s exhibition, Illusion and Gravity: 1960s and 70s painting and sculpture from the artist’s collection, is currently on display in the Simpson Gallery.

Robertson-Swann’s most controversial and famous sculpture Vault – known as the Yellow Peril – was commissioned for Melbourne City Square in 1980 before being, as Ron puts it, banished. Vault now lives happily on the forecourt of the Australian Centre of Contemporary Art in Southbank, Melbourne."  (Benalla Art Gallery Website)

There was no 'First Mondays' session in November, which fell on the Melbourne Cup long weekend. 

Neville Gibb

At Art Appreciation on Monday 2 September we were fortunate to be addressed by Marina Strocchi regarding the Three Echoes - Western Desert Art display that is currently in the Gallery. Marina knows personally a number of the painters who have work in the exhibition and was able to explain some of the variations in indigenous art. For instance she gave some explanation of the dot and its significance. There are many different styles in the exhibition and it is hoped that as many people as possible will visit the Gallery.

Marina spoke about her involvement with indigenous art and showed us a number of both still photos and videos of where she made it possible for the women in some Aboriginal Communities to paint their stories on large canvases. One community is 3 hours west of Alice Springs and the other is 6 hours west of Alice. A lot of effort was involved but the result was impressive. Marina is a very impressive woman herself with an understanding of the needs of these isolated communities and has devoted herself to making it possible for the Women in these communities to paint and to benefit from their painting. We commend her for this.

At 'First Monday' at the Gallery on Monday 7 October, from 10 to 11 am, join Arts Project Australia artist Danny Lyons in conversation, coinciding with his Gallery Shop exhibition Self in the Spotlight.  Danny is an emerging artist working in photography, video, and drawing, often incorporating personal experiences in his work. Since 2018, he has made a series of photographic works involving placing himself dressed as different celebrities in the centre of photoshopped scenes. 

​Join us for coffee after the session at the Gallery's Munro and Sargent Cafe. 

​Neville Gibb

On Monday 5th August we had the benefit of listening to Mimi Leung explain her Art. The Gallery has a number of her paintings plus a wall of her Art where she invites us to experiment with graffiti. Mimi Leung is a talented drawer and her paintings are exquisitely coloured fantasy paintings of faces, figures etc in both detailed and expressionistic modes. The work ranges over a number of years and concentrates on the artists 'growing up' as a mother and a human.

​There is also a video installation that includes Mimi's name in Chinese Characters.

On Monday 2 September, join us at 'First Monday' at the Gallery to hear artist Marina Strocchi to hear her speak about her experiences at Ikuntji Art Centre at Haasts Bluff and an important painting project that evolved in the mid-1990s which triggered the Pintupi women’s painting movement at Papunya Tula Artists.  Marina was a consultant for the Three Echoes – Western Desert Art exhibition and a contributing writer for the exhibition catalogue and Education Resource.


​Neville Gibb

At Art Appreciation on Monday 1st July we listened to Claire Beausein as she explained her exhibition  titled Smells Like Rain. Claire is a local artist,  having been born in Wangaratta before moving to Sydney then moving back to this area. Her works are mostly solid images made up of wild silk cocoons, graphite and thread on washi paper. She also has one work made of magnifying glass, fragments of metal silver wire and bronze rod on museum board. There are also several works made by floating ink and thread on washi paper and producing images when the paper is withdrawn from the ink.

On Monday 5 August at 10am August, coinciding with her exhibition, Growing up with you, join artist Mimi Leung for a talk which she explores her illustrative practice and reflects on how her attitudes to art and her own practice have changed as she has grown up and had children.  Now based in Shepparton, Mimi was born and grew up in Hong Kong, studying graphic design then completing an MA in Communication Art and Design in 2007 at the Royal College of Art.  A multidisciplinary artist working across drawing, animation and illustration, Mimi’s work “explores identity, belonging and using art to understand and transcend the mundanity of daily life.” 

Neville Gibb

​We are nearly halfway through our year. On this first Monday we were joined by Ruth Johnson and Lesley Duxbury and enjoyed their Embrace the Eucalypt exhibition. In this exhibition there were collages of leaves and portraits of trees.

Ruth and Lesley explained their own history and development in art. Ruth explained how she transforms ordinary leaves into artistic collages. Leslie explained how she photographs trees in her neighborhood.

In the next space in the Gallery there is a series of Heyson water colours.  Heyson was the master of a Tree in a Paddock painting, but Leslie Duxbury has shown that there can be a measure of exquisite beauty in a large Portrait of a TREE. There are two portraits of trees that make you think about how a tree can be presented and transformed into Art.

​Join Benalla Art Gallery staff in conversation with Claire Beausein on Monday July 1 at 10am as they discuss her exhibition*, Smells Like Rain, which showcases a recent collection of assemblage and mixed-media works on washi paper, all engaging the theme of metamorphosis.  Wangaratta born Claire grew up on a farm at Mt Bruno, returning to  the Warby Ranges several years ago after an artistic journey which began with a degree in Textiles at The Sydney College of the Arts completed in 1984.  Claire's career has included 25 solo exhibitions in Australia and overseas, selection for national awards and international residencies in Switzerland and Japan. While in Japan Claire studied the art of making washi paper as well as Shinto, a spirituality based on the reverence of nature. 

Neville Gibb

* Reference:  Benalla Art Gallery Website

​Coming up on June 3 at 10am  and coinciding with their exhibition, Embrace the Eucalypt, join artists Ruth Johnstone and Lesley Duxbury in conversation with the Gallery curators.

"The ubiquitous eucalypt has come to mean many things to us. It is honoured when it survives to a great age, yet its size and materiality has caused it to be felled for human needs, and of course it is renowned for fuelling raging bushfires.Utilising paper based media and contemporary art, Ruth Johnstone and Lesley Duxbury address the cultural significance of the eucalypt. Both artists have studios amongst eucalypts."  Benalla Art Gallery Website

Can you please ensure you sign the attendance register and pay $2?

​Neville Gibb

At ‘First Monday’ in early March we listened to a printmaker explain his craft. Bill Young, who has been a printmaker for several decades, has worked with several distinguished artists and etchers. Bill transforms what is already a work of art - a drawing etched on a piece of metal or some such item - into a print which displays its artistic merit.​

​Due to Monday 1st April being Easter Monday and a Public Holiday, the Gallery will  not  be holding its usual First Monday meeting.

First Monday's resume on Monday May 6th, when gallery staff will "join in conversation with Janet Leith, about her exhibition, Melancholia, showing in the Simpson Gallery. Following the loss of her father, Janet Leith used the human figure to explore her own emotional and physical world....The figures are depicted as vulnerable and stark against bold backgrounds; the large, cropped bodies, torsos and busts are de-identified through fabric wrapping of the face and body."
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We hope to see you then.

​Neville

At our first Art Appreciation for the year we listened to an artist's talk by Chris O’Brien. Chris is an artist associated with a gallery which caters for people with disabilities. 

Chris took us through his development as an artist by photos of his work and he had several examples of his work to show. Chris is interested in old houses and makes models of them, amongst other things. He lives in Reservoir which is near Brunswick and Brunswick has lots of examples of old houses. In addition, Chris likes to make models of some of his relatives' houses, specifically his Aunt's house. He makes his models out of a variety of materials - clay - cardboard - felt - carpet - cloth. He also does painting, printmaking, sculpture, sculpture and video. He sometimes includes cartoon and TV heroes in his work.

Chris's exhibition, 'Oh the Places I've Seen', is currently on display at the Benalla Art Gallery Shop.

At First Mondays on Monday 4 March from 10 to 11 am, Bill Young, master printmaker, will discuss some of his insights and highlights of his 48 years as a printmaker for artists. Bill has worked from his studio in the King Valley since 1990. Join us at the gallery's Munro and Sargent Cafe after Bill's talk for coffee and conversation!

​Neville Gibb

​Our 'First Mondays' session at the Art Gallery on December 4 was a most enjoyable morning. We were lucky to meet an artist with two works of art completed recently at the request of the Gallery. Mark Dober has painted what you could call a portrait of Winton Wetlands in gouache and watercolours. He has produced two exceptional paintings full of interest and detail. These are large paintings in which Mark has endeavoured to give an impression of Winton and in effect capture the essence of the land. He has tried hard to get the colours and idea of the area as he sees it and we admire him for this.

Mark also showed us examples of his other work on landscapes in various parts of Victoria. ​These are more detailed than his portraits of Winton. We have to note that his portrait of Winton was done in en plein air as quickly as possible and the other works he showed were done in the studio after some reflection and re organisation of the landscape. More orthodox works of art but nevertheless giving a good comparison between the two styles.

​The 'Mark Dober: Wetlands' exhibition, which runs until the 18th February, is well worth looking at.  It runs until the 18th Feb 2024.

Coming up at 'First Mondays' on 5th February 2024, artist Chris O’Brien will be in conversation with an Arts Project Australia staff artist, coinciding with his exhibition Oh, the places I’ve seen!   Meet other members after the session over coffee at the Gallery's Munro and Sargent Cafe.


​Neville Gibb

We are so fortunate to have such a vibrant, highly regarded Art Gallery in Benalla.  Exhibitions are constantly changing, with events surrounding them usually incorporating an artists talk at 'First Mondays' from 10 to 11 on the first Monday of the month.  For many years this timeslot was the popular U3A 'Art Appreciation' session at the gallery.  Since the session became part of the gallery's 'First Mondays' public education program a few years ago, U3A 'Art Appreciation' members form part of the audience each month, often meeting up for coffee the session in the gallery's cafe.  

We next meet at the Gallery at 10 am on Monday 4th December for an artist talk by landscape artist and arts writer Mark Dober.  This coincides with Mark's major exhibition at the Gallery - Wetlands - and will be followed by a coffee and catch up at the Gallery's atmospheric Munro and Sargent Cafe. 
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Neville Gibb

At October’s First Mondays session at the Gallery, painting conservator Linda Waters discussed the detective work of paintings’ conservators, focusing on the astonishing amount of information that the materials, particularly those seen on the back, can reveal. Linda outlined examples from her book The Back of the Painting (Te Papa Press 2021), plus works from the National Gallery of Victoria and the Benalla Art Gallery.

There will be no First Mondays session on November 6. 

Join us at the Gallery at 10 am on Monday 4th December for an artist talk by landscape artist and arts writer Mark Dober.  This coincides with Mark's major exhibition at the Gallery - Wetlands - and will be followed by a coffee and catch up at the Gallery's atmospheric Munro and Sargent Cafe. 
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Neville Gibb

​At our September session we were introduced to the exhibition entitled Always and Altered. These are several works inspired by the Art Galleries idyllic position between the artificial Lake and the Benalla Botanic Gardens. The curator of this exhibition Dr Suzie Baker who acquainted us with her recent setting up Artists in Residence at Dookie College. The provider of one of the exhibits on display Jen Valender explained the meaning in her video. The video is of an installation in the Dookie Quarry and shows two snakes slithering up and down two camera tripods held together with harp strings that hum with the wind and noise is amplified through sound boxes attached to the top of the tripods.

There is an installation of items gathered at Winton Wetlands and a series of photographs of some history of Winton Wetlands. It is interesting to note that Winton Wetlands was recognised as being the most productive land in the area by both settlers and indigenous people.

​On Monday October 2 Art Appreciation members will meet at 10am for Benalla Art Gallery's 'First Monday' presentation 'The Back of the Painting' by painting conservator Linda Waters, followed by a coffee and catch up at the gallery's wonderful Munro and Sargent Cafe.  

​Neville Gibb

At our August meeting we listened to local Benalla artists Victoria Cooper and Doug Spowart traverse themes, both personal and political, in the investigation and representation of “site” and “place” in the Australian landscape. Much of this work was created in response to the historical and contemporary changes to our place in the landscape and the philosophical concept of Solastalgia. From this they have created work through artists-in-residences and commissions in places across Eastern Australia including Arthur Boyd’s Bundanon, Muswellbrook, Myall Park Botanic Garden in central southern Queensland and Mildura.

Victoria and Doug take photographs using both conventional and Camera Obscura methods. They produce unusual and artistic books which give an impression of site. They have started to work on Winton Wetlands and we look forward to the results of their endeavours.

​Coming up - Join U3A Benalla Art Appreciation members on the 'First Monday' at the Benalla Gallery -  - September, 4 September, from 10 to 11 am - for a presentation by Dr Suzie Fraser, Coordinator at the Centre of Visual Art, University of Melbourne, in conversation with exhibiting artist Jen Valender, about the ‘Art + Ecology’ residency program at Dookie Campus. The presentation coincides with the display of four works resulting from the residency program in the major exhibition Always and Altered.

​Neville Gibb

On Monday 4th July we listened to a talk given by local elder and artist Desiree Walker.

Desiree Walker is an Auntie within the Indigenous Community and has devoted herself to learning how to make authentic indigenous products and handiwork as they were in the past. She has made herself familiar with weaving techniques used in basket making and fish traps. She has used this knowledge to not only to reproduce artifacts but to also use these methods in the production of artworks that stand on their own.

Desiree's work is on display in the Gallery under the title Interwoven:Stories of Country from North and South.

​At our last First Monday we were acquainted with the work of Eamon O’Toole.  Eamon is a self confessed revhead, artist and dirt bike rider and is fuelled by his life-long passion for all things motorsport — a passion which he turns into sculptural creations of his favourite motorbikes and cars.

Eamon spoke of a lifetime obsession with sculpture and gave us full details of his complete career  in art.

Painstakingly created out of hand-moulded plastic, enamel, aluminium foil, texta and more, Eamon's works are authentic scaled replicas of an impressive array of motor vehicles, tools, and motorsport paraphernalia.

It is not always possible to discern art in installations but in this case it is easy to comprehend the artistic input in his sculptures. Eamon has managed to mould a mixture of things into his interesting take on motor sport which has resulted in an enjoyable display.

Join us at our next 'First Monday' at the Benalla Art Gallery, Monday 3 July at 10am, for an artist talk by Aunty Desiree Walker, coinciding with the display of her work within the exhibition Interwoven: Stories of Country from North and South.  Stay behind afterwards and join others for a coffee and chat at the Munro and Sargent Cafe. 

Neville Gibb

​On the 1st Monday in May we were privileged to listen to Mike Nicholls tell us about his life and his artistic career. Mike sculpts from single pieces of wood. Some large - some small.  Some are very large.  It is not always obvious that they are one single piece of wood.  His aim is to visually express commentary on such issues as the futility of war, concern for the environment, and indicating humanity’s spiritual self.  

Mike was able to go into detail about his technique and we saw a series of slides giving a true indication of his work.  Mike explained that it's virtually impossible to attach two pieces of wood together and expect that the wood will stay attached.  The finished product will reveal itself as the sculpture progresses.  It is always inside the piece of wood.  This is the same with all sculpture.

Mike also acquainted us with the brutal realities of pursuing an artistic passion. In order to start work on a project he first has to arrange the finance.  And he has to allocate time.  He has the same responsibilities as most people and his family always must come first. Nevertheless, he has managed to carve himself a career that has spanned several decades and he has been awarded accolades for his efforts.  He has succeeded in his endeavours. 

​Join us at ‘First Mondays’ at the Gallery on Monday June 5th, at 10 am for an artist talk by "self confessed revhead, artist Eoman O’Toole, coinciding with his major exhibition  Hot Lap. Eamon’s art practice is fuelled by his life-long passion for all things motorsport — a passion which he turns into sculptural creations".

Neville Gibb 

At our last First Monday we listened to Tony Lloyd expand on the exhibition of his paintings that are on show at the Gallery.  Tony’s paintings are realistic portraits of mountains and landscapes and are deliberately just short of super realist.  Tony’s talk ranged over his career in Art and can be summed up in the statement - have paint brush will travel.  Tony has travelled extensively and drawn inspiration from various parts of the world including the high country to our immediate north.  He admits having been influenced by both Caravaggio and early moving film.  Caravaggio is not immediately obvious, but when explained by Tony one can see the connection and the slightly out of focus state of his mountain paintings have the same look as the soft focus that is evident in early moving film.

Neville Gibb

At our March  First Monday we were fortunate to be lectured by Nina Machielse Hunt regarding the Art situation in Beechworth and specifically about the Beechworth Contemporary Biennale. 

This was an enjoyable experience as it is obvious Nina is a very energetic person dedicated to art.

Our next first Monday on April 3 will be an artist talk by Tony Lloyd, coinciding with his major exhibition High Plains Drift.  Stay behind and join others for a coffee and chat at the Munro and Sargent Cafe.  

​Neville Gibb

Unfortunately, our last First Monday had to be cancelled. We are confident all will be OK on the first Monday in March.

Can I take this opportunity to advise everyone who has not seen the Ledger Collection to take the time to study every painting. The Ledgers were very generous in donating their collection to the Gallery and there are a number of interesting paintings on show. There is a higher proportion of paintings by females than is usual for one thing. And the paintings have been hung by the Curator to show them in their best light.

Please make the effort to view this exhibition before it closes.

Our next First Monday - 6 March - 10 - 11am
​Speaker:  Nina Machielse Hunt – Beechworth Contemporary

​Neville Gibb

Join us at the Gallery on the 6th February from 10 to 11 am for an artist talk by Deborah Kelly, the first of the year in the ‘First Monday’ series. 

Deborah is well-known for her collages.  Her work, The Gods of Tiny Things, is currently on display in Between the Details: Video Art from the ACMI Collection, a kaleidoscopic video which “unleashes a vivid collage of animated figures and landscapes cut free from the pages of old magazines and encyclopaedias. It explores the threats of extinction and the climate crisis, the tolls of colonialism, and the global political shift to the right, while conversely revelling in the hectic pleasures and desires of life itself.” 

Stay after the session for coffee and catch up with friends at the Gallery’s Munro and Sargent Café.

​Neville Gibb