On Tuesday 19 May 2009 the Chaffey Theatre celebrated its 25th birthday and as part of the birthday celebrations local artists were awarded for their artworks in the Chaffey Theatre’s 25th Birthday Art Exhibition titled Celebration.
The exhibition featured 2D and 3D works with 26 artists exhibiting and a total of 39 works being featured. Anyone from the Riverland and Mallee region could have their work included.
The Art Prize winner, a cash prize of $250 sponsored by Country Arts SA, was Pam Ruediger for her work, a pastel collage titled Just Celebrating.
The 3D prize, cash prize of $250 also sponsored by Country Arts SA, went to Tim Baulderstone for Backyard Dream Machine created with limestone & Ochre.
The Nathan Oliver Memorial Award, a $100 cash prize was awarded to Tony Smith, with his work Cellarbrations. Tony’s works often reflect his concern for the plight of the river red gums that line the banks. He has previously been awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his contribution to tourism and the environment.
Nathan Oliver was an emerging artist and writer and a volunteer at the Berri Arts Centre. Nathan tragically died in January this year due to complications with his heart. The Nathan Oliver Memorial Award has been established to provide a lasting legacy of Nathan and his passion for the arts.
Country Arts SA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ken Lloyd said it was great to see the local community come and celebrate the 25 fabulous years of the Chaffey Theatre.
“The Chaffey Theatre’s 25th Birthday was a huge success. What a great way to celebrate how the Chaffey Theatre has been the great artistic and cultural hub of the Riverland and Mallee region for the last 25 years,” he said.
“The special commemorative Chaffey Theatre Birthday DVD was launched on Tuesday night and I encourage everyone to watch the documentary and learn about the cherished theatre. It’s also great to see local identities sharing their experiences with the Theatre,” he said.
Along with the art exhibition, there were many more festivities on the night, including a performance by the Australian String Quartet with special guest Konstantin Shamray, the launch of the commemorative Chaffey Theatre 25th Birthday DVD and the cutting of the birthday cake.
The Chaffey Theatre 25th Birthday DVD is on sale now at the Chaffey Theatre for $5 as well the special commemorative wine, Cabernet Shiraz from Chellodene Wines for $15.
To find out more information or to purchase your Chaffey Theatre Birthday DVD and wine contact the Chaffey Theatre on 8586 1800 or visit the Theatre, via Seventeenth Street, Renmark.
ENDS
For media enquiries please contact Simone Hawkins, Country Arts SA Marketing Officer on 08 8444 0417 or 0423 828 035 or simone.hawkins@countryarts.org.au