Glebe hits the big One-Five-Oh!
Glebe officially turns 150 on August 1 – and to celebrate, the famously arts-oriented suburb will be hosting an array of ‘Sesqui Shows’ throughout August. Leading the charge is Gallery Adagio, which, as the main gallery hosting the festival’s major exhibition, is playing host to ‘Local Artists Responding to Glebe’ from August 6 to 23.
The exhibition showcases the work of 22 artists with connections to Glebe, each presenting their own interpretations of and reflections upon the suburb. The exhibition canvasses a variety of media, including photos, screen prints, ceramics, paintings and drawings.
“There’s a huge art scene in Glebe – it’s really celebrating all of that. You just have this great cross-section of people and that’s what this represents,” said art director Margaret Tabone.
Amongst the prominent names featuring at the exhibition are Morag Miller, Peter Travis, Reta Annen and long-time Glebe resident, Reg Mombassa. The exhibition will be opened by local community activist Roelof Smilde.
“It’s a look at Glebe then, now and in-between,” said community art organiser Sue Ingram. “There are many artistic responses – one of them is from Peter Travis, who had a very interesting ceramics studio in his house in Glebe, and some of those pieces will be on exhibition. He’s essentially a designer – he actually designed the famous Speedo budgie smugglers!”
Events comprising the Sesquicentenary Festival are being held at various locations throughout Glebe in August. Glebe Library is hosting a historical school photographs exhibition, while Glebe Place will play host to Gallery Red and the Art Almanac Window, both of which will be opened by writer and activist Eva Cox.
In brief…
* Glebe’s foundation as a Municipality will be celebrated with a ceremony held at 9.30am on Sunday, August 2, at St John’s Anglican Church, Bishopsthorpe. The guest speaker will be former resident of Glebe, theologian, academic and author Peter Kaldor.
* On the same day, a time capsule will also be laid on the corner of Glebe Point Road and Parramatta Road at 11am, by Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore.
