ExBo 2023 at Box Gallery, Manning

A new exhibition titled ExBo 2023 has opened at Box Gallery, Manning and will be on display to the community until November 2023.

In February and March 2023, Manning community members participated in four workshops where they created small objects and images around the theme of ‘water’ to be collated into larger art installations displayed in ExBo 2023. Two artist workshops were facilitated by local artist, Anne Farrell and two drop-in craft sessions were facilitated by library staff at South Perth and Manning Libraries.

Anne Farrell is a qualified artist and art educator with a Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art) and a Diploma of Education (Primary Teaching). Anne runs artist workshops for adults and children at The Pencil Case Art Studio. She has over 14 years’ experience teaching in schools across Perth, working with children 5 to 13 years of age. Anne has also volunteered as a teacher in remote community schools in India. For 10 years Anne ran the popular Use Your Coloured Pencils where she shared art lessons and the results of working with hundreds of students over the years.

For the first workshop Anne Farrell facilitated a Yarn Painting class. Participants learned the basics by creating a small yarn painting tile in the theme of water to be added to the community display and then progressed to their own unique piece to take home. The yarn/wool was recycled/repurposed and different textures, colours and gauges of wool were used to create a water landscape.

The second workshop facilitated by Anne Farrell by was a wire sculpture class. Participants created a Long-neck Turtle sculpture based on the local wildlife, using armature wire and beading. The Yarn Painting and Turtle sculpture classes complimented the drop-in creative sessions where participants created origami waterbirds from the South Perth foreshore area.The waterbirds created are based on local wildlife from the Djirda Miya (Noongar name meaning home of the birds) or Black Swan Habitat. The local waterbirds, namely Black Swans and ducks were created using recycled books and coloured paper.

These artworks were created and are displayed on the lands of the Whadjuk people and we recognise the knowledge they share. We would love your feedback on ExBo 2023, please feel free to email any comments to library@southperth.wa.gov.au or come into the library to add your feedback to our comments box.