the SWICH News + Events Blog

Emerging Artist Solo Series #1 - Annamaria Mays, 'Salvage: journey of a textile artist'

2012-02-09T10:39:00.000+10:00

ARTalk Philosophy Cafe - Feb 2012

2012-02-09T01:31:00.002+10:00

SIZE MATTERS @ THE SWICH

2011-11-29T11:38:00.004+10:00

The SWICH Contemporary Art Space is pleased to announce our annual end of year group exhibition, Size Matters II, boasting over 50 original artworks from 24 participating artists from Ipswich, Toowoomba, Brisbane and Melbourne.

All artworks in this exhibition are 12”x12” and priced $150 and under, making original art accessible and affordable. The exhibition is comprised of artworks across a range of mediums including painting, photography, drawing, digital, mixed media and video installation.

The exhibition runs from 29 November and concludes on 23 December, 2011 at 2pm.

Normal gallery hours: Tue-Fri 9am-4pm and Saturday 9am-2pm
Extended trading leading up to Christmas will include Friday nights until 8pm and Sundays 10am-1pm throughout December.

SCOTT SIDEN SOLO SHOW

2011-11-15T14:24:00.005+10:00

The SWICH Contemporary Art Space is proud to present Scott Siden, the Winner of our exhibition & mentoring package from the QT Ipswich Art Awards 2011.

Scott is currently studying visual arts at the Bremer Institute of TAFE and has exhibited in a number of group exhibitions. This is Scott's first solo exhibition, comprised of mixed media artworks exploring war, religion and political satire featuring Australian Prime Ministers and American Presidents.

The exhibition begins today and concludes on Saturday 26 November, 2011 at 2pm

All artworks are for sale and we have layby and eftpos facilities.

Gallery hours: Tue-Fri 9am-4pm Sat 9am-2pm
Extended hours for November: Friday nights until 8pm

Ipswich Enviroplan Photographic Competition and Exhibition 2011

2011-11-04T04:32:00.000+10:00

ARTalk Philosophy Cafe - Nov 2011 (World Philosophy Day)

2011-11-04T03:52:00.000+10:00

ABKIN: EXHIBITION EXTENDED

2011-10-12T10:35:00.008+10:00

The SWICH Contemporary Art Space is pleased to host abkin, solo exhibition of new works by exceptional Ipswich based contemporary artist Gary Abkin.

Abkin, originally from California, completed his Bachelor of Fine Art in painting at the San Francisco Art Institute. He established his art career in California before exhibiting widely across the US over the last 10 years. Now based in Ipswich Abkin has created a new series working primarily in oils on canvas. Also on display are projections of his sketches.

Abkin’s work speaks from a new consciousness to transcend what we know to be real yet references the familiar in our landscapes. Abkin describes these new work as “a sense of place during a moment of being” and as “a look behind the eyes”.

This exhibition opened to the public on Tuesday 4 October and has been extended until the end of October - now concluding on Saturday 29 October at 2pm.

All artworks are original and are available to purchase, including the sketches. We have eftpos facilities and accept layby.

ARTalk Philosophy Cafe - Oct 2011 (ARTalk @ IAG)

2011-09-30T10:00:00.001+10:00

RESISTANCE IS FUTILE: technology art group exhibition @ the SWICH

2011-09-08T12:07:00.001+10:00

RESISTANCE IS FUTILE explores the key concepts and underlying effects of Information Technology and Cyber Culture on the way we live.

The artists' response to this theme are varied and include comment on the use of technology in war as well as in the everyday domestic environment. A number of the artworks express concerns of becoming overwhelmed and controlled by technology, where others revisit the the 'big bang' of computer technology and offer a new perspective on obsolete technology.

Artists from Ipswich, Brisbane and Melbourne have participated in this exhibition using a range of mediums from painting and mixed media to digital graphics and installation.

Through this exhibition we also welcome 3 new artists to the Ipswich Contemporary Arts Network:

Shannan Kingwell, Graphic designer
Michael Munt, Installation artist
Doug Nemeth, Mixed media sculptor

Exhibition opened to the public on Tuesday 6 September and will conclude at 2pm on Saturday 1 October.

Gallery hours: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm and Sat 9am-2pm
T. 07 32819192 for more info

ARTalk Philosophy Cafe - Sep 2011

2011-09-04T12:18:00.000+10:00

The event is held in conjunction with:

SiA International Sculpture Symposium 2011

Proudly supported by the

IPSWICH EMERGING ARTISTS SOLO SERIES - Supported by the Ipswich RADF

2011-08-16T12:33:00.021+10:00

I'm pleased to announce that I have been granted a Regional Arts Development Fund grant to assist with staging the Ipswich Emerging Artists Solo Series at the SWICH Contemporary Art Space. This series provides the opportunity for 6 emerging contemporary artists based in Ipswich to receive mentoring in creating a new series of work, culminating in a 2 week solo exhibition for each artist. As a major part of this program I will mentor the artists to guide them through the process of creating, presenting and promoting a new body of work.

These 6 exhibitions will allow access by the wider community to a diverse selection of emerging artists work which in turn affects a greater understanding of the role of contemporary art in our community and how art can change our perceptions of ourselves and our local environment.

After a two month selection process the final artists selected are:

Allan Saunderson - Painting/graphic design
Ben Leadbetter - Art photography
John Grassi - Painting
Donna Dobbs - Millinery/sculpture
Annamaria Mays - Mixed media
Kylie Stevens - Mixed media

Congratulations to all the successful artists! I look forward to working with all of the artists and staging the exhibitions beginning in October 2011 and concluding in May 2012. Visit our Art Gallery Schedule page to stay updated on all of our upcoming exhibitions.

LeAnne Vincent
Director/Gallery Co-ordinator
the SWICH Contemporary Art Space

The Regional Arts Development Fund is a Queensland Government and Ipswich City Council partnership to support local arts and culture

the SWICH Contemporary Art Space celebrates its 1st Birthday

2011-08-15T19:11:00.021+10:00

Since our first opening in August, 2010 we have staged 15 art exhibitions, 10 ARTalk Philosophy Cafes plus a number of community arts projects including the ART Relay at Rockton Artist Bazaar, ART for Ipswich (Flood charity art auction), Animated Spaces: Alive with music, theatre, poetry and visual arts at the Top of Town and the launch of SAVED a THAT Production production.

To celebrate this milestone we are now hosting 'One'- a 3 week group exhibition of artists from the Ipswich Contemporary Arts Network who have supported us throughout our first year, Live Action Mural Painting (Spark|Abkin|Davis) Saturday 20 August from 9am and our Birthday party, Thursday 25 August from 6pm including live musical performance and giveaways.

Artist lineup: Andrew Spark, Gary Abkin, Leanne Walker, Glen Smith, Craig Amos, Kylie Stevens, Sharon McKenzie, Claudia Manion, Kate Roberts, Wade Tuck and Todd Manion.

Exhibition dates - 16 August - 3 September, 2011

The SWICH Team would sincerely like to thank everyone who has supported us in various ways throughout our first year including the artists, community partners, local business and the general community. We have an exciting exhibition schedule planned for the duration of 2011 and well into 2012 and we look forward to sharing these events with you.

this place

2011-07-28T22:23:00.004+10:00

Saved at the SWICH

2011-07-24T22:48:00.000+10:00

ARTalk Philosophy Cafe - Aug 2011

2011-07-24T21:01:00.000+10:00

INFUSED: All things tea

2011-07-09T08:48:00.000+10:00

ARTalk Philosophy Cafe - Jul 2011

2011-06-25T16:21:00.000+10:00

The Unseen: New works by Lorraine Kitching & Marcelle Little

2011-06-21T12:10:00.000+10:00

ARTalk Philosophy Cafe - Jun 2011

2011-06-06T08:35:00.000+10:00

ARTalk Philosophy Cafe - May 2011 CANCELLED

2011-05-10T22:45:00.005+10:00

Dear Philo-cafe goers!

Due to weather conditions tonight's ARTalk Philosophy Cafe at Bon Laneway has been cancelled.

We will re-schedule Sandy Horneman-Wren's talk on 'When art flourishes, communities benefit and business prospers'. You will be notified soon of changes to the program.

Thank you for supporting ARTalk Philosophy Cafe and we hope to see you at the next event.

gIL

Gilbert Burgh
Project Coordinator
the SWICH Contemporary Art Space
191 Brisbane Street
Ipswich, Q. 4305
AUSTRALIA
Tel: 07 3281 9192
Tel (international): +61 7 3281 9192
Email: theswich.info@bigpond.com
Website: www.theswichcas.com.au

HIGH VOLTAGE OPENS AT THE SWICH

2011-05-10T07:40:00.008+10:00

We are pleased to announce that our new exhibition, High Voltage: music inspired art, opens to the public today. This exhibition explores music from the 20th Century and beyond through the mediums of painting, photography, mixed media,video and installation. The exhibition runs from 10 May until 4 June, 2011 and features artists from the Ipswich Contemporary Arts Network and artists from outside of Ipswich including: John Grassi, Ivan Lord, DEADMIKE, Leanne Walker, Kylie Stevens, Kate Roberts, Craig Amos, Allan Saunderson, Glen Smith, LeAnne Vincent and featuring installation art by Bud Beckett.

For more information phone 07 3281 9192 or email us at theswich.info@bigpond.com.

the SWICH Contemporary Art Space welcomes The University of Queensland intern to the SWICH team

2011-05-06T21:26:00.011+10:00

We would like to introduce the newest member of the SWICH team Elyssa Schultz who is currently studying at the School of Journalism and Communication at The University of Queensland. Elyssa is a Public Relations intern who is on board to assist us with our current community art projects, in particular our collaborative Animated Spaces Project with the Creative Generator SEQ and the Queensland Arts Council.

We look forward to working with Elyssa on our projects and to offering further internships in the future.

Animated Spaces: Alive with Music, Theatre, Poetry & Visual Art

2011-04-25T18:53:00.004+10:00

the SWICH Contemporary Art Space (a Transforming Spaces project)
PRESENTS
Animated Spaces: Alive with Music, Theatre, Poetry & Visual Art

Featuring a program of unique experiences (21-28 May)

ArtSpace
Abkin + Spark: live action painting | collaborative Indigenous artwork | poster Art | sculpture | video + more

Speakeasy
Urchins Gutter Band | Shoot! The Piano Player | Live Jazz & Blues + more

Window Theatre
An interactive living installation of performance, movement & dance

Roving Performances
Fractal Theatre Productions

@ 201 BRISBANE STREET, IPSWICH

PLUS other arts events you don’t want to miss!

> Window Dressing: reduce, reuse, upcycle arts project (12-28 May)
> Artisans Pop-up Shop (22-28 May)
> High Voltage: music inspired art (10 May - 4 June)
> ARTalk Philosophy Cafe (19 May)
@ TOP OF TOWN

> Bringin’ Some Rock & Punk Culture to Ipswich
Ipswich bands 1.1.1, Mum's Tennis Friends, Celebrity Stalkers, 1 cursed 1, Benny Cash and the Loose Change, and special guests French band Harmonic Generator on their 'Le Downside Up Tour' - Caladonia Hotel (28 May)
@ BELL STREET

ALL EVENTS ARE DURING THE IPSWICH FESTIVAL 18-29 MAY

A Collaborative interactive art space proudly supported by ...

Our supporters:
An Animated Spaces Initiative supported by CREATIVE GENERATOR SEQ & Queensland Arts Council | Top of Town | Ipswich Festival

Sponsors:
Andrew Spark: advertising + marketing consultant | Alive in Oz | Elders Real Estate (Ipswich) | ARTtime | Warigo Wines | Paint Place | David Becket carpenter & home maintenance | LeAnne Vincent Photography

Community Partners:
Ipswich Contemporary Arts Network | inRetrospect Films | Fractal Theatre Productions | Soulful Stomp Productions | Little Brown Dog | i|DANCE | SiA - Sculptors in Action Inc | Shoot! The Piano Player |Little Bird | Solidarity iKulture Club! | 1.1.1 | THAT Production Company | Bremer TAFE

BARDON STUDIOS produce documentary on photographer and social activist LeAnne Vincent

2011-04-18T12:38:00.006+10:00

Steve and Gail Browne from Bardon Studios have just completed their latest art documentary that was shot on location in Ipswich at the beginning of 2010. Photographer and Social Activist, LeAnne Vincent, is interviewed about her art and the town she lives in - Ipswich!

Thank you to Steve and Gail from Bardon Studios for their expertise, professionalism and patience!

Negativity Bin: Opening speech by John Acutt, Head of English at Ipswich Grammar School

2011-04-05T07:28:00.002+10:00

Ladies and Gentleman
It is with a great deal of pleasure that I say few words about Brett’s latest poetic release.

Brett is a rare individual. He possesses a vast knowledge of the world, its history, geography, cultures and its mythologies and he combines this knowledge in his poetry with a fanatical obsession of a diverse range of subjects that include: Steve Irwin, Astro Boy, other extinct species, Victoria Cross winners, the US Space Program, the Bremer River, American kidnappers and He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. All of these things, and more, have been grist for the mill of Brett’s pencil. A pencil he grips tightly in his left hand and through some alchemist’s art is able to transubstantiate words into poetry. Very bloody good poetry.

The knowledge and the obsessions in this work, The Negativity Bin, that have come together in some process of liquefaction, are a disparate band of individuals in a Job Search Training scheme and the 1974 documentary series, “The Ascent of Man”. Those of you who are as old or older than me will remember Jacob Bronowski, the presenter in the series, who walked the audience through the phases of homo sapiens’ intellectual development. These phases became the 13 episodes of his series. The titles of these episodes have been taken by Brett as thematic headings in The Negativity Bin.

Bronowski describes evolution, man’s socialisation, his discovery of fire and agriculture through to the burgeoning fields of Mathematics, Astronomy and Physics – hundreds of thousands of years of progress. The irony is that for Brett, Bronowski's “The Ascent of Man” template fits neatly over a small slither of our world. There are many of us who are still proto-apes, foragers, tool makers and a rare few, at the top of our ascent, who are visionary artists and scientists.

Jacob Bronowski's heroes in “The Ascent of Man” were radical physicists who believed passionately in their theories in the face of controversy and violent attacks by conservative elements in the Scientific world. Bronowski says the ascent of man is entirely dependent upon these people of passion, who devote their lives to enlightening the non-believers. Poets too enlighten the non-believers, they reveal truths to us that are at times unpopular and force us to alter our view of the world.

In his last reflection on the program Bronowski doesn’t look to Science but to poetry to articulate the vision of his heroes. He finds in William Blake’s, Auguries of Innocence, the language to express their vision:

To see a world in a grain of sand,
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
And eternity in an hour.

So it is the great achievement of modern science that has led us to our knowledge of the physical world.

It is however the great challenge of poetry to make us understand the worlds within the world.

Bronowski and Dionysius have wed Science and Poetry.

Jacob Bronowski said that “Cultural evolution is a constant growing and widening of the human imagination.” Brett asks us to grow and widen our imaginations. He asks us to see “The Ascent of Man” superimposed on the lives of a group of Job Seekers.

And more than that – he gives to us social observation in accelerated montage, a flickering collage of suburban narratives, historical artefacts of the then and now pasted onto a fast moving mirror ball – If you know Brett’s work, you’ll know, “he's plugged into the galaxy! He's got the power cosmic!”

Brett, congratulations. And with that I am very happy to launch the good ship, The Negativity Bin.

John Acutt
Head of English
Ipswich Grammar School

ARTalk Philosophy Cafe - Apr 2011

2011-03-28T19:22:00.000+10:00

The Negativity Bin

2011-03-21T15:46:00.004+10:00

Book launch and works on paper exhibition

The SWICH Contemporary Art Space is pleased to announce that we are hosting 'The Negativity Bin', a joint launch of works on paper by Ipswich artist Jodie Weller and Woodend poet, B.R. Dionysius’s latest chapbook, 'The Negativity Bin'.

'The Negativity Bin' is a single, 40 page poem, written by Brett Dionysius who currently works in the English department at Ipswich Grammar School, that follows a series of unemployed/underemployed characters involved in compulsory job search training under the Howard government in the late 1990s. The book’s title, “The Negativity Bin” refers to a shoddy psychological method employed by Job Search providers where participants were asked to dump their negative feelings and words into a square or ‘bin’ drawn onto a whiteboard.

Jodie Weller, who also teaches art at the Ipswich Grammar School, is exhibiting her works on paper, drawings and lino reliefs, forms a series of work based on real female characters. Some are historical and iconic, some tragic and some are influenced by Jodie’s own experiences.

Exhibition dates

Tuesday 22 March to Saturday 9 April, 2011

Gallery hours are

Tue-Fri 9am-4pm and Saturday 9am-2pm.

Website: www.theswichcas.com.au

Email: theswich.info@bigpond.com

Tel:

07 3281 9192

ARTalk Philosophy Cafe - Mar 2011

2011-03-16T06:53:00.000+10:00

NEW EXHIBITION OPENS TODAY AT THE SWICH - COHESION: visual artists from the Ipswich Contemporary Arts Network

2011-02-15T21:36:00.009+10:00

The SWICH Contemporary Art Space presents:

COHESION - an exhibition of photography, painting, mixed media, millinery, installation and film.

Featuring eight visual artists from the Ipswich Contemporary Arts Network (ICAN):

Wade Tuck
Bonnie Hislop
LeAnne Vincent
Allan Saunderson
Donna Dobbs
Laura Phillips
Todd Manion
Gavin Lewis

Starts: Tuesday 15 February
Finishes: Saturday 19 March 2011

Opening hours:

Tuesday - Friday 9am-4pm and Saturday 9am-2pm.

ART for Ipswich - Flood Appeal Charity Art Auction - Saturday 12 February 2011

2011-02-11T12:27:00.001+10:00

You are warmly invited to attend ART for Ipswich Flood Appeal Art Auction at the SWICH Contemporary Art Space on Saturday 12 February, 2011. All the artworks have been donated by artists in the Ipswich region, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast including Deb Mostert with her portrait of ABC radio personality Madonna King, Raoul Slater (renowned wildlife photographer), Rod Hammond, Andrew Spark, Donna Davis, Sally Picker, Charmaine Davis and Gary Abkin.

We are pleased to announce that Les Thornton from Professionals Thornton Real Estate Ipswich is donating his time and expertise to be our Auctioneer for the evening. Live musical entertainment will be provided prior to the start of the auction and Deann’s Coffee House will be open for the duration of the auction.

All artworks are available online for viewing HERE.

The gallery will be open on the day of the auction from 9am to 2pm and will re-open at 4pm to allow bidder registration and viewing time before the auction commences at 5pm.

NOTE: If you can't attend the Live Auction we will be taking bids all week at the SWICH Contemporary Art Space, 191 Brisbane St, Ipswich, so drop in and place a bid on your favourite artwork.

HOW TO BID

AT THE AUCTION

Please register prior to the auction to receive your bidder number. Registration opens at 4pm.

BIDDING BEFORE THE AUCTION

1. Choose an artwork that you would like to bid on.

2. Decide on the maximum amount you would like to pay for that artwork.

3. Complete the bidding form and place into the bids box.

4. On Friday afternoon, 11 February 2011, you will be contacted by gallery staff to confirm your bid.

5. The highest bid placed on any artwork before the live auction starts, at 5pm on Saturday 12 February2011, will become the starting bid for that artwork.

6. If no one else bids on your artwork on the night of the live auction, yours will be the successful bid and you will be contacted the next day to arrange payment and pickup of artwork asap (cash or credit card only).

Please note: bidding prior to the live auction does not guarantee that you will be the highest bidder. Please attend the live auction if wish to bid further.

Payment for all successful bids will need to be finalised on the night and artworks taken. PLEASE NOTE: WE ONLY ACCEPT CASH OR CREDIT CARD.

the SWICH Contemporary Art Space

191 Brisbane Street

Ipswich, Q. 4305

AUSTRALIA

Tel: 07 3281 9192

Tel (international): +61 7 3281 9192

Email: theswich.info@bigpond.com

Website: www.theswichcas.com.au

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Art-for-Ipswich-Charity-Art-Auction/151275188260294

ARTalk Philosophy Cafe - Feb 2011

2011-01-30T13:42:00.000+10:00

ARTalk Philosophy Cafe - Jan 2011

2011-01-01T13:18:00.001+10:00

HAPPY SWICHMAS

2010-12-24T14:33:00.016+10:00

We would like to take this opportunity, as we approach the close of 2010, to sincerely thank all the artists and designers that have been involved with our gallery and other projects throughout the year as well as all the kind and wonderful people that have supported us in various ways - loaning us stuff, giving us stuff, building us stuff, washing up for us (thanks Brent), lots of hugs, coming to all of our opening night events and visiting our gallery.

We have thoroughly enjoyed meeting you all and we treasure the new friendships we have made. As always we believe that fostering connections between artists and the wider community is vital in changing perceptions of our environment and identity and we will continue to host regular opening night events and other special events to further to encourage a collaborative arts community in the Ipswich region.

We wish you and your families a very happy and safe SWICHMAS and New Year.

LeAnne & Gil

BIDDING FOR THE SALLY HARRISON PAINTING CONCLUDES 22 DECEMBER

2010-12-16T11:26:00.002+10:00

Sally Harrison, Ipswich artist, donated a painting of Rockton House to the Ipswich Regional Arts Council for a silent auction with all proceeds going to the Ipswich Regional Arts Council.

The current bid stands at $400. Should you wish to make a further bid please visit our gallery at 191 Brisbane St, Ipswich and place your bid in the box provided at the entry. The person who bids the highest amount by 22 December will win the auction. The SWICH Contemporary Art Space will contact the winner on Thursday 23 December to arrange payment and pickup/delivery.

Our gallery hours are Tues-Fri 9am-4pm (Thurs until 7pm) and Saturday 9am-2pm.

Ways of Seeing: a photographic study of the Top of Town

2010-12-06T21:25:00.000+10:00

Top of Town

HOME GROWN 2010: An exhibition of recent work by Ipswich artists

2010-12-06T21:06:00.000+10:00

Home Grown continues until Tuesday 14 December 2010 | Open 7 days 10am-2pm

ARTalk Philosophy Cafe - guest Dr Laura D'Olimpio

2010-11-30T20:36:00.000+10:00

Thursday 2nd December 2010

Deann's Coffee House
195 Brisbane Street, Ipswich QLD 4305

Topic:

What can we learn from mass art?

Guest:

Dr Laura D’Olimpio
School of Humanities, University of Western Australia

Laura’s research areas include aesthetics and ethics, philosophy and education and moral philosophy, specialising in the moral impact of mass artworks, particularly film, in society.

She currently teaches at the University of Notre Dame WA, conducts courses for The University of Western Australia Extension, and is involved with the Association for Philosophy in Schools, WA.

Stay for a brief moment or be the last to leave!

ARTalk Philosophy Cafe - Dec 2010

2010-11-20T17:23:00.000+10:00

Thursday 2nd December 2010

Deann's Coffee House

195 Brisbane Street
Ipswich QLD 4305

Topic:

What can we learn from mass art?

Guest:

Dr Laura D’Olimpio
School of Humanities
University of Western Australia

The café as a public space and forum for discussion and community

You don't need to be a world renowned philosopher, to be endowed with the wisdom of Socrates, or to have read the complete works of Plato to enjoy the stimulating atmosphere of a philosophy café.

Turning city cafés into intellectual nooks for open discussion has a long history dating back to 1947 in Paris. Since then thousands of philosophy café goers worldwide have embraced the idea as a way to enhance thinking about the world around them, and to encourage more airing of opinions and civic debate.

Discover café life at the Top of Town and delight in the good food and drink to order (available throughout the evening) in a vibrant space and listen to guest speakers, ponder provocative topics, and with plenty of opportunity to join in the lively discussion.

Stay for a brief moment or be the last to leave!

Street Art - full colour book by Paul Rollo

2010-11-14T07:55:00.000+10:00

"WEST END STREET ART" is a new full colour book by photographer Paul Rollo documenting twelve of the main street artists currently painting Brisbane's town the colour of imagination.

112 pages, A5, of colour photos of Street Art - stencils, stickers, paste ups, graffiti and other media from West End area in Brisbane, Australia.

Only $29.95

Available in Ipswich ONLY at

Celebrate World Philosophy Day @ Bon Laneway

2010-11-13T23:13:00.001+10:00

Thursday 18th November 2010

Bon Laneway Café

17 Ellenborough Street
Ipswich QLD 4305

Topic:

Art and the City

Guest:

Dr Gilbert Burgh

School of History, Philosophy, Religion and Classics

The University of Queensland

The café as a public space and forum for discussion and community

You don't need to be a world renowned philosopher, to be endowed with the wisdom of Socrates, or to have read the complete works of Plato to enjoy the stimulating atmosphere of a philosophy café.

Stay for a brief moment or be the last to leave!

the SWICH Contemporary Art Space promo video

2010-11-13T20:47:00.002+10:00

Promo video

TOP OF TOWN HERITAGE
191 BRISBANE STREET
IPSWICH QLD 435

Gallery opening hours are:

Monday: closed

Tuesday: 9am-4pm

Wednesday: 9am-4pm

Thursday: 9am-6pm

Friday: 9am-4pm

Saturday: 9am-2pm

Sunday: 9am-1pm (2nd & 4th Sundays only)

An Alive in Oz production

ARTalk Philosophy Cafe

2010-11-06T12:43:00.015+10:00

Join in the international celebrations of UNESCO World Philosophy Day at Top of Town!

the SWICH Contemporary Art Space presents the inaugural
ARTalk Philosophy Cafe

ART | PHILOSOPHY | COFFEE | FOOD | FRIENDS | COMMUNITY

Where:
Bon Laneway Café
17 Ellenborough Street, Ipswich

When:
Thursday 18th November 2010
arrive 5:30pm | commences 6:00pm | finishes 7:30pm

Cost:
$5 admission at door
+ café menu available

Topic:
'Art and the City'

Guest Speaker:
Dr Gilbert Burgh
School of History, Philosophy, Religion and Classics
The University of Queensland

PARTICIPATING CAFES:
Cactus Espresso Bar
Deann's Coffee House
Bon Laneway

SIZE MATTERS @ the SWICH CAS 2 NOVEMBER - 27 NOVEMBER

2010-11-02T13:13:00.010+10:00

Introducing our new exhibition, Size Matters, which opened to the public on Tuesday 2 November and will run until 27 November 2010. Size Matters is a group show of all original small artworks by contemporary artists from Ipswich, Brisbane and Melbourne.

The artists, working in a range of mediums including photography, painting, installation, etching and illustration are: Tracey Potter, Sally Picker, Donna Davis, Krystal Ingle, Charmaine Davis, Belinda Suzette, LeAnne Vincent, Sandra Kane and Chenaya Bancroft-Davis.

The SWICH Contemporary Art Space is located in the charming Top of Town Heritage Precinct at 191 Brisbane Street Ipswich.

Gallery Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9am-4pm Saturday 9am-2pm
Ph: 3281 9192 for more information.

Andrew Spark - REVERSE EDUCATION: a commentary

2010-10-31T11:30:00.003+10:00

I would like to thank Andrew Spark for his contribution to contemporary art in Ipswich. Reverse Education: Spark 2001-2010 (exhibited 5th-30th Oct) highlighted 10 years of Andrew's creative output as an innovative contemporary artist.

Andrew’s works are playful, have different levels of meaning, and explore identity and culture, some of which are very personal and others political. In his earlier works Andrew has not only paid homage to other artists and genres but he has also engaged in a creative dialogue with the artists who have given him inspriation. In his later works Andrew boldly asserts himself. Rest assured Andrew will continue to create art and to not shy away from experimentation. Indeed, experimentation is not only a feature of Andrew's art but arguably something viewers should expect ... to not know what Andrew will create next is one of his strengths as an contemporary artist.

I thank all those people who visited The SWICH Contemporary Art Space and took some time to comment on Andrew's art. The diversity of critical commentary alone made the exhibition worthwhile.

If you wish to view the REVERSE EDUCATION catalogue or would like to consider purchasing any of Andrew's works, please visit our gallery at Top of Town, 191 Brisbane Street, Ipswich.

Gilbert Burgh

on behalf of the SWICH Contemporary Art Space

New exhibition at the SWICH - REVERSE EDUCATION: Andrew Spark 2001-2010

2010-10-05T10:37:00.006+10:00

"My paintings and mixed media work emerge from the temporal world of emotion rather than contained by any perceived realism. For me, this work provides a creative outlet that contrasts sharply with the accuracy of my commercial work demands" Andrew Spark

Andrew Spark is an established contemporary artist, graphic designer and advertising consultant based in Ipswich. He works with a range of mixed media including paint and digital photography.

This is the first overview of Andrew Spark's work spanning a decade 2001-2010, and is exclusive to the SWICH Contemporary Art Space.

Reverse Education is on exhibition from 5 October - 30 October 2010. Gallery hours Tuesday-Friday 9am-4pm Saturday 9am-2pm. Contact the gallery for more information on 07 3281 9192 or email: theswich.info@bigpond.com

TWO IPSWICH ARTISTS SELECTED FOR THE QLD REGIONAL ART AWARDS TOURING EXHIBITION

2010-09-26T16:26:00.013+10:00

Laura Phillips and LeAnne Vincent, two artists from the Ipswich Contemporary Arts Network, have had their artworks selected for the 2010 Queensland Regional Art Awards Touring Exhibition, 'Our Place', organised by Flying Arts Inc.

Only twenty-four artists were selected by the curator of contemporary Australian art for the Queensland Art Gallery, Francis Parker. The works selected are 'Standing in the grass', oil painting by Laura Phillips and 'Top of Town', photographic artwork by LeAnne Vincent.

The exhibition will be launched in February 2011 at the Queensland State Library and the works will then tour on to four regional galleries throughout Qld. This is a significant accomplishment and will assist in promoting Ipswich and our artists to the wider Qld communities.

Both artists are currently exhibiting other works at the SWICH Contemporary Art Space, 191 Brisbane Street, Ipswich.

Local contemporary Indigenous artist now on display

2010-09-19T18:58:00.004+10:00

We are pleased to welcome local Ipswich artist, Charmaine Davis, to our gallery. Charmaine works with acrylics on canvas and has exhibited in numerous group shows and solo exhibitions and has been selected as a finalist to have her work featured on tilt train.

Charmaine's works are bold and speak of her connection with the land. We have three of her stunning new artworks on display and for sale until Saturday 2 October 2010.

The SWICH Contemporary Art Space is now taking registrations for the Artisan Wonderland Workshop Series

2010-08-17T19:10:00.008+10:00

Come to the SWICH Contemporary Art Space to register and pay for any of the Artisan Wonderland art workshops during our business hours - Tuesday to Friday 9am-4pm and Saturdays 9am-2pm.

The workshops continue throughout August, September and October 2010 and all run on a Saturday or Sunday. They are conducted in Ipswich and are a great way to learn a new skill, meet some new people and share in some fun. No prior art knowledge is required and all materials are included in the workshop fee.

There are still some places left in the August Workshops as follows:

Saturday 28 August 2010

Precious Metal Clay (fabulous jewellery making workshop) - $28

Sunday 29 August 2010

Enamelling (another fabulous jewellery making workshop) - $20

Intro to Calligraphy- $24

Art of Illuminated Lettering - $8 (must do Intro to Calligraphy)

Clay Workshop - All ages -$10

ALL WORKSHOPS ARE 3 HOURS IN DURATION

Workshops still available for September and October include:

Life Drawing
Family History Research
Books with Flair (learn various book making techniques - great for artist books)
Writing the Generation Gap
Drawing Animals
Crazy Mosaic
Belly Dancing
Resin Jewellery Making
Drawing

There are limited places in each course so please register early to avoid disappointment.

Article in the Ipswich News

2010-08-11T14:11:00.004+10:00

Thank you to the staff at the Ipswich News for again supporting our business with this great article.

Oh what a night...........

2010-08-06T12:16:00.013+10:00

The inaugural opening event of our permanent art space was held last night and was extremely well attended by local artists, academics, business people, politicians and councillors. We had people attending from Ipswich, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Holland. Literally standing room only!!

We would like to thank everyone who attended for their support in making our opening night an amazing experience of art, glorious food and wine, and a real social networking event.

The evening was a huge success and we thank all the Ipswich artists and designers involved in this exhibition: Donna Davis, Kate Roberts, Andrew Spark, Laura Phillips, Eva Fritz, Sally Picker, Rebecca Lewis (Little Brown Dog), and Kyla Story (Little Bird), and from Brisbane, designers Kellie Christie and Chrissy Foreman, as well as our guest Brisbane artist, Ros Paton and our international guest artist from Mexico, Dea Arjona.

We would also like to thank the countless people who have supported us throughout our planning and renovating stages: Donna Davis for her untiring support of our projects, advice, organisation skills and of course her amazing installation art, Kate Roberts for her spectacular jewellery artworks, advice and many kind offers of support (and chauffeur service),David Beckett for his carpentry and painting skills and innovative art concepts, Michael Davis for his beautifully designed and constructed steel plinths and Deann Devin for her home cooking delights that kept us going throughout our renovations and for the decadent chocolate cheesecakes she supplied for our opening night event and of course all of our facebook friends who have continued to support and promote us.

We look forward to seeing you all again at our new art space at 191 Brisbane Street, Ipswich and will keep you posted on our upcoming events.

Opening Hours: Saturday 9am-2pm, Tuesday to Friday 9am-4pm.

PREPARATIONS BEGIN ON NEW GALLERY SPACE

2010-07-07T15:59:00.003+10:00

Today we have officially started our preparations for our new permanent contemporary art gallery at 191 Brisbane Street, Ipswich. We plan to continue preparing the space over the next couple of weeks and will advise shortly as to when we will be open to the public and our business hours.

Our gallery will display and sell original contemporary art by emerging and established local Ipswich artists including paintings, photography, sculpture, installations, jewellery and textiles. We also plan to feature guest artists from around Australia and internationally.

These premises will also become a base for our photography services, on location photoshoots, event photography and photo restoration, and will allow our clients greater access to these services.

During our preparations we can still be contacted via phone or email and will continue to deliver our photography services as usual.

Quest Business Achievers Award - Finalists!

2010-07-01T09:41:00.003+10:00

The SWICH Contemporary Art Space is a Finalist in the Quest Business Achievers Award for New Business of the Year! A huge thank you to everyone who voted for us as well as the artists , local businesses and all our photographic services clients who have supported us throughout our first year.

ARTIST OPPORTUNITIES IN NEW GALLERY SPACE

2010-06-28T13:39:00.002+10:00

The SWICH Contemporary Art Space is opening a new permanent gallery space in the Top of Town Precinct at Ipswich dedicated to offering opportunities to emerging and established local, national and international artists.

We are seeking exciting and innovative contemporary artists working in all mediums. In particular, ceramic artists, painters, art photographers, jewellery artists and sculptors working with various materials - found objects, stone, clay, wire etc for our new art gallery opening in Ipswich.

Please send us an email to theswich.info@bigpond.com asap if you are interested in exhibiting works in our space or you know of an artist who might be interested.

NEW ART GALLERY OPENING SOON - TOP OF TOWN, IPSWICH

2010-06-25T19:28:00.002+10:00

The SWICH Contemporary Art Space will be opening a new, permanent gallery space in the Top of Town, Ipswich.

We will be offering opportunities to exhibit art works for emerging and established contemporary artists working in all mediums including: paint, photography, sculpture, installation, video, digital, mixed media.

Stay tuned for further updates over the next couple of weeks.

Cheers
LeAnne

Changing Perceptions - Ipswich News Article

2010-04-06T21:56:00.002+10:00

Thanks Ipswich News for printing this article on our exhibition, Changing Perceptions, at the Ipswich Community Gallery. Open daily 10am - 4pm until 18 April.

Changing Perceptions Event Schedule

2010-03-25T18:01:00.001+10:00

Please click the events schedule below to view larger:

Changing Perceptions - Art Exhibition 3 April to 18 April 2010

2010-03-04T16:03:00.006+10:00

3 April to 18 April 2010
Ipswich Community Gallery,
d’Arcy Doyle Place, Ipswich
10am – 4pm
FREE ENTRY

New works by four artists from the Ipswich Contemporary Arts Network:

LeAnne Vincent
Lyne Marshall
Donna Davis
Andrew Spark

Using paint, photography and mixed media installation these artists take the viewer on a conceptual journey exploring diverse perspectives of Ipswich.

Drawing upon the natural, urbanised, and domestic environments the works invite new ways of seeing Ipswich, and pose the question: ‘Can changing our perceptions of where we live lead to a new awareness or collective change in how we see ourselves and how we are viewed as a community?’

During this two week exhibition we will be hosting a variety of events and activities, including: artist talks and workshops, book launches, and Philosophy ‘n’ Art Cafés within the venue and at surrounding cafés and restaurants. Further details will be available soon.

Transforming Spaces Gallery Closing on Sunday 28 February

2010-02-27T10:19:00.007+10:00

We will be open for the last day on Sunday 28 February, 2010 from 9am.

While you're in town for the Markets in the Mall, take a stroll to the Top of Town and check out our gallery and all great cafes and boutiques.

We have Ipswich Art Cards (greeting style cards featuring artworks by LeAnne Vincent), children's books with stories set in Ipswich by Toni Risson, lampwork glass bead jewellery and giftware by Tania Murphy (original designs), art books on the creative process by Lyne Marshall including her new book Invisible Realities: Finding the hidden dimensions in art, framed photographic art by Donna Davis and LeAnne Vincent, paintings by Eva Fritz, Maxene Bennetts, Melanie Slootjes and Alan Saunderson.

Last days of Transforming Spaces Gallery Project No.1

2010-02-19T15:58:00.006+10:00

Hi Everyone

Our Transforming Spaces Gallery Project No.1 at 175 Brisbane Street, Ipswich will be closing next Friday 26 February. Thanks to Jim McKee at the Cactus Espresso Bar we have enjoyed 3 months of promoting and selling the artwork of local Ipswich contemporary artists.

This has been the first step in creating a community of collaborative artists in Ipswich where artists can connect with each other and the wider community. We have been approached by numerous artists in the Ipswich region during our time at this space who wish to be involved in our future projects and we have received many positive responses from the general public.

If anyone would like to be involved in our upcoming projects please email us at theswich.info@bigpond.com

Thank you again to all the artists who have been involved in this project and everyone who has supported us.

Cheers
LeAnne Vincent & Gilbert Burgh

Artworks picture - Lampwork glass bead artist Tania Murphy and Art Photographer Donna Davis.

New Artworks at Transforming Spaces Gallery

2010-02-14T18:24:00.005+10:00

This week we welcome three new local artists to the gallery. Indigenous artist, Maxene Bennetts, landscape painter, Melanie Slootjes and vibrant oil painter, Eva Fritz.

The Transforming Spaces Project No. 1 will be ending on 26 February, 2010 at 175 Brisbane Street, Ipswich so drop in during our last couple of weeks and pick up some fantastic local artworks.

Transforming Spaces Gallery Update

2010-01-24T13:16:00.004+10:00

Hi Everyone

Happy New Year. I hope you all had a wonderful break over the Xmas period.

Our Transforming Spaces Gallery Project No.1 at 173 Brisbane Street, Ipswich has kindly been extended to the end of February. Over the next week we will be hanging some new works by other Ipswich artists and we invite you all to drop in during our last month in this fantastic space.

Also, we'd like to thank the Ipswich Art Gallery for their donation of 4 unused plinths that we have now used to transform the space again. We were able to create a window display and a small reception style area where we now have lots of brochures of art events and happenings around Ipswich and Brisbane.

TS Project Gallery No.1 - Article in the Ipswich News

2009-12-27T08:46:00.001+10:00

There was an article and photo in the Ipswich News on Thursday 24 December. Thanks to everyone at the Ipswich News for supporting us!

Transforming Spaces Project Gallery No. 1 - Article in the QT

2009-12-20T18:26:00.003+10:00

We had an article published in the QT on Friday 18 December about our Transforming Spaces Project. The QT also mentioned us in the 10 things to do in Ipswich section in the Saturday edition - we were number 3 on the list! Thanks again QT for supporting us!

New cd out by Ipswich band 111

2009-12-20T17:49:00.004+10:00

We now have available the new cd for Ipswich band 111 titled IF NOT NOW WHEN...?

111 have played extensively in Ipswich and Brisbane venues and for only $12 you can experience the fusion of pop, rock, punk and alternative in the privacy of your own home.

Due to holidays we are only open this week on Wednesday 23 December 9am-4pm. We are at 175 Brisbane Street, Ipswich.

Cheers
LeAnne

The SWICH City Market Day Art Sale - SUNDAY 13 DECEMBER

2009-12-13T07:53:00.003+10:00

The SWICH Contemporary Art Space at 175 Brisbane Street, Ipswich is having an art sale today.

Ipswich Art Cards on sale today only - 4 for $10 (normally $3.50) each.

15% off all original artworks on display in the Cactus Espresso Bar - Ipswich: Historical Contemporary Vibrant by local photographic artist LeAnne Vincent.

Also available autographed copies of childrens books by Toni Risson - Licking Lizards $10 and Batty Business $15. These are fabulous adventure stories set in Ipswich!

Only 4 autographed copies of art book Gleaner or Gladiator: the struggle to create by local artist Lyne Marshall.

We also have an exhibition, Transforming Spaces No.1 featuring local contemporary artists Lyne Marshall, Donna Davis, Charmaine Davis, Kate Roberts, Allan Saunderson and LeAnne Vincent.

Transforming Spaces Project No. 1

2009-12-01T15:02:00.003+10:00

We were lucky enough to be offered the vacant space, where the Gemutlich Kichenwares used to be to transform into an art space for December 2009 until mid-January 2010. Thanks so much Jim & Diana (Gemutlich has now moved to the Ipswich Mall).

We have been busily sourcing art works from local contemporary artists and are currently preparing the space for the display. The artists that will be displaying their work include Charmaine Davis, Kate Roberts, Donna Davis and Allan Saunderson.

The space will open to the public on Saturday 5 December 2009 and all the artworks are for sale. We are right next to the Cactus Espresso Bar, 173 Brisbane Street, Ipswich so drop in this weekend for a great coffee or yummy brunch and take in some art at the same time!

Cheers
LeAnne

The SWICH Contemporary Art Space FACEBOOK GROUP

2009-11-08T10:16:00.002+10:00

Are you on Facebook? You can now join the new Facebook group titled The SWICH Contemporary Art Space. We will be posting upcoming events, exhibitions and artworks. We also have a discussion board where you can join in and discuss anything art related. Just click here.

Ipswich Art Cards now at the Ipswich Art Gallery

2009-10-25T11:17:00.004+10:00

The Ipswich Art Cards are now available at the Ipswich Art Gallery, d'Arcy Doyle Place, Ipswich as well as the Ipswich Visitor Information Centre.

Ipswich: Historical Contemporary Vibrant - Article in the QT

2009-10-25T11:08:00.004+10:00

This article was published in the QT on Monday 12 October 2009 to promote the Photographic Art Exhibition of LeAnne Vincent. Thanks for your support QT.

Cactus Espresso Bar Photographic Art Exhibition

2009-10-19T13:46:00.011+10:00

New works by photographic artist LeAnne Vincent are on display at the Cactus Espresso Bar at 173 Brisbane Street, Ipswich from 21 October until 31 December 2009.

The series is titled Ipswich: Historical, Contemporary, Vibrant and is based on the Ipswich CBD and Top of Town precinct.

All works are for sale and can be purchased by contacting LeAnne Vincent on 0439 647 445 or email leannevincent@bigpond.com. LeAnne also does commissioned photographic artworks and portraits.

Ipswich Art Cards Article

2009-08-07T14:16:00.000+10:00

The Ipswich City Independent has published a story on our Ipswich Art Cards in their latest issued dated 7 August. A big thankyou to the team for supporting local business and the arts.

Cheers
LeAnne

Ipswich Art Cards now at the Ipswich Visitor Information Centre

2009-07-30T11:02:00.000+10:00

We recently launched the Ipswich Art Cards at Handmade Heaven in the Old Flour Mill, Top of Town. There are 5 designs in the current range that feature my photographic artworks. All the images in this range were captured around the CBD and Top of Town precincts and are taken from various series I'm currently completing including - Rooftops and Swichscapes.

These cards are now also available at the Ipswich Visitor Information Centre at 14 Queen Victoria Parade, Ipswich. They are a greeting style card with plenty of space inside for writing all your exciting Ipswich news and they come packaged with an envelope.

The cards are a fab way to keep in contact with friends and family, interstate or overseas and are a perfect addition to gift giving.

Cheers
LeAnne