MPRG special events content


	Gallery events
An Italian style garden	Thursday 15 October Interpreting 'The Italian Garden' with Dr Jane Drakard, Senior Lecturer, School of Historical Studies, Monash University 11am–12 noon M $8 G $10, bookings essential, phone 5975 4395 Venue: Sorrento Cinema, 26–-36 Ocean St, Sorrento Be inspired by this fascinating discussion on interpreting ‘The Italian Garden’. Italian gardens are instantly recognisable, yet some of the best-known and preserved classical gardens of Northern Italy are the work of non-Italians who have reinterpreted earlier models. This helped to fashion gardens that are today considered to be quintessentially Italian. Join Jane Drakard as she reveals some of these 20th century exponents of Italian garden style, highlighting various gardens that have been created, before moving on to look at more recent interpretations of the Italian garden, which have particular relevance for dry-climate gardening here in Australia.
Noel McKenna Circus Elephant (cup of tea) 1992 oil and enamel on canvas board The Arts Centre’s Public Art Collection, Melbourne © Noel McKenna Licensed by VISCOPY Australia 2008	Thursday 22 October Fly on the wall with Jules Boag, Exhibition and Programs Coordinator, Albury Art Gallery 2pm–3pm M $8 G $10, bookings essential, phone 5975 4395 Venue: MPRG, Civic Reserve, Dunns Rd, Mornington Jules Boag will tell the story of how the exhibition Step right up: the circus in Australian art was initiated and the part the Flying Fruit Fly circus played in all of this. Jules’s talk will also include a considered analysis of the contemporary and historical works of art by major Australian artists that are in the exhibition.
Jeffrey Smart Circus Performers 1980 planographic print The Arts Centre’s Public Art Collection, Melbourne Ainslie Murray An Architecture of Thread and Gesture (detail) 2008 tyvek, carbon fibre, acrylic, monofilament, aluminium Courtesy of Ian Hobbs Matteo the storyteller	Sunday 25 October Get Into Art Day Creative activities for everyone Free entry to the Gallery on the day Venue:MPRG Special events include: Film screenings of the captivating film Alegria which includes recorded performances and all the antics behind-the-scenes of the Cirque du Soleil, at 10.30am & 2.30pm Hip Cat roving circus workshops for children from 1pm to 3pm ‘Run Away and Join the Circus’ activity worksheet which children can complete throughout the day and enter to try and win a Hip Cat Juggling Club session Guided tours of the current exhibitions at 3pm. Thursday 29 October Weave with Mandy Gunn with Mandy Gunn, textile artist 11am–12 noon M $8 G $10, bookings essential, phone 5975 4395 Venue: MPRG, Civic Reserve, Dunns Rd, Mornington Mandy Gunn is well known for her use of recycled materials, fashioned, often using textile techniques, into assemblages, sculptures and installations. She has been awarded prizes, project grants, and residencies from major funding bodies in Australia and is a highly experienced teacher, having taught at RMIT since 1995. Learn how she became interested in weaving and how her art form has evolved over time. Tuesday 10 November Young at art - Step right up A program for 0–5 year olds, with Matteo the storyteller 10am–11am, Children $4 (includes morning tea) Adults free Bookings essential, phone 5975 4395 Venue: MPRG, Civic Reserve, Dunns Rd, Mornington Matteo the storyteller will be back for more storytelling, music and art. His Young at art sessions have been incredibly popular and sessions book out very quickly, so be sure to make a booking early. Afterwards, enjoy morning tea with others and take a leisurely stroll through the Gallery. Thursday 12 November Circus Couturier with Laurel Frank, Circus Oz costume designer 11am–12 noon M $8 G $10, bookings essential, phone 5975 4395 Venue: MPRG, Civic Reserve, Dunns Rd, Mornington Join internationally renowned costume designer, Laurel Frank whose fascinating illustrated talk will provide an unparalleled opportunity to gain an in depth understanding of what goes into costume design for both the circus and theatre. With more than thirty years working in the circus, Laurel’s talent for developing and creating costumes that meet all the rigorous and spectacular requirements of performance is evident in her fifty-three costume items held in the Circus Oz Collection at the Performing Arts Centre in Melbourne. Amongst this collection are her acro pants, ‘Daring Robert’s’ cape and bloomers and a series of items for the ‘Gladiator’ character of the early 1990s. Tuesday 8 December Young at art - Let's have fun A program for 0–5 year olds, with Matteo the storyteller 10am–11am, Children $4 (includes morning tea) Adults free Bookings essential, phone 5975 4395 Venue: MPRG, Civic Reserve, Dunns Rd, Mornington





	Bookings 1. Please ring the MPRG on 03 5975 4395 to book. Places are limited for all events. 2. When booking by phone, the preferred method of payment is by Credit Card. Payment must be made within one week of booking. Bookings are only confirmed with payment. Refunds are only available under exceptional circumstances. Cheques are to be made payable to: MPRG, PO Box 650, Mornington 3931. 3. A tickets will be issued on receipt of payment. Prices for all MPRG events include 10% GST. ARTREACH ARTreach is presented in association with the Nepean Arts Group and is funded through Arts Victoria and the generous sponsorship of Sorrento Cinema.

	Free guided tours
	There are free guided tours every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 3pm during the exhibitions. No bookings necessary.

	Friends events
Jennifer Dudley with Dr Pantjiti Mary McLean in Kalgoorlie	Monday 26 October Coffee Morning Contemporary aboriginal art – a living culture with Jennifer Dudley, Director, Outback Aboriginal Art 10.30am for talk 11am–12 noon M $5 G $7 (includes door prize) Venue: MPRG No bookings required Jennifer Dudley’s interest in Aboriginal culture and contemporary art began over twenty years ago. She now travels regularly to the outback to locate artworks to exhibit to a local and international clientele at her Melbourne home gallery. Jennifer will share stories about the beginnings of her business in the early 1990s and reveal her knowledge of the contemporary Australian indigenous art market. She will also speak about her adventures travelling to the outback, focusing on the Central and Western Desert areas of Australia, and highlight her friendships with the different artists she visits.

	Bookings 1. Please contact the Friends Ticket Secretary to book a place. (Friends Ticket Secretary's details on Friends booking form) 2. Payment: after booking tickets, please mail the completed Friends booking form with payment to the Friends Ticket Secretary within one week of booking. (Cheques / money orders payable to: Friends of MPRG)