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Op shopping

Every now and then I go on a mission to find a particular type of glass.  It might be Green Depression Glass, or white glass (which is really hard to find by the way), or like the other day I was on a mission to find non-matching sets of glasses.

These non-matching sets of glasses are also known as Harlequin Glass.  They were really popular in the 1950’s.  It can be tricky to get a complete set of 6 glasses, and more often than not you’ll find at most 5 glasses left in the set.

I didn’t mind what I found.  I had an idea for a necklace in my mind, and I needed the glass to make it happen!

So, I visited all of the Op Shops in Murray Bridge, and managed to find a few assorted glasses.  I was really pleased with what I found, but wondered if I might be able to find some more on a trip to Mount Barker.  Like I said, I was on a mission!

We tried a couple of Op Shops before I found one with THE most helpful volunteer I’ve ever found.  She was more than happy to look out the back to see if she could find what I was looking for.

Success, she found a mis-matched set of 5 shot glasses.  The colours were great, but the glasses were quite small.  Still, it was better than nothing.

“I’ll take them,” I said.  “Don’t worry too much about wrapping them.”

She was a bit taken aback with that comment.  “You’re going to smash them, aren’t you?”

I smiled.  “Yes, I am.”

“Well, if you like recycled glass you have to take a look at this great exhibition at the City Library that is on at the moment.  It’s part of SALA.  The artist has made all of these beads from recycled glass, you should see some of the colours.”

I smiled again.  “That’s actually my work.”

True story!

We talked for a little bit longer, while she told me what her favourite jewellery was from the exhibition, and where all of the Op Shops were in Mount Barker!

Harlequin glass, incomplete sets.  I'll use these to make glass beads

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Renew – SALA exhibition at Pepper Street Gallery

Renew Exhibition Launch

Recycled, Upcycled and Found Objects transformed into Art

South Australian Living Artists Festival (SALA) 2015

2-28 August

Opens Sunday August 2, 2-4pm

Renew celebrates the ingenuity of the artistic spirit.  Working within the theme of recycling, up-cycling, reusing and repurposing, 50 artists have viewed the world around them with fresh eyes and created exciting new works of art.

Using everyday and found objects, as well as taking inspiration from what we might normally regard as rubbish, the results will surprise you.  Each object is transformed from it’s former self to an intriguing, wonderful and sometimes barely recognisable creation.

Pepper Street Renew exhibition launch for SALA

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SALA at the City Library

I am frantically getting ready for SALA at the City Library!

It’s such a great opportunity to display my work to a new audience, and I’m trying really hard to get it just right.  Some things are working perfectly…others are leaving me a bit disappointed.  Time is running out, and at some stage I will just have to be happy with what I am exhibiting.  This happens every year, and is part of the process for me.

I feel really fortunate that I am able to participate in SALA at the City Library this year.  When I opened the SALA guide I couldn’t believe how many great artists they are exhibiting at the same time!  It’s definitely a perfect place to start the month of SALA.  Our opening is Friday 31 July from 6.00pm until 7.00pm.  The exhibitions will be opened by Councillor Susan Clearihan with emcee Amanda Blair.

Here is a list of the other exhibitors and their exhibitions:

  • Artsparks Collective – Belonging (Featuring Julian Lee, Bruce Marquis, Terry Paterson, Virginia Paterson, Mignon Schneider and Ruth Turner).
  • Bittondi Printmakers
  • Naomi Fry – Creative Journey
  • ACH Group Arts Community – Food for Thought
  • Anna Rigosi – Postcards – A Narrative from Adelaide
  • Dan Withey – The Collections Project

To find out more about the exhibitions please visit the SALA guide or the Adelaide City Library Website.

Here is one of the pieces that will be on display; one that I am happy with!

Lariat style necklace made with handmade recycled glass beads by Julie Frahm

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On my walk this morning…

MorningWalk20150720

 

Freezing cold on my walk this morning!   Frosty grass and icy tin roofs.  Foggy river.  My hands were numb for at least one kilometre!

Then I warmed up.

I have lots of work to do this week to make sure I am ready to set up my SALA exhibitions!  I will have my work in 3 locations around Adelaide.

  • SALA at the City Library opens Friday July 31.  From 6.00pm until 7.00pm.  The exhibitions will be officially opened by Councillor Susan Clearihan and emcee Amanda Blair.  If you can’t make it to the opening the exhibitions will be on display until September 1.  More information here.  I will have a collection of recycled glass jewellery inspired by flowers.
  • SALA at Pepper Street officially opens on Sunday August 2.  The launch will be held from 2-4pm, with a range of activities and art to view.  This exhibition runs until August 28.  It is worth checking out the Pepper Street website for various activities surrounding this exhibition.  I will have a range of Green Depression Glass jewellery available.
  • SALA at T’Arts is a month-long celebration of our artists, with someone “working” in the window each day.  You can visit to see a range of artists, making all sorts of things!  I will have a small range of new jewellery available.