Central Goldfields Art Gallery’s latest exhibition ‘RAGGED & TAGGED & FLAGGED’ – The Caroline Chisholm, Domesticity and the Victorian Goldfields by Dr Flossie Peitsch opened on June 27.
The exhibition was officially opened by Anthony Camm manager of the Eureka Centre Ballarat.
Maryborough artist Dr Flossie Peitsch is currently a PhD candidate at Federation University, Ballarat, and this exhibition will form part of her thesis on Kyneton pioneer and humanitarian Caroline Chisholm.
Dr Peitsch presents an exhibition where mixed media textile artistry is the medium for imaginatively reinstating Caroline Chisholm into her rightful place in the goldfield’s history.
Pillowcases, placemats, saris, blankets, floor rugs, embroideries and weavings, paper parcel tags and buttons as fine art are used as the domesticated language of protest.
Her self-set task is to alter the textiles as little as possible when allowing the artwork to emerge intuitively. She ponders over discarded materials, then cuts, curls, adds buttons, braid, and other oddments as each piece evolved in its own way.
Peitsch says, “I challenge myself by raising the creative bar ever higher – for over 50+ years. Sometimes, it is almost out of sight but I haven’t outdone myself yet! There is still lots of ‘doing’ to explore.”
As part of the installation, visitors are invited to inscribe the names and roles of unheralded women – both past and present – from the Victorian goldfields. Sharing stories of strong women being recognised for being themselves’ is central to the work, with Peitsch’s practice contributing to a growing global call for a renewed recognition for women in society.
Workshop opportunity
Local craft enthusiasts have the opportunity to come along to the gallery on Sunday July 19 to be part of a fantastic opportunity to learn firsthand from artist Dr Flossie Peitsch how to make a mini finger-hooked rug.
The workshop is free , but registrations are essential at https://events.humanitix.com/free-community-workshop-make-a-mini-finger-hooked-rug-with-dr-flossie-peitsch or call the gallery at the number below.
Go Wild!
The gallery will also be holding a fun, hands-on school holiday workshop for primary age creators tomorrow, Wednesday July 8, from 10.30am-11.30am with arts educator Jennifer Latch for a fun.
Inspired by the current exhibitions, children will explore mixed media and the idea of wild weather – combining papers, fabric, yarns, oil pastels and ribbons to create their own wild styled landscapes.
It’s going to be a messy, fun and unique activity for creative kids. Suitable for children 6–12 years of age. Cost: $5 per child. All children under 16 must be accompanied by a carer. Limited places – book now! Book online at https://events.humanitix.com/go-wild-school-holiday-art-workshop
or call the gallery on 03 5461 6600.
Central Goldfields Art Gallery is located at the Old Fire Station, 1 Neill Street, Maryborough.
The gallery is open Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Entry is free.