Introducing the Esperance Sculpture Trail Artist-in-Residence

We're excited to introduce you to Stuart McMillan, who will be taking up residence at the Cannery Arts Centre from 20 October - 8 November 2024, as part of the Esperance Sculpture Trail project.

Stu is a multidisciplinary artist based amongst the forests, bushland, caves, waterways and coastline of Wadandi Boodja - the Margaret River Region, which he’s called home for more than 20 years. Translating his experience of the world using a diverse sensory pallet including and not limited to sculpture, photography, painting, print media, drawing and immersive installation, Stu continues to explore concepts of the human condition, interested in how the external world influences the internal being, within a myriad of habitats.

As part of his residency, which includes working with the community to explore the theme of 'The Spirit of Esperance Kepa Kurl’, Stu is taking part in a fantastic public program of free events you can get involved in.

This artist residency is part of pre-project community consultation for the Esperance Sculpture Trail project and has been coordinated alongside FORM Building A State of Creativity. FORM is leading Community Consultation for the Esperance Sculpture Trail, which is supported by the Mt Burdett foundation and Lotterywest.

Artist Talk: Artist-in-Residence Introduction
3:00PM - 5:00PM | 20 October 2024

Please join us in the Art Room at the Cannery Arts Centre to find out more about Stu's creative practice and what he will be doing as part of his Esperance Sculpture Trail residency.
This event is FREE, registrations are encouraged. REGISTER HERE!

Artist Talk & Workshop: Drawing with Stu McMillan
6:00PM - 8:00PM | 23 October 2024

Dive into Stu's artistic practice in this talk and Q&A at Esperance Community Arts. He will then provide further insight into his work as he guides you through a drawing workshop, followed by an opportunity to network, connect and meet fellow attendees.

This workshop is FREE, but registration is essential. REGISTER HERE!

Workshop: Wild Nature Mono-Printing
5:00PM - 7:00PM | 25 October 2024

Join Stu at the Cannery Arts Centre in exploring mono-printing using nature as inspiration. Experiment and play with different natural found materials, using ink plates and paper to create your own unique artwork. Looking at landscape and environment, understand the relationship of vastness (horizons and ranges) to the macro worlds of pattern and connection (flora, mycelium, geology etc ) that exist around the area. How can we capture the flora, rocks, soil, sea, and waterways using tools and experimental methods? All materials are provided. For ages 16 years and older.

Free to attend, registrations are essential as space is limited. REGISTER HERE!

Workshop: Drawing-Breath & Mark Making
5:00PM - 7:00PM | 1 November 2024

Draw with Stu at the Cannery Arts Centre using naturally foraged materials and visualising environmental elements - a way to see what nature can offer in terms of inspiration, connection and creation. Making tools and using traditional drawing methods, you will take a deeper look at nature. How can a breath be a mark on a page? Or a gust of wind be a mark in the sand? Explore what mark-making is and how it's embedded in many cultural histories from charcoal to pigment inks. Make a quill pen, charcoal sticks & drawing implements. All materials are provided. For ages 16 years and older.

Free to attend, registrations are essential as space is limited. REGISTER HERE!

Artist Talk: Artist-in-Residence Wrap-Up
5:00PM - 7:00PM | 8 November 2024

Learn about the Esperance Sculpture Trail artist-in-residence Stuart McMillan's time here in Esperance, his work with the community, and a summary of his findings.

Free to attend, registrations encouraged. REGISTER HERE!

CONVERGE 2024

FORM is delighted to be taking part in the Esperance Chamber of Commerce & Industry's upcoming Converge Esperance conference alongside keynote speakers Steven Bradbury, Aaron Morey, Neil O'Sullivan, Jenn Donovan, Annabelle Hender, Ray Achemedei and Tim Connoley. FORM Senior Cultural Tourism Specialist Michael Deller will speak about the power and value of using art to share stories and connect communities.

FIND OUT MORE HERE!

In 2019, the Mount Burdett Foundation was established by Chris Reichstein, owner of Mount Burdett Farm, with a vision to create a vibrant, resilient Esperance community. Before his passing in 2021, Chris had a vision “to create a world class sculpture trail of high quality, unique installations that respond to the dramatic land and seascape of Esperance.” Through his legacy and the support of the Mount Burdett Foundation, not-for-profit arts and cultural organisation FORM Building a State of Creativity is partnering with the project Steering Committee to test this vision with the Esperance community, listen, and collaborate on an outcome that takes this vision as a starting point, and meets community needs and aspirations.

As we journey through the community consultation and engagement phase of the Esperance Sculpture Trail, we're excited to share the first of what will be monthly updates on the progress of the project and how you can get involved.

Community Hub is LIVE!

Our online community hub is now live! We'd love to hear any feedback you may have regarding the Esperance Sculpture Trail. Find out more about project here, complete our online survey, and share your ideas and stories on our digital brainstorm board.

Say Hello to Michael at the Ag Show!

Heading to the Esperance Agricultural Show, 18 - 19 October 2024? Stop by FORM's booth and meet FORM Senior Cultural Tourism Specialist Michael Deller, who is leading community engagement on the Esperance Sculpture Trail. Michael will be available both days to chat about the project, listen to your stories and answer any questions you may have.