DEVONPORT REGIONAL GALLERY YOUNG MEMBERS - THE DROOGS
The DROOGS are the Devonport Regional Gallery’s Young Members Committee. The DROOGS started in 2009 and now offer a range of creative art projects in the community, encouraging a sense of ownership and belonging amongst the younger generations and the Gallery. The committee, mainly consisting of local senior secondary students, meets regularly at the Gallery to discuss initiatives and ideas specifically designed to engage with other young people in the region.
The Devonport Regional Gallery's young members group, the Droogs, are always on look out for new members. If you're aged between 15 and 30 years and have an interest in planning, participating in and organising creative events and projects in Devonport, then the Droogs is the perfect group to express your creative talents!
The Creative Learning and Public programs Officer (Debbie Qadri) is available to visit schools and colleges to speak about the Droogs, and other opportunities to be involved in the Gallery.
Recently the Droogs designed and created a mural which celebrates the Gallery's history at Stewart Street and imagines its future at the paranaple arts centre. Many school children and visitors to the gallery have added to the mural with their artwork and writing.
During Term 4 the Droogs will be participating in skill-sharing workshops, including paper-making, book-binding and paper sculpture.
Become a Droog
The Droogs are always looking for new members! Contact Debbie Qadri (Creative Learning and Public Program Officer) for more information...
P. 03 6420 2900
E. [email protected]
MEMBER PROFILES
We asked a few of our members to answer some very important art questions:
Droogs: (top left to right) Isabel Farr and Jemma Griffiths at the Droogs stall at Reclaim the Lane 2016; Tara Felts with her sketchbook in The Sketchbook Project Exhibition, April 2016.
ASHLEIGH BUTLER
Droogs member since... I'm new to the Droogs and have been with the group since June 2016 and really enjoying it.
What is your occupation or dream occupation? Well I am very passionate about the Arts (currently studying honours in contemporary art) so I would feel very lucky to have any job involved in the arts where I could use my skills or inspire younger generations, but if I could do anything at all I would love to work in the film industry as my wide range of skills could be used in a variety of ways, such as: costume and prop making, acting, directing, filming/ cinematography and writing. I have always had the urge to create fine art horror films and music videos.
If you could own one work of art, what would it be and where would you put it? Anything by Damien Hirst would be absolutely amazing. All of his sculptural and installation pieces blow my mind; or a nice big H.R.Giger alien statue next to my bed would be lovely.
Who’s your favourite artist and why? My favourite styles are probably surrealism and romanticism I have a real appreciation for painters like Georgio de Chirico and Salvador Dali. One of my favourite performance artists is Oliver de Sagazan who adorns himself in natural materials. It is very tricky for me to pick a favourite artist as so many have something unique to offer and what I like is forever changing but I would have to say my all time role models would have be Jim Henson and Rob Zombie. Especially Zombie as he not only stays true to himself and his roots, he creates his own music, tours the world and writes and directs his own movies which are brilliantly insane.
What are you looking forward to most about being a Droog? I am most looking forward to getting to know people with similar interests, learning about them and what they enjoy and creating wicked art with everybody which the whole community can enjoy.
AIMEE DENTON
Droogs member since... June 2016
What is your occupation or dream occupation? I definitely want to work in a museum, I love old places and old things. I want to be an Archaeologist (specializing in Palaeontology)
Who’s your favourite artist and why? Linda Keough. Because she is simply amazing.
If you could own one work of art, what would it be and where would you put it? I don’t know if I could choose just one, I would put it where I would be able to see it everyday.
What are you looking forward to most about being a Droog? I just want to be able to be a part of a group, where everyone loves art just as much as me (or even more) I’m looking forward to just being able to enjoy Art.
KEELY GREENEY
Droogs member since... March 2016
KIM PRUNSTER
Droogs member since… I have been a member since the middle of 2013, I think. I used to work at the Gallery and was around when the Droogs first formed and have seen the members change over the years.
Occupation or Dream Occupation: I am the receptionist at Headspace Devonport, which offers early intervention mental health services to youth and is a rewarding environment to work within but I think my ideal job would be a band/music photographer; I’ve enjoyed doing that kind of work the most so far in life. I enjoy the energy, experiencing live music and meeting inspiring creative people.
Who’s your favourite artist and why? Hmmm, well musically speaking I’m fairly obsessed with Led Zeppelin and I could list quite a few painters and photographers who I adore; but my all time favourite artist would have to be H.R Giger. I love how multi-faceted he was as an artist.
If you could own one work of art, what would it be and where would you put it? Oh dear…ummm…I’d be delighted to own a James Gleeson painting or a piece of Giger’s work!
What have you enjoyed the most about being a Droog? I really enjoy being part of a team of like-minded people and organising events for young people. Meeting interesting people, artists, curators, and getting a chance to be exposed to diverse artwork and exhibitions is definitely a perk!
MICHAEL TOKARSKI
Droogs member since... 2014. Sometime around the middle of the year.
What is your occupation or dream occupation? I suppose it really should be related but, no, my dream occupation is astronaut.
Who’s your favourite artist and why? Vivian Maier. I only found out she even existed about 2 years ago, but I was instantly drawn in by her street photography. I love the candid nature of a lot of her photos. To me, they tell a story and bring out the realness of the subject.
If you could own one work of art, what would it be and where would you put it? Anything by Jackson Pollock. Above the toilet.... I don't like Jackson Pollock...
What have you enjoyed the most about being a Droog? Making new like-minded friends.
ISABEL FARR
Droogs member since… July 2015
Occupation: Receptionist
Who’s your favourite artist and why? Edgar Degas. I like him because he is an abstract artist like myself but instead of blending in colours to make a colourful picture that is coming out of you, he uses portraiture with abstract like blending and techniques to make his pictures come to life. Hopefully one day I will be able to learn how to do this with my artwork as well.
If you could own one work of art, what would it be and where would you put it? Robert Delaunay's artwork - Rhythme , Joie De Vivre. I like this because it uses a lot of beautiful bold colourful colours to make the patterns deceive the eye. I would like it to be in my kitchen when I have my own place to inspire me everyday to become a better artist.
What have you enjoyed the most about being a Droog? I am the newest member of the team of Droogs, but I am looking forward to the Van Gogh anniversary celebration on Saturday which will encourage people to learn more about him and to discover the artist within themselves.
TARA FELTS
Droogs member since… Mid to late 2013.
Occupation/Dream Occupation: Currently I'm studying my Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts and I specialise in screen printing textiles. My dream occupation is to work as a tattoo artist.
What have you enjoyed the most about being a Droog? Networking with like-minded people. I also enjoy being a part of creative community events.
If you could own one work of art, what would it be? Favourite artwork is so hard to choose! Money is limiting my options at the moment but I've been thinking about getting a Shepard Fairey print to hang in my house. I'm heading to the Tasmanian Craft Fair and hope to end up with something nice from a local artist.
Take a look at Tara's art here
PAST EVENTS & PROJECTS...
Young people in Devonport and surrounding areas are invited to share their art with the community by filling a sketchbook, provided by Devonport Regional Gallery and the Droogs. Returned, filled sketchbooks will be exhibited at Reclaim the Lane, Devonport’s National Youth Week event held in Rooke Lane on Friday 8 April, 3 - 5 pm. The Sketchbooks Project celebrates and promotes young people and their talents in the North West, and provides a space for public viewing of their work.
RECLAIM THE LANE
Reclaim the Lane is set to transform one of Devonport’s urban laneways into a vibrant celebration of youth arts and music for its fifth consecutive year. Reclaim the Lane will present a range of arts and music activities and entertainment for all ages to enjoy - plus, we have free food!
When: Friday 8 April, 3–5 pm
Where: Rooke Lane, Devonport (between Steele and Stewart Streets)
Cost: FREE
Reclaim the Lane is presented in partnership between Devonport Regional Gallery, Devonport City Council and Youth, Family and Community Connections. The event is jointly funded by Devonport City Council and Department of Premier and Cabinet as part of National Youth Week.
RECLAIM THE LANE 2015 - FREE YOUTH ART AND MUSIC FESTIVAL
Reclaim the Lane is set to transform one of Devonport’s urban laneways into a vibrant celebration of youth arts and music for its fourth consecutive year. The event will launch National Youth Week for Tasmania.
Where: Rooke Lane, Devonport
When: Friday 10 April 2015, 3–5 pm
Who: All ages
Cost: FREE
More info:facebook.com/ReclaimTheLane
Located in Rooke Lane between Steele & Stewart Streets, Reclaim the Lane will present a range of arts and music activities and entertainment for all ages to enjoy. Rooke Lane is also home to a range of funky endeavors including a new artist workspace, public art, a yoga studio, coffee shops and the iconic Devonport Regional Gallery.
This year, past Devonport artist and Devonport’s Young Citizen on the Year 2015 recipient, Laura McMahon (Hobart) will be the artist-in-residence creating a public art work in Rooke Lane and providing public art workshops prior to and during the event. Other entertainment and activities include a photo booth, performances by Slipstream Circus, The Sketchbook Project exhibition, an open mic ‘soap box’ and music by local musicians. Free food also available.
Reclaim the Lane is coordinated by Devonport Regional Gallery and their young members, the Droogs; Devonport City Council and Youth, Family & Community Connections; and funded by Devonport City Council and Department of Premier and Cabinet.
Young people in Devonport and surrounding areas are invited to share their art with the community by filling a sketchbook, provided by Devonport Regional Gallery. Filled sketchbooks returned to the Gallery will be exhibited at Reclaim the Lane, Devonport’s National Youth Week event held in Rooke Lane on Friday 10 April. The Sketchbooks Project celebrates and promotes young people and their talents in the North West, and provides a space for public viewing of their work.
Step 1. COLLECT
Devonport Regional Gallery and The Droogs invite you to participate in The Sketchbook Project. Collect your free sketchbook from Devonport Regional Gallery, and fill it with your art, ideas and writing. All sketchbooks will be presented in a public exhibition at Reclaim the Lane, Friday 10 April 3 – 5pm, Rooke Lane Devonport.
Pop into the Gallery today! We’re open 7 days at 45-47 Stewart Street, Devonport.
Step 2. FILL YOUR SKETCHBOOK
Fill your sketchbook with your art, ideas and writing, using paints, inks, pencils, charcoal, pastels and more!
Step 3. SUBMIT
Drop your sketchbook back in to Devonport Regional Gallery by 5 pm, Wednesday 8 April.
Step 4. GO SEE
Visit The Sketchbook Project exhibition at Reclaim the Lane, Friday 10 April 3 – 5 pm, Rooke Lane, Devonport.
Exhibited sketchbooks can be picked up from the Gallery during open hours from 11 – 19 April. Devonport Regional Gallery reserves the right to not display images deemed inappropriate or offensive.
RECLAIM THE LANE
FREE MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL
FRIDAY 11 APRIL 2014, 6-8 PM
Live Bands// Performance//Pop Up Shops// Art
DCC teamed up with National Youth Week to deliver yet another fun and creative RECLAIM THE LANE music and arts festival. This years festival invited young people from the community to contribute their ideas and encourage people to get involved. The Devonport Regional Gallery in collaboration with Devonport City council injected the Devonport CBD, namely Rooke Lane (beside the Gallery) with creative flair, loud music and live art performance. National Youth week gives young people aged 12-25 an outlet for creative expression, education, social inclusion and among other things the opportunity to express and explore youth culture in all of its incarnations. Reclaim the Lane is about thinking outside the square, getting creative, learning new skills and seeing what else is possible.
FOUR 8 FILM FESTIVAL
SCRIPT TO SCREEN IN 48 HOURS
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 28 - MONDAY MARCH 3
The concept behind the event is simple. Participants are required to register a team who can write, shoot and edit a four to eight minute film in just 48 hours. To prevent teams from preparing early they will each receive the same ‘core statement’ and ‘prop’ at the festival launch. The statement and the prop become the concept for the film. Filmmakers are judged on how best they interpret their statement and prop.
THE LAUNCH
The Festival was launched at The Devonport Regional Gallery on Friday February 28 at 5:30. All the teams participating in the festival were present at the launch.
THE SCREENING
Finalists in the Four 8 competition had their films screened at CMAX, Devonport on Monday 3 March. It was a free screening open to the general public and close to 100 people came along to show their support to to our local film makers.
Congratulations to all the participating teams including Tim Cooper for his film Forgetful, awarded Best Sound Track, Mitchell Mckay and Isaac Jackson for their film Assassin, awarded Best Script, Marcus Morrell, Tom Sullivan, Robert Knox, Alex Gard and Caleb Robertson for their film May Contain Nuts, this years runner up and Miles and Zoe Deka for their winning film Large.
To check out some of this years films head over to our facebook page!
THE HABITS PARTY
SATURDAY 17 AUGUST, 8pm
$5 ENTRY
The Droogs invited local band The Habits to throw a shin-dig at the Gallery everyone was invited!
If you have not heard of The Habits before here is their spiel:
The Habits formed in Caulfield, Melbourne after two budding songwriters Lasca Dry and Daniel Bicanski (Bee-chahn-skee) discovered that they could work together like the aphid and the ant. A mutual admiration for Buddy Holly, The Everley Brothers, Jefferson Airplane and the Beatles was soon discovered, and the overjoyed realisation was soon put to good use. With a fun, light-hearted ethic they have put together an act with no pretension, and a whole lot of childlike playfulness. Playing pop with a weird, unique twist, the Habits obviously love what they do, and can make you hum along as easily as make you smile.
