HISTORIC Benedict House in Queanbeyan is set to become the centre of a new arts hub in the region with a big launch this Saturday September 13 of the Benedict Arts Precinct.
The event is supported by local arts organisations, including Artists Shed Inc., a newly formed arts association, and the Lost and Found Office design collective.
With free daytime concerts in the Music Room, the highlight will be an evening concert by multi-instrumentalist Dave O’Neill.
Arts installations at the House
There’ll be art installations and talks by local artists, a public talk by master furniture craftsman Evan Dunstone, historic tours of the old House, and drop-in workshops at the newly-incorporated Artists Shed, maker’s demonstrations at the Lost & Found Office studios, live music and entertainment and gourmet food at the Refectory Café.
“We wanted to create a new experience for visitors to the region, combining great food, historic ambience and exciting art and design, all set within the building and grounds of this spectacular former convent” says Jess Markham, who together with husband Rory is the current custodian of Benedict House.
“The revival project has also drawn support and investment from innovators within the business community with Boettcher Law and Kazar Slaven Chartered Accountants also building a presence within Benedict House” adds lawyer husband Rory.
A hall at the House
“The Artists Shed has a long history of staging live performance and music in unusual spaces, so Benedict House is a great new venue to add to the opportunities now available for musicians performing in the region” says Tim Keeble, director of music and Vice President of Artists Shed Inc.
As preparations for the launch get underway, Benedict House and the adjoining property, which houses the Lost and Found Office and Artists Shed studios, is being transformed into a creative hub for all art forms.
Lost and Found Office designs
“We also invite artists and community members to join the Artists Shed association in its new home within the precinct, where art studios and workshop spaces are now available” adds Dennis Mortimer, public officer for the Artists Shed.
Queanbeyan and its immediate region are home to many exceptional artists, and “Citynews” predicts that members of the general public will enjoy exploring the work of both new and established artists.
Benedict Arts Precinct launch, at Benedict House, 39 Isabella Street, Queanbeyan 10am until late, Saturday, September 13. Free entry.
Dave O’Neill concert is ticketed (bookings essential) via email to music@artistsshed.com
The running order for the Benedict Arts Precinct launch is as follows:
All day – Refectory Cafe open 10am – 8pm
Brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner available
All day – Artists Shed drop-in art workshops 10am – 4pm
Drop in and try our free art workshops! All materials supplied
- Portraiture with Dennis Mortimer
- Ink & Wash with Hilary Mackay
10 Refectory Cafe open for Brunch & Lunch
10.45 Lamp making demo @ Lost & Found studio (Bobby)
11am Historic tour of the house & grounds (Rory) – Meet in Foyer
Noon Official launch – in Courtyard
1pm Art tour with the Curator (Ben) – Meet in Foyer
1.45 Upholstery demo @ Lost & Found studio (Bobby)
2pm Historic tour of the house, grounds and studios (Rory) – Meet in Foyer
2.45 Furniture restoration demo @ Lost & Found studio (Ben & Geordie)
3pm Acoustic music @ The Music Room (Tim)
3 – 4.15pm Meet the makers @ Lost & Found studio (Bobby/Ben)
4.15 pm Art tour with the Curator (Ben) – Meet in Foyer
5.45 Artist talk – Evan Dunstone
6.30 Cafe open for dinner
8.15 Dave O’Neill concert.
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