Launchpad@Lake Mac Libraries

Current Exhibitions

Belmont Library

All in a Dog's Life by Chrissy McYoung

Thursday 8 July - Saturday 25 September 2021

Dogs are amazing animals and an integral part of many human's life. This exhibition, by Chrissy McYoung, is a celebration of all puppy creatures (and even includes a few 'cat dogs'). The scenes are beautifully crafted illustrations that are part fun, part educational, but above all - full of love and warmth. Each and every puppy (and 'cat dog') in the images is a real owned pet - and celebrates the many reasons we love and enjoy a dog's company. The images are whimsical and fun, full of detail and puppy's doing naughty puppy activities. Each new look, the viewer will discover another cheeky puppy- stealing sausages, sneaking into somewhere silly or doing a secret poop. The images were created towards the end of COVID restriction and were a way of joining Chrissy's Facebook community together. Fans and friends would send Chrissy photos and she would bring them all together to inject back some love and joy into the community.

Join Chrissy McYoung to learn the tips and tricks on how to draw dogs. Everyone will paint their own doggy creations to take home. See dates and times for workshops in the tickets below:

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/drawing-workshop-all-in-a-dogs-life-tickets-156842003655

Toronto Library

Flora, Fauna, and History

Thursday 8 July - Saturday 25 September 2021

An exhibition of works from artists of Tinkat Alley Art Studio. Tinkat Alley Art Studio is the studio of artist Kate Belton. We hold classes in acrylic, acrylic ink, pastel and watercolour. This exhibition is a collection of works of teachers, students and artists of the studio. Our lake is a popular subject for our artists. There is so much inspiration from the scenery around the lake, the lake itself and the abundance flora and fauna native to the area.

Come and meet the team of talented artists from TinKat Alley Art Studios behind this exhibition. They will share with you their creative process, where they draw their inspiration from and the techniques they use to capture the moments and natural scenery from around our lake on Friday 24 July from 12pm-2pm. Book tickets below:

https://florafaunaandhistory.eventbrite.com.au

Swansea Library

Seascapes, Watermarks, and Mermaid Tales

Friday 9 July - Thursday 23 September 2021

Seascapes, Watermarks, and Mermaid Tales by ArtMania Studios"We are a small group of artists with disabilities who have been brought together at Art Mania studio. Through the friendly and supportive family of Art Mania and their belief and practice of inclusiveness, we have been coming together, at the studio to create art. Art Mania has been and continues to be a place that encourages artistic expression, inclusiveness and allows us a space to be heard. We all have different disabilities and background, but our art allows us all to have a voice and be heard. Our work in this exhibition is an interpretation of the theme "water" and what that means to each of us. Art Mania Studio is a creative community hub that offers you a place to relax, unwind, meet friends & find yourself through art. This supportive & inclusive space offers a wide variety of classes, workshops & block courses that cater for busy lifestyles, different income levels, all age ranges & diverse backgrounds & abilities."

Join us for the opening event on Thursday 15 July from 10:30am-12pm. Book tickets below:

https://seascapeswatermarksandmermaidtales.eventbrite.com.au

Charlestown Library

Coastal and Country

Saturday 10 July - Thursday 23 September 2021

Coastal & Country by Sharon Thomas; "My work is inspired by my love and respect for our Coastal & Country environment. The beauty, light and energy are ever-stimulating. Most of my paintings are done in watercolour on paper that I find to be the most organic medium for the subject matter. I also use mediums such as acrylic paint, some including paint pours glazed over a canvas, pastels and pencil that provide another emotional response to my collection of work, becoming in some ways a visual diary celebrating the beauty and warmth found in our environment in that moment. My subject matters are from my personal photos most found in the natural world and cherished landmarks of our Coast & Country that I see from a walk; especially if privileged enough to share time and space with our wildlife or simply a change in the environment when driving. To begin a painting I start by sketching the desired section of the photo taken as a basic guide then applying the paint, filtering in that unique memory and experience of that moment. Painting to me is its own journey of the mind that can take unexpected directions. I find at times it is the excitement of the challenge to be a silent reward during the painting process. Painting the subject matters for me is not just a result of a pretty picture but an expression of soul and spirit that I wish to project back to the viewer. Influencing their minds to take a journey within and image when viewing a painting how the air would feel, the smell of the grass or sea, the sound of the surroundings and experience a personal connection. Allowing a moment to reflect of such a dramatic and subtle varieties of environment, filled with its own unique individual style, colours, textures and spiritual substance that we are all proud to call home."

Come along and meet Sharon Thomas while she paints live in the Library. Learn more about the techniques Sharon uses to create her body of work on Saturday 10 July from 10am - 11am and Saturday 7 August from 10am - 11am. Book tickets below:

https://coastalandcountry-paintingdemonstration.eventbrite.com.au

Meet the Artist

Throughout the year we host a series of Meet the artist events at Launchpad libraries.

These events come in a variety of formats from live art performances to in-depth discussions on the artist's careers, inspirations and techniques. Bookings are essential and can be made online, by phone or in-person prior to the event. These events will re-commence as soon as Co-vid social distancing and gathering restrictions allow.

Call out for artists

Launch your career at the library! With four concurrent exhibitions at different locations and an exciting program of artists’ talks, workshops and demonstrations, Launchpad@Lake Mac Libraries aims offer new opportunities to emerging artists with a connection to the community.

Applications can be submitted online (see application information). If you are not able to submit online please contact Kirrily Anderson, Lifelong Learning Leader, on 0428 527 520 or kanderson@lakemac.nsw.gov.au.

Lake Mac Libraries’ exhibition spaces show drawings, paintings and photographs from exciting local emerging and community artists, students and groups.

With four concurrent exhibitions at different locations, and a program of artist’s talks, workshops or demonstrations, Launchpad@Lake Mac Libraries aims to connect emerging artists with the community and host new opportunities for community participation in the arts.

Lake Mac Libraries is committed to fostering a creative community by providing quality, accessible exhibition spaces within community facilities to encourage awareness, create professional development and exchange of ideas.

Exhibition space is available at four Lake Mac Libraries branches at Belmont, Toronto, Charlestown and Swansea for students, emerging artists and community art groups.

Applications will be considered by Launchpad @Lake Mac Libraries that best reflect the objectives of the program.

• Promote exhibitions of local or cultural relevance, artistic merit and innovation
• Present exhibitions that showcase the work of emerging artists in all mediums
• Present exhibitions that are diverse and thought-provoking    

• Act as a platform for creative dialogue by encouraging wider community participation in the arts

Launchpad@Lake Mac Libraries includes:                

• free exhibition space
• Promotional and marketing support for your exhibition through existing channels - 30,000 Lake Mac Libraries e-list, Council and Library websites and associated social media platforms
• Opportunity for artwork sales
• Administration of artwork sales. Lake Mac Libraries will retain a 25 per cent commission on works sold during the exhibition period.
• Lake Mac Libraries staff and volunteers will supervise the exhibition for its duration, handle art sales and provide information during opening hours.
• Exhibition period of up to 12 weeks
• Lake Mac staff and volunteers will support an exhibition opening or event of artist’s choice.
•  Exhibition sign and wall labels

Artists:

• Will provide works framed and suitable to use the supplied hanging system.   
• Will present one exhibition event of their choice - an exhibition opening, artist talk, workshop or demonstration - for no charge during the exhibition period
• are responsible for the insurance of works during the period of the exhibition and in transit to and from the library
• Lake Mac Libraries will retain a 25 per cent commission on works sold during the exhibition period unless otherwise specified.

Apply here

Launchpad @ Lake Mac Libraries Application

Lake Mac Libraries is committed to fostering a creative community by providing quality, accessible exhibition spaces within community facilities to encourage awareness, create professional development and exchange of ideas.

The Launchpad@Lake Mac Libraries’ school’s program offers school students the opportunity to exhibit their work and to assist with organising and installing an exhibition.

Exhibition space is available at four Lake Mac Libraries branches at Belmont, Toronto, Charlestown and Swansea for student groups and classes.

Launchpad@LakeMacLibraries for Schools Objectives:

• Present exhibitions that showcase the work of school students in all mediums
• Act as a platform for creative dialogue by encouraging wider community participation in the arts
• Provide students with an experience of preparing and installing an exhibition

Launchpad@Lake Mac Libraries for Schools includes:

• Free exhibition space
• Promotional and marketing support for your exhibition through existing channels - 30,000 Lake Mac Libraries e-list, Council and Library websites and associated social media platforms
• Exhibition sign and wall labels
• Opportunity for artwork sales
• Administration of artwork sales, if required. Lake Mac Libraries will retain a 25 per cent commission on works sold during the exhibition period.
• Lake Mac Libraries staff and volunteers will supervise the exhibition for its duration, handle art sales and provide information during opening hours.
• Exhibition period of up to 12 weeks
• Lake Mac staff will work with teachers and students to: install the exhibition, organise and prepare signage and marketing material
• Lake Mac staff and volunteers will support any exhibition opening event
• 15 reusable frames suitable for A4 or A3 works on paper available for loan

Students and teachers:

• works need to be suitable to use the supplied hanging system, and/or cabinets
• up to five students and/or teacher attend the venue on two days to assist with and experience installation and take-down of the exhibition including preparation of signage, wall labels and copy for marketing
• may elect to hold an exhibition launch event
• are responsible for the insurance of works during the period of the exhibition and in transit to and from the venue
• May elect to have works for sale. Lake Mac Libraries will retain a 25 per cent commission on works sold during the exhibition period unless otherwise specified.

Apply here

Launchpad @ Lake Mac Libraries Application for Schools

Launchpad@Belmont

• Address: 19 Ernest Street, Belmont
• Location of Launchpad: Located to the right of the entry into the branch
• Hanging Space: 10 metre wall length at 2.2 metre height (one wall)
• Linear Space: 27 metres
• Hanging System: Track system

Launchpad@Charlestown

• Address: Cnr Smith and Ridley Streets, Charlestown
• Location: Located within the branch to the right of the library entrance
• Hanging Space: 11 metres at 2.5 metre height (broken into 3 spaces)
• Linear Space: 22 metres
• Hanging System: Track system
• Display cabinets: External dimensions - 600cm (L) x 600cm (W) x 2000cm (H)
• Three moveable shelves per cabinet
• Three display cabinets available

Launchpad@Swansea

• Address: Swansea Centre, 228 Pacific Highway, Swansea
• Location of Launchpad: Located at the rear of the branch
• Hanging Space: Six metre wall length at 2.5 metre height
• Linear Space: 15 metres
• Hanging System: Track system
• Display cabinet: External dimensions - 1200cm (L) x 450cm (W) x 2000cm (H)
• 3 moveable shelves

Launchpad@Toronto

• Address: Cnr Pemell Street and Brighton Avenue, Toronto
• Location of Launchpad: Located within the branch, to the right of the service counter
• Hanging Space: 10 metre wall length at 2.2 metre height (consists of two walls 5.7m and 4.3m)
• Linear Space: 22 metres
• Hanging System: Track system
• Display cabinet: External dimensions - 600cm (L) x 600cm (W) x 2000cm (H)
• 3 moveable shelves