After
a generous invitation to the opening of the fabulous community celebration of
the arts within the West Tamar Valley, I drove confidently along (ahead of time
I might add) to my destination. As I crossed the sister bridge to the west, I
could see the older and iconic King’s Bridge set against the backdrop of the beautiful
Cataract Gorge out of the corner of my eye. This always pleasing scene was gone
within a flash and I was on my way into Riverside for the official opening of Artentwine 2012 at the Windsor Community
Precinct.
As
an invitation-only event, I felt very privileged to attend and in all my
navigational wisdom, took the wrong turn-off, not once but twice. Hmmm. Under
normal circumstances being a few minutes late wouldn’t be such a bad thing, but
I realised I had missed something that would have been great to witness – a
flash mob of vocal surprise from the Vox Harmony
Choir seamlessly woven in amongst the attending guests (who I am told were
shocked when someone they were having a conversation with suddenly burst into
song!). Thankfully, I didn’t miss out entirely as by the time I arrived, the
choir were in full swing sans their wine-drinking mob cahoots, and had taken
centre stage to perform a few more numbers.
With
official proceedings consisting of brief, but very proud and supportive words
from West Tamar Arts Group’s Julia Clifford, Mayor Barry Esther, Tas Regional
Arts’ Paul Jenkins, and then officially being opened by the member for Denison
and Minister for Tourism The Honourable Scott Bacon, Artentwine 2012 launched with a sense of dedication, sophistication
and the promise of some outstanding contemporary art.
Spread
out over almost four weeks, spanning several locations from renowned West Tamar
vineyards, to the loved halls that make up the hearts of the smaller townships,
to established tourist sites such as the Supply River ruins and Beaconsfield
Heritage centre, to commercial galleries and more – it is an amazing feat of
funding, support and organisation. With sculpture, exhibitions, performances,
food, wine to name but a few things
to experience, the endearing West Tamar valley throughout October should provide
more than a healthy does of contemporary creative culture. And yes, there is a
cherry on top – the Terrapin Puppet Theatre will be performing the
family-friendly Boats at Exeter later
in the month.
Scott
Bacon proclaimed at the beginning of his speech - ‘If every day could start with
a glass of wine and personal choir, the world would be a better place’. I, for
one, tend to agree. Nice way to begin Artentwine
2012. Very nice indeed.
Full
program and more at:
