Moreton Bay and its islands are the inspiration for a new exhibition entitled Wetlanders, coming soon to the Redland Art Gallery at Cleveland.
The exhibition will open with a chance to meet the artists at noon on October 25 and continue to December 6.
The exhibition is a collection of original prints, artist books and drawings sourced and inspired by the bay by artists Anna Bonshek, Jen Conde, Sandra Pearce, Sue Poggioli, Jenny Sanzaro-Nioshimura, Helen Sanderson, Evelyn Upton and Pat Zuber. All are members of the Migaloo Press Artists collective and meet with other artists, bird watchers and people concerned about the environment of Moreton Bay.
Each artist have at least two works in the show.
Artist Sue Poggioli said there were a wide variety of techniques represented in the works although printmaking was a primary focus.
"There is also a collaborative artist book entitled on the edge in the exhibition, with work by 11 artists. The page size is 28cm x 28cm," she said.
"Each artist has created a bunch of pages using different papers and printmaking techniques. The structure of the book is a concertina binding which allows for display in a sculptural way. There is an edition of three books."
Ms Poggioli said the book was about threats to migratory shore birds through loss of habitat and human activity around important feeding and nesting areas for birds and wildlife in general.
"The Toondah Harbour development is a concern for all of us. These themes are the same ones each artist has addressed in their individual works for the exhibition," she said.
In creating Wynnum Mangrove Broadwalk, Ms Poggioli said she was always amazed at the vast size of the larger trees and the , the beauty and seeming fragility of mangrove shoots emerging from the stinking oozing black mud.
"I give attention to the mangroves and am in awe of the protective cloak they throw around the creatures who live here, who visit including the migratory shore birds, feeding and fattening before their long journeys to the northern hemisphere for breeding. I also am enveloped in the protective cloak of the mangroves, and emerge from the forest feeling nourished."
The gallery is open from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday and Sunday from 9am to 2pm. Admission is free. Book to attend the launch on 3829 8899 or gallery@redland.qld,gov.au
