BLA! 2017 – BREWED LOCAL ARTISTS
On October 7 we opened the Taphouse doors to around 500 excited art lovers, beer lovers, local artists (some not-so-local ones too) and generous contributors to charity. BLA! 2017 sure was an event to remember.
Check out some of the highlights below …
Entering via Clayton Blake’s beautifully executed installation, put together with black Burleigh Brewing beer kegs and surrounded by bubbles with a hint of colour to represent his view on same sex marriage, guests were immediately treated to a sensory feast.
Inside the Taphouse awaited work from 17 other local artists offering a plethora of different artistic styles and approaches to soak up. Greeted by photography, graphic design, street art, paint on canvas, surfboard art, ceramics and with a beer or wine in hand, guests were charged with selecting their favourite for the night. It turned into a hotly contested and very close race culminating in a tie, with Mitch Fleming and Toren Vansleve taking the crowd-favourite honours – they’ll both be featured in the November edition of Blank GC magazine as a result.
Throughout the night we watched intently as Amanda Thompson fashioned one of her gorgeous ceramic pieces in front of our eyes. RVCA artist, Jess Lambert continued the live art sessions, finishing her feature surfboard art piece which was auctioned for the charity, LIVIN (Jess’ work raised almost $1,500 for LIVIN). As the good times flowed on, Tamara Armstrong delicately handled her brush to offer us a look at how her beautifully colourful work comes to be.
A word or two from MC Dave Lydiard, Sam Morris from Blank GC and our very own Scotty Gillies set the tone for the final hours of BLA! 2017. It was difficult to close the doors on such a memorable event, but we’re happy to report great feedback from our exhibiting artists … After all, BLA! is all about them – Brewing Local Artists was created to generate exposure for local artists, engage and inspire our community with the vibrant art scene that exists here on the Coast and enable guests to get their hands on some unique, locally crafted artwork.
A huge, hearty thank you and congratulations to BLA!s class of 2017:
Tamara Armstrong, Clayton Blake, Mitch Fleming, Rebecca Hardy,
Tyler Hill, Beck Joan, John Kaye, David Ladley, Jess Lambert, Aurelie Maron,
Zoe Maxwell, Fran Miller, Brendan O’Leary, Sean Scott, Go Suga,
Kayleigh Templeton, Amanda Thompson and Toren Vansleve
Photography – Beck Joan and Sean Scott’s work attracted a constant crowd.
BLA! / RVCA Charity tees with proceeds going to the Disabled Surfers Association.
Amanda Thompson’s organically shaped ceramics.
The Afternoon shift in between art appreciation sessions.
Around 500 guests made for an amazing night.
Jess Lambert finishing her auction piece, generously donating proceeds to Livin.
Clayton Blake’s installation was hypnotic and calming all at once.
One of Burleigh Brewing’s special guests.
Art lovers.
The beer is art too right?
That smile’s most likely a result of having purchased some killer art.
Tamara Armstrong exhibiting live during the event.
Beer, art, buddies and an atmosphere to boot.
Some of the art awaiting the arrival of many eager eyes.
Another of Jess Lambert’s pieces.
The event might be over for this year, but we’ve found a way to keep Brewing Local Artists all year ’round … Starting in November we’ll be featuring our first ever Artist in Residence here at the Taphouse where guests will have a chance to view a new local artist’s work each month. If you can’t stop in for a beer and a look, that’s cool, we’ll be sharing our Artist in Residence’s work here on our website and via our instagram and facebook accounts, so keep an eye out.
Extra special thanks to our epic BLA! event supporters:
