by Gail Thomas
Art lovers will be flocking to Geelong in coming days and will be spoilt for choice with the Gordon Gallery, conveniently situated opposite the Geelong railway station, hosting ‘Inspired by Nature 9’ an art exhibition and sales of the Geelong School of Botanical Art, while the Geelong Gallery just across the park, is hosting the touring exhibition of the finalists in the Archibald Prize 2025 – making it even more significant is that J. F. Archibald was born right here in Geelong.
The Geelong School of Botanical Art is run by the Friends of the Geelong Botanic Gardens and has been operating for over twenty-one years. Coordinated by Pammi Pryor, the classes are held in the Geelong Botanic Gardens’ Meeting Room at the rear of the Gardens with experienced teachers conducting small classes of students at levels varying from beginners to advanced.
Tutors include John Pastoriza-Piñol, Amanda Blake-Sutterby, Craig Lidgerwood and Amanda Ahmed with both teachers and a number of past students having received recognition at significant botanical art exhibitions both locally and internationally.
Bringing a rich botanical and natural history narrative to the exhibition tutors and students share a desire to observe, record and advance our knowledge of the natural world with contemporary artworks celebrating our natural heritage portraying truthful forms in meticulous detail through various media and techniques. All original art works and prints will be for sale.
Inspired by Nature Exhibition is at The Gordon Gallery 2 Fenwick St Geelong from September 10-24 Sunday to Friday 10am-4pm. Contact Friends of Geelong Botanic Gardens phone 5229 0071.
The Archibald Prize 2025 Exhibition is at the Geelong Gallery 55 Little Malop St Geelong from 30 August to 9 November.
