The Poster Centre: Inspired by Garage Graphix

This event has ended. 

Wendy Murray will be the artist-in-residence at The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre from 4 July to 31 August 2019.

Inspired by the exceptional poster prints from the 1980s and 90s by the Garage Graphix Community Arts group, Wendy will run The Poster Centre, a screen-printing press for all residents of Blacktown to visit and make a unique poster.

Wendy’s striking style of printing is non-digital and uses stencil techniques to make dazzling, colourful posters that communicate strong social issues.

The Poster Centre is free to attend and visitors are invited to drop-in on Thursdays 10am – 4pm. Visitors will have the opportunity to see Wendy’s work and discuss an idea for their own screen-printed poster. Throughout July and August, visitors can book a session with Wendy on Wednesdays, Fridays or Saturdays, from 10am – 4pm (72 hrs notice required).

Running alongside The Poster Centre is a display of Garage Graphix artworks.

“Garage Graphix was a not for profit community based art, design and screen printing organisation, based in Mount Druitt, western Sydney (1981–1998). It evolved from the Mt Druitt Street Artworkers and was developed by arts workers active in the women’s movement, who were committed to working with and for communities to facilitate expression of their values and beliefs; to illuminate issues of concern and to advocate for positive change. A collective in its early days, Garage Graphix became an incorporated entity in 1982. It was governed by a management committee comprising of local residents and community workers and it provided communities throughout western Sydney with access to specialist skills, printmaking equipment and facilities.” – Text Courtesy Lin Mountstephen Co-ordinator/Creative Director 1981-1996 & Marla Guppy Artist in Community 1980’s.

Councillor Stephen Bali MP said, “We are delighted that such a talented artist as Wendy Murray will be at Blacktown Arts for two months, making artworks and sharing her knowledge and skills with our community. This is a wonderful opportunity for residents to get involved in creative poster-making and is open to all ages.”

Wendy Murray is happy to host workshops for individuals or groups up to ten people (min age 15 years or older). Each workshop will be customised to suit the needs of the participants. To request a workshop with Wendy, please complete the following form and one of the Blacktown Arts team will come back to you to confirm your booking.

Don’t forget you can always drop in on a Thursday between 10am and 5pm to have a chat with Wendy.There will be an Artists’ Panel Discussion on Saturday 24 August, from 11am – 12pm followed by refreshments, with contemporary artists making posters today, and joined by artists who made posters at the Garage Graphix print workshop. Free, all welcome.

Dates and times: 4 July – 31 August 2019, Tuesdays – Saturdays 10am – 4pm