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| Cooktown School of Arts Society |
Did you know...
Did you know the fascinating story of how the Elizabeth Guzsely Gallery was built? Who was Elizabeth Guzsely and why was hers the name chosen to grace the wall of the Gallery? Born in 1934 in Budapest, Hungary, Elizabeth grew up in the midst of a large extended family, which included painters, musicians, singers, actors and writers. She moved, together with other family members to Australia in 1957, escaping the Hungarian uprising against the prevailing regime and Russian domination.
The Cooktown Art Society was formed in 1978 and Elizabeth agreed to hold art classes for all those interested. Elizabeth had a dream of a gallery space for Cooktown. The small group of artists worked hard to raise sufficient funds. It was then discovered in old cadastral maps dating back to 1874, there was a piece of land that had once housed a School of Arts. Cook Shire Council records indicate that the Government Gazette officially reserved the land for this purpose in 1879. Negotiations with the Lands Department resulted in a name change for the artist’s group to the Cooktown School of Art Society and cleared the way for construction of the long hoped-for building on the site. A Government Grant on the basis of one dollar for each dollar raised by this hardworking group meant the Cooktown School of Art Society’s Gallery became a reality and was officially opened in 1988. The full story can be found at www.cooktownart.com.au
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Right: Interior of the Elizabeth Guzsely Gallery
Photographer - Faye Pini
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Did you know...
Did you know the School of Arts Society co-ordinates the biennial Cooktown Art Festival? First run in 2007, the 2009 Art Festival will run from 14/08/09 - 16/08/09. See for yourself the wonderful work of the local artists; painters, sculptors, wood carvers, potters, and photographers. Be entertained by the talented local musicians and poets, including a poet's breakfast where you can join in.
Visit the website (below) for more information.
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Right: Cooktown School of Art Society Members in 2008
Photographer - Faye Pini
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Did you know...
Did you know that for 30 years Cooktown has held an Annual Art Exhibition featuring the works of local artists with various categories judged and awarded prizes? Each year this exhibition goes from strength to strength and currently over $6000 in art award prizes are offered. For more information visit www.cooktownart.com.au/annual_art_exhibition_2009.html.
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Right: Cooktown 2008 RADF Art Workshop Participants
'The Art of Oil and Acrylic Painting' with Cairns Artist Greg Dwyer.
Photographer - Faye Pini
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