AIR - NIKKI GEMMELL

Our current Artist Writer in Residence, acclaimed Author NIKKI GEMMELL, is known best  for her international bestsellers, THE BRIDE STRIPPED BARE, SHIVER, THE BOOK OF RAPTURE and most recently WITH MY BODY. Nikki has complete a BA in Communication and a MA in Writing at UTS. Having lived in London for the past decade, Nikki recently decided to return to Sydney to live with her young family.

Please join us for an in conversation hosted by Helen Hopcroft

WEDNESDAY 5:30PM 25 JANUARY

I WAS HERE

Image Self Portrait as a Ball, Tom Polo, mixed media on paper, 2009

25 NOVEMBER - 11 DECEMBER

This exhibition clebrates the enormous contribution made to the Lock Up CUltural Centre by the Artist in Residence Program. In the past five years, over 65 creative practitioners: artists, dancers, musicials, writers, poets and architects have resided in the AIR residence and responded to the unique environment of The Lock Up. They have contributed greatly to the enrichment of the Newcastle arts community, through exhibitions, lectures, workshops and performances.

Please join us for the opening

FRIDAY 6PM 25 NOVEMBER

AIR - TOM POLO

Image We Are Lucky To Know Each Other, 2010

25 NOVEMBER - 16 DECEMBER

Currently undertaking his Masters in Fine Arts at the College of Fine Arts, Sydney, Artist in Resident, Tom Polo, addresses the notion of 'winning' through self-deprecation in his performances, paintings and installations. His use of humour and text based artworks has seen him become one of The Sydney Morning Herald's the(sydney)magazine's 'People to Watch in 2011'.

During his stay at The Lock Up, Polo will be creating a continuous and changing portrait of Newcastle conversations and scenary on the walls of the John Paynter Gallery.

Please join us for the opening of 'I Was Here', featuring Tom Polo

6PM FRIDAY 25 NOVEMBER

AIR - JON DRUMMOND'S 'CLOUD CHAMBER'

NEWCASTLE PICTURESQUE & THE ENGLISH GARDEN

Image: The Urn, Rowan's Garden, 2011, acrylic on canvas

4 - 20 NOVEMBER

Former Artist in Resident, Leo Robba, spent his residency at The Lock Up focused on a more intimate view of Newcastle's parks and gardens. Places that many of us may walk past or take for granted, garden spaces that are cared for, planned, and reworked over time. Places like Civic Park and King Edward Park are an important part of the cultural and recreational life of Newcastle. By exploring and highlighting these places through his paintings, he hopes that they can be experienced in a different way.

Please join us for the opening

3PM - 6PM SATURDAY 5 NOVEMBER