“One more successful exhibition, the sixth in just as many years,” is the sentiment expressed by coordinator of art exhibition Antipodean Palette, Frixos Ioannides in the wake of the event.
Presented by the Greek Australian Cultural League (GACL) of Melbourne, the anticipated opening ceremony took place on Tuesday 16 August.
Receiving an overwhelming response from the get go, close to 150 guests filled the Steps Gallery where Multicultural Arts Victoria’s CEO, Jill Morgan officially kicked off the event.
Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Connie Gregory, who took the opportunity to praise the high calibre of work on show and highlighted the important role played by the GACL in promoting the visual arts across, and beyond, the Greek Australian community.
To follow, the GACL’s General Secretary John Georgiou addressed those gathered, congratulating the artists and wished them well in their creative endeavours.
The arts event went one step further, giving guests the chance to enjoy an entertaining program with an engaging musical interval.
Opera singers and members of the Melbourne Opera Company, tenor Othon Charalambous and baritone Aristomenis Argyropoulos sang arias of their choice, filling the room with applause.
Before the ceremony concluded, guests also had the opportunity to meet and mingle with exhibiting arts, while enjoying the works on display.
A total of 15 artists participated this year, showcasing a variety of artworks including paintings, sculpture, photography, etchings and digital art.
And for all those wondering and hoping, the exhibition will most certainly be returning in 2017.
“A particular characteristic of this year’s exhibition was that the majority of participants are Australian born, something that promises the successful continuation of this event with the new generation,” said Mr Ioannides.
“The organising committee views with particular optimism the evolution of the visual arts in the Greek Australian community and encourages artists to continue with enthusiasm their creative work, and art lovers to continue their support.”