Scotch College

Ken Field Art Exhibition moves to the JFA

This year’s Ken Field exhibition took a slightly different turn as we moved location from the Memorial Hall to the wonderful new space in the James Forbes academy. We used the main foyer and the Bib Stillwell Gallery which overlooks the foyer, and the space suited the exhibition splendidly. With the generous support of Sue edwards and her company aalto, we were able to hang more paintings than we had managed in previous years in the Memorial Hall, and also took advantage of the magnificent natural light in the academy – despite the gloomy conditions of Family Day.

Many of our popular and long-time supporters of the exhibition were on display again in 2005, and the range of art and artists was expanded to cater for a range of tastes. For the first time we showed (and sold) some excellent examples of aboriginal art, and we were also very well supported by robert and Kathy Littlewood, who provided a range of first class limited edition prints. these included a magnificent collector’s edition of prints by John Shirlow, a one time teacher at Scotch and recognised as the ‘father’ of australian print making. there are still a few sets of this magnificent folio available for purchase, and interested people can contact the development office for details (9810 4304). the show was also enhanced by the support of Barry Pang and anita archer from artpreciation who had a range of ‘investment’ art on display. they will be conducting a series of interesting information sessions on investment art over the next year, and members of the Scotch Family are most welcome to attend. Details can be obtained through the development office.

More than 140 people attended the grand opening and cocktail party on Friday 7 october, when Michael Robinson AO, Chairman of the School Council formally opened the exhibition. Interest and sales were brisk, and the evening was a most successful occasion. the main foyer genuinely lent itself to hosting such a cocktail party with art as the backdrop, and the facility showed itself off to its full potential.

During Family Day on Saturday 9 october, well over 400 people strolled through the exhibition, with many of the ladies being attracted by a very fine collection of imported Pilgrim jewellery from Denmark. there was also plenty of opportunity for guests to experience the tactile delight of Jenny Whiteside’s flamestone sculptures. Unfortunately the weather for Family Day was somewhat inclement, but that encouraged plenty of people to visit the exhibition – and those who came enjoyed the calm and relaxing atmosphere around the art exhibition.

Sales from the show this year exceeded those from 2003, and almost $24,000 was raised. these funds go directly to the Ken Field Fund for the arts, which since it was started in 1989, has raised an impressive amount of money. With investment returns, the fund now is valued at more than $700,000. the careful management of this fund provides between $15,000 and $16,000 a year in support of the Junior School and Senior School music, art and drama programs, while also providing capital growth for the future. Such support is invaluable in providing extra resources and materials for the arts at Scotch, and in some years helping students to attend exhibitions, courses or special events which may take place around australia.

To everyone who helped with the organisation and running of the exhibition, the Foundation is most grateful. We hope that all those who purchased paintings this year will not only enjoy their new artworks, but also recognise their support of the boys through the Ken Field Fund. the next Ken Field exhibition will be held in 2007, and in 2006 the Foundation will work with Barry Pang, anita archer and the Littlewoods to put on another Fine art Show, following the success of the inaugural one in 2004. the arts are very much alive and thriving at Scotch, and with the support of the Ken Field Fund, they are assured an exciting and innovative future.

Dr Alan Watkinson
Director of Development