SAM staff and participants of the Art on the Road event gather for a group photo in front of Kenny Pittock's temporary mural "Can You Peel The Love Tonight."
Photo by
Khadija Hadjab
The Shepparton Art Museum recently became a hub of creativity and collaboration, hosting the Contemporary Art on the Road event on November 29.
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This professional development program brought together educators, artists, and arts workers for a day-long exploration of contemporary art practices and educational strategies.
The morning kicked off with presentations from organisations such as Gertrude Contemporary, Monash University Museum of Art (MUMA), and the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA).
These sessions addressed the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers, emphasising strategies for planning and engaging students in visual arts education.
The event also included a guided tour of SAM given by the head of engagement Gabriella Calandro, who shared with attendees a glimpse into the museum’s history.
The tour highlighted key acquisitions, such as Tony Tuckson’s abstract expressionist painting Untitled, which initially stirred controversy but has since become a beloved part of the collection.
SAM head of engagement Gabriella Calandro giving a tour of the collection on display.
Photo by
Khadija Hadjab
“At the time, councillors were a little bit horrified that anyone would spend any money on something that looks like this,” Ms Calandro said.
“But of course, they knew Tony Tuckson to be quite a significant artist.”
The acquisition of the painting marked a turning point in SAM's history by prompting the establishment of an acquisitions committee.
SAM's role as a historical and contemporary art custodian was highlighted during the tour.
The museum's diverse acquisitions, from its renowned ceramics collection to significant works on paper and photography, reflect its commitment to community engagement and art education.
Recent initiatives, such as the cataloguing of the Friends of SAM library in collaboration with Goulburn Valley Libraries, further reinforce this mission by providing locals and educators access to valuable art resources.
In the afternoon, artist Georgia Morgan led a hands-on workshop inspired by the Hindu practice of puja.
Participants explored the concept of offering through assemblages of materials, including personal items, paint, and text, creating a unique intersection of art and spirituality.
For participants, the day was as much about professional growth as it was about building connections.
Bendigo Art Gallery educator Libby Noblet praised SAM's friendly team and the opportunity to connect with other professionals.
Local artist Carmel Robertson's work is currently exhibited at SAM.
Photo by
Khadija Hadjab
“We love coming to SAM,” Ms Noblet said.
“We’re from Bendigo, and we do love to come at least once a year for a visit and see how they operate in the education sphere at the gallery, but also to make connections as well - there’s a very friendly team over here.
“(We love making) connections with other arts workers and teachers.
“Visiting SAM help us with our own programming and how we deliver things.”
Nathalia Secondary College art teacher Kate Morris used the event as an opportunity for professional development.
“I came here to get more information about the different programs available to students and get to learn about artists,” Ms Morris said.
The event highlighted the vital role of regional art institutions like SAM play by fostering creativity and collaboration within the education and arts sectors in the Goulburn Valley.
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