New wave Australian movies of the ’70s, the BBC Antiques Roadshow and its great discoveries, Agatha Christie’s life and crimes in London – these are just three topics by local and international speakers ArtsNational Noosa will feature this year to celebrate its 15th anniversary of presenting world class entertaining, illustrated talks.
“We usually have eight but this year we have 11 – all rather special for our birthday year,” founding convenor Julia Gamble told Noosa Today.
“We start on Saturday 1 March with Australian films, focussing on director Peter Weir who has received six Academy Award nominations for his work.
“Our speaker is Noosaville historian and academic Zana Dare who is also one of our committee members. She takes us behind the scenes of classic films of the era; including My Brilliant Career, The Cars That Ate Paris, Picnic at Hanging Rock and Don’s Party.
“Later in the month, on Saturday 29 March, Marc Allum who has been a specialist on the BBC’S Antiques Roadshow for 27 years will give two one-hour talks. The first will be an inside look at the show and some of its great discoveries.
“The next hour will be his thoughts on personal objects brought by members or visitors.
“Agatha Christie, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Fakes and Fortunes in the Art World and more. We have an exciting year ahead.”
Until last year the society was known as ADFAS (Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Society) and part of an international organisation run by volunteers until it was rebranded nationally as ArtsNational.
Julia said, “Noosa has about 130 members and we have room for a few more. Anyone is welcome. You don’t have to be an expert.”
She said that as well as promoting enjoyment of the arts, ADFAS members financially assist young local people to engage in the arts.
“Our Noosa society sponsors emerging ballet students from the Dance Centre Peregian Springs, one of them being Alfie Shacklock from the age of 12. He achieved his dream of training with the Royal Ballet in London, being selected for Birmingham Royal Ballet and presently back in Australia as a company artist with the Queensland Ballet.
“Last year in January we supported the People’s Choice Award in the Under 40’s art competition at the Butter Factory, Cooroy, won by Jasmine Veronique, a talented floral and figurative artist.
“We also support accomplished Year 12 students at Sunshine Beach State High School in furthering their arts and musical careers.”
She said one project “dear to our hearts” is the Sunshine Butterflies “Kiss My Art” program which gives people with a disability the chance to communicate through creating art.
Arts National – Australian New Wave Films of the 1970s with Zana Dare. St Mary’s Church, 17 William Street, Tewantin, Saturday 1 March, 3.45pm for 4pm start. Visitors $30 including wine and canapes. Bookings essential. Contact Jenny Reeve at membershipnoosaadfas@gmail.com Further details at artsnational.au/societies/noosa/
