Ironbark Gallery
The Ironbark Gallery is a dedicated gallery, located in the Strathfield Library & Innovation hub; available for both emerging and established artists based in the following local government areas which includes; Burwood, Canada Bay, Canterbury Bankstown, Inner West Council and Strathfield.
Ironbark Gallery is managed by Strathfield Council and provides artists the opportunity to exhibit in a professionally supported gallery. There is no fee to exhibit in Ironbark Gallery. Strathfield Council supports this space and provides a Curator to oversee all aspects of the exhibition process. Artists are also given the opportunity to sell their works and facilitate a workshop in conjunction with their exhibition.
A call out for applications is made annually, each October. All applicants are evaluated by a selection committee and based on the written application and supporting material provided.
Questions or comments? Please email exhibitions@strathfield.nsw.gov.au
Community Art Space Program Scope and Conditions
Ironbark Gallery Exhibition Applications for 2024 Are Now Open!
Applications close 15 December 2023
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Cooks River: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
From its source at Yagoona to its mouth at Botany Bay the Cooks River passes through Wangal, Gadigal and Gameygal lands. It provides an important biodiversity corridor of vegetated habitat in parks, reserves and gardens adjacent to the river. Over the years Cooks River has been fished, dammed, concreted, diverted and polluted – and rehabilitated.
Strathfield Council is custodian of the Cooks River as it meanders through its LGA and partners with other organisations to improve both the health of the river and the liveability of the communities within its catchment.
This exhibition will take you on a journey through the river’s rich history culminating in recent projects and initiatives that protect and conserve the river and its biodiversity.
Official opening of Cooks River: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
14 December 2023, 4.30pm
Guest Speakers:
Claire Wheeler, Senior Catchment Officer from
Cooks River Alliance
Jason L’Ecuyer, Community Engagement Officer
from Cooks River Alliance
Karen Smith, Education Officer from Aboriginal
Heritage Office
RSVP
By Monday 11 December
Bookings are required for the opening for catering
purposes: exhibitions@strathfield.nsw.gov.au
Exhibition
14 December 2023 – 11 February 2024
Strathfield Council Library & Innovation Hub
History of Strathfield Town Hall
For over 100 years, the Strathfield Town Hall has brought together the members of the local community, whether debating issues of the day, attending joyous social events, participating in civic defence and emergency services, celebrating arts and performance or commemorating wartime service and remembering the passing of loved ones.
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Strathfield’s Town Hall, Council will be hosting a Town Hall exhibition at Strathfield Library. This exhibition was organised in collaboration with the Strathfield-Homebush District Historical Society.
History of Strathfield Town Hall Talk
Sunday 19 November 2023, 2pm – 4pm
Guest Speakers:
Jenny MacRitchie and Cathy Jones
Bookings are required for the opening, register here.
Exhibition
1 November – 10 December 2023
Strathfield Library & Innovation Hub
Somewhere in Between: Marina Mavritsky
Somewhere in Between is an exhibition which explores the ambivalence between good and bad. Using cyanotype printmaking as the primary media, and entomology as the subject matter, Marina invites the viewer to reflect on bugs as an inspiration for artmaking as well the roles that insects serve in nature.
Insects are the blueprint of the environment, so it seems apt to celebrate the humble bug using cyanotype printing along with other multi-modal forms such as embroidery. References to historical recording of entomology and play with scale of the insects is explored throughout this thought-provoking exhibition.
Official opening:
Thursday 31 August 2023, 6pm
Guest Speaker:
Susanne Engelhard, Sustainable Living Director
RSVP: Monday 21 August 2023
Bookings are required for the opening.
exhibitions@strathfield.nsw.gov.au
Exhibition
31 August – 29 October 2023
Strathfield Library & Innovation Hub
Image: Marina Mavritsky, Queen Bee 2023, cyanotype print and embroidery on fabric
NAIDOC Week with Walangari Karntawarra
For over 35 years, First Nations’ Aboriginal artist, elder, educator and performer, Walangari Karntawarra has painted his Dreamtime stories. These are known in his language as the Jukurrpa. He paints only the following Jukurrpa: Snake, Honey Ant, Witchetty Grub, Centipede, Caterpillar, Water, Fire, Emu, Kangaroo, Mouse, Rainbow, Milky Way and the Seven Sisters. He has either inherited these Jukurrpa or its living custodian has given him permission to paint it. He also paints generic stories like bush tucker, bush medicine, and teaching-learning stories and songlines.
Official opening:
Tuesday 4 July 2023, 4pm
Guest Speaker:
Robyn Ross, Portrait artist
Smoking ceremony and performance by Walangari Karntawarra & Diramu Aboriginal Dance and Didgeridoo
RSVP: Monday 26 June 2023
Bookings are required for the opening.
exhibitions@strathfield.nsw.gov.au
Artist Talk
Join Aboriginal artist Walangari Karntawarra for his artist talk at his current exhibition at the Ironbark Gallery, at Strathfield Library & Innovation Hub on Sunday 6 August, at 10.30am.
NAIDOC Week with Walangari Karntawarra runs until 27 August and is an exhibition of his unique oeuvre. Arrernte elder, educator and international award-winning artist, Walangari uses his art as a means of authentic cross-cultural communication. Walangari delights in explaining his peoples spiritual and cultural beliefs. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear his fascinating stories about his art, his people and their culture.
- When: Sunday 6 August, 10.30am – 11.30am
- Where: Ironbark Gallery – Strathfield Library & Innovation Hub
- RSVP: bookings are essential and can be made by emailing exhibitions@strathfield.nsw.gov.au
Exhibition
27 June – 27 August 2023
Strathfield Library & Innovation Hub
Left Image: (Detail) Walangari Karnatawarra, Water Dreaming Rock Holes 2020 acrylic on canvas
Right Image: As well as being an artist and elder of the Arrernte nation of Central Australia, Walangari Karntawarra is also a popular performer and cultural educator. He plays didge and leads his troupe, Diramu Aboriginal Dance and Didgeridoo.
Exhibition Overview
Media Release
Video of Exhibition
Q&A with Artist
Net calls Net, Weave calls Wave: Marta Romani and Karl Logge
The Ironbark Gallery’s upcoming exhibition Net calls Net, Weave calls Wave: Marta Romani and Karl Logge will be open to members of the public from 11 May – 25 June 2023.
Karl and Marta present a series of works that bind the near with the far to build a starburst world of net-forms, waveforms, and weave-forms. Exploring ecology as both a psychic and physical territory, their work maps a vibrant generosity circulating between social, material, and natural worlds. With a focus on repetitive motifs, abstract impressions, rhythmic metamorphosis, and alchemic process — their exhibition offers an immersive and nomadic tableau, combining tapestries and works on paper that entangle a mix of spinning, weaving, stitching, natural dying, painting, installation, and live-art.
Official Opening
Thursday 11 May 2023, 6pm
Meet the artists Marta and Karl as they provide a unique insight into their collaborative process and practice.
RSVP: Monday 4 May 2023
Bookings are required for the opening: exhibitions@strathfield.nsw.gov.au
Workshops: Monday 19 June 10am – 12pm & Thursday 22 June 2 – 4pm
Parallel to the exhibition, the artists will share aspects of their work, story and practice during two open labs, each a collective experiment in weaving together inside the gallery space.
Image: Luce sull’ acqua 2023 natural dyed linen and hemp & wildflower and botanic colour on paper
More information:
Painting on Mondays: Catriona Grant & Megan Winch
The Ironbark Gallery’s upcoming exhibition Painting on Mondays: Catriona Grant & Megan Winch will be open to members of the public from 9 March – 7 May 2023.
Catriona and Megan have been friends for many years, for more than 15 years, they meet on a weekly basis to catch up over lunch and paint. These two friends taking the opportunity to journey together through life’s ups and downs, parenting, faith, and their artistic practice. Catriona and Megan have explored art making in many forms, together and apart, endeavouring to capture the beauty around them, both natural and created.
Official Opening
Thursday 9 March 2023, 6pm
Guest Speaker: Kristen Murray, Educational Consultant
RSVP: Monday 6 March 2023
Bookings are required for the opening: exhibitions@strathfield.nsw.gov.au
Left Image: Megan Winch, Kangaroo Valley, river rocks, 2021, acrylic on canvas
Right Image: Catriona Grant, Still life with fruit and vases, 2022, oil on linen
Visions with Variety: Celebrating Seniors
Strathfield Council is excited to announce the Ironbark Gallery’s upcoming exhibition Visions with Variety: Celebrating Seniors which will be open to members of the public from 2 February – 5 March 2023.
In recognition of Seniors Week, the Ironbark Gallery will be showcasing the talents of our residents who participate in art classes held at the Strathfield School for Seniors, located on the grounds of The Uniting Church, Strathfield. This exhibition features a diverse array of works including oil painting, drawing, paper-based craft, and textiles.
Official Opening
Thursday 2 February 2023. 4:30pm
Guest Speaker: Helen Boyce, Coordinator for the Strathfield School for Seniors
RSVP: Monday 30 January 2023
Bookings are required for the opening: exhibitions@strathfield.nsw.gov.au
Image: Theresa Ho, Dinner time, oil on canvas
More information:
Light Interactions: Bernadette Smith
Bernadette’s photo media explores the materiality of light to emphasise non-human agency. She has photographed light waves interacting within a 19th Century window pane at the former Callan Park asylum at close range revealing an aurora-like display within.
These photographs record macro sunlight refractions within heritage glass; offsetting a dominant anthropocentric view of the universe.
Official Opening
6pm, Thursday 20 October 2022
Guest Speaker: Maureen Cahill AM, artist and owner of Glass Artists Gallery
RSVP: Monday 10 October 2022
Bookings are required for the opening: exhibitions@strathfield.nsw.gov.au
Image: Bernadette Smith, Sun Burst, 2019, digital photograph printed on archival Ilford pearl paper
More information:
ROAR revisited
Roar revisited showcases the artistic talents of our local high school students from grades 9 and 10. All local high schools in the Strathfield region were invited to take part in this exhibition.
Unlike most thematic competition-based exhibitions; our Gallery Curator liaised with local high school teachers and selected works from each school.
A diverse selection of media and subject matter will be on display, a testament and recognition of the talents of our local high school visual arts students. Strathfield.
Official Opening
Thursday 15 September, 5pm
Guest Speaker: Ivy Baddock, Curator Westmead Children’s Hospital
RSVP: Monday 5 September 2022
Bookings are required for the opening: exhibitions@strathfield.nsw.gov.au
Image: Benjamin Gainsford, St. Patrick’s College, Strathfield, Grade 9, Micro aggression world 2022 photography and digital media (detail)
More information:
Minding Our Business: Strathfield’s Industrial Heritage
The Strathfield district is known for its grand homes, educational institutions and transport links but it also has a rich industrial history and has been home to many prominent industries – and the smell of Arnotts Biscuits!
The Ironbark Gallery’s new exhibition Minding Our Business: Strathfield’s Industrial Heritage will showcase our industrial past – from brickworks to biscuits, tarpaulins to car radios and abattoirs to flour mills. Enjoy exploring our rich history in manufacturing.
Exhibition details:
When: 18 June – 30 June and 12 July to 11 September 2022 (open during Strathfield Library and Innovation Hub opening hours)
Where: Strathfield Library and Innovation Hub – 65 Rochester Street Homebush, NSW 2140
OFFICIAL OPENING EVENT:
Thursday 16 June 2022, 6pm
Bookings are required for the opening event: exhibitions@strathfield.nsw.gov.au
SECOND EXHIBITION TALK:
Monday 5 September 2022, 10am – 12pm.
Bookings are required for the talk.
Council and Strathfield-Homebush District Historical Society.
NAIDOC Week with Boomalli
NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life.
The theme for NAIDOC 2022 is Get up! Stand up! Show Up! The Ironbark Gallery does this by partnering with one of this state’s most recognised and respected Aboriginal Art organisations, Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative.
Showcasing works from Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative, this exhibition includes works by founding Boomalli members, established and emerging Aboriginal artists. Celebrating the rich culture and artistic diversity of some of this state’s leading Aboriginal artists.
Exhibition Details
When: 3 – 10 July 2022 (open during Strathfield Library and Innovation Hub opening hours)
Where: Strathfield Library and Innovation Hub – 65 Rochester Street Homebush, NSW 2140
Official Opening Event
Wednesday 6 July, 4pm
GUEST SPEAKER: Jeffrey Samuels, founding member of Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative
Smoking Ceremony & performance by Walangari Karntawarra and Diramu Aboriginal Dance and Didgeridoo
Bookings are required for the opening event: exhibitions@strathfield.nsw.gov.au
Image: Jasmine Coe Earth honeybee hive 2022 digital print
More information:
Making Memories: Shine Art Academy
Making Memories showcases the recent artworks of both students aged 5 to 16 years and the teachers of Shine Art Academy, Riverwood. This exhibition gives these little artists an opportunity to not only exhibit their works, it creates dialogue between children and parents and in turn enhancing the connections with community.
Established in 2016 by artist and educator Dawei Xu, Shine Art Academy has been running art classes across Sydney; operating in Riverwood, Connells Point, Chatswood, Epping and Hurstville. Over the past six years, Shine Art Academy has developed a reputation as a leading art school within Sydney.
Exhibition Details
When: 14 April – 12 June 2022 (open during Strathfield Library and Innovation Hub opening hours)
Where: Strathfield Library and Innovation Hub – 65 Rochester Street Homebush, NSW 2140
Official Opening
Date: 4pm Wednesday 13 April 2022
Guest Speaker: Arianna Deer, Education & Public Programs at Hurstville Museum & Gallery
RSVP by Tuesday 5 April: exhibitions@strathfield.nsw.gov.au
More Information:
Elementals: Stefanie Ferguson
Elementals explores the intersection of drawing and ceramics in Stefanie Ferguson’s artistic practice; ranging from mark making – drawing – and texture – ceramics. These drawings are an investigation of line, texture and colour of living organisms and natural formations.
This exhibition showcases and highlights Stefanie’s artistic process of research and experimenting with works on paper and the transition that occurs when working in two-dimensional form to finalised three-dimensional ceramic works that are symbolic of the human condition.
Exhibition Details
When: 11 February – 10 April 2022 (open during Strathfield Library and Innovation Hub opening hours)
Where: Strathfield Library and Innovation Hub – 65 Rochester Street Homebush, NSW 2140
Official Opening
Date: 6pm Thursday 10 February 2022
Guest Speaker: Agatha Pupaher, Artist and Owner, Sydney Clay Studio
RSVP by Monday 7 February: exhibitions@strathfield.nsw.gov.au
More information:
Historic Houses of Strathfield
Historic Houses of Strathfield explores the rise of the mansion houses in late 19th century and their eventual fate in the 20th and 21st centuries.
The first Australia economic boom from the 1850s to 1890s coincided with the residential development of the Strathfield district. By the 1890s, Strathfield was considered one of the premium suburbs of Sydney.
16 December 2021 – 6 February 2022
Aus-Kor 60th Anniversary Photo Exhibition
A digital photo exhibition commemorating the 60th Anniversary of Australian-Korean diplomatic relations was displayed at Strathfield Council Library and Innovation Hub from Monday 22 November – Sunday 12 December.
This exhibition was held to celebrate Australia and Korea’s time-tested friendship and signify the quantum leap forward in our shared future. By looking back at the footprints of our cherished history together and looking towards a more prosperous and reciprocal relationship, both at the national and local level.
Photos on display are produced by the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Sydney.
ROAR
ROAR showcases the artistic talents of our local high school students from grades 9 and 10. All local high schools in the Strathfield region were invited to take part in this exhibition.
A diverse selection of media and subject matter are on display, a testament and recognition of the talents of our local high school visual arts students.
24 June – 21 November 2021
More information:
Strathfield Answers the Call 1914-1918
The Ironbark Gallery featured an exhibition in collaboration with the Strathfield-Homebush District Historical Society.
Strathfield Answers the Call 1914-1918 explores how the people of Strathfield and Homebush participated in the events of WWI on the battlefront and at home.
23 April – 20 June 2021
Image: Strathfield-Homebush Rifle Club outside the Council Chambers, 1915
Beyond Sight: Lea Kannar-Lichtenberger
Lea Kannar-Lichtenberger explores the world of plants and evolution through her exhibition of photographs, video and sculpture titled Beyond Sight.
19 February – 18 April 2021
Image: Colliding worlds 2014 laser engraved soda glass Petri dishes (detail)
More information:
Gilded Perceptions: Erika Cholich
Erika Cholich is a local artist who infuses her still life paintings with a contemporary aesthetic that is bold and full of life. This body of work chronicles the output of Erika’s artistic language over the past three years.
16 October – 13 December 2020
More information:
