News Archive

Thomas Heidt, an artist based in Australind, has made several visits to Northcliffe over the past few months exploring the area and meeting Southern Forest Arts committee members in preparation for the sculpture he will create later in the year. He hopes to find a dead tree with an interesting shape, relocate it near the trail and then completely cover it in gold leaf. The work will take many weeks to complete.

During this time, we hope people will visit Thomas along the trail and watch his work as it develops. Normal entry fees to the trail will not apply for local residents. Thomas will also install a small exhibition in the Painted Tree Gallery during his stay of some past and present works providing further insight into his creative practice.

Can you help us find the tree Thomas is looking for?

Ideally, the tree needs to be:
• dead
• still standing
• Jarrah
• 5-6 metres high
• in an easily accessible location (eg in a paddock with few other trees around, few steep inclines, not too far from town etc)
• an interesting form

The following images may give you an idea of the forms that interest Thomas and perhaps trigger your memory of a tree you have seen that could be just the one he seeks.

Phone Fiona on 97766439 or email info@southernforestarts.com.au if you think you can help.

Southern Forest Arts has been successful in its application for a Shire of Manjimup Community Grant for just over $1,000. The grant will be used to pay for radio promotion of Northcliffe's natural and cultural heritage (including Understory). We'll be working in partnership with the Northcliffe Visitor Centre and going live during the forthcoming wildflower season. Our thanks to the Shire of Manjimup for helping us try something different with our marketing.

Located alongside Understory, the Painted Tree Gallery provides visitors and art lovers in the Southern Forest region an opportunity to experience some truly inspiring exhibitions. From the 9 to 15 September, Homeland, by artist Peter Hill, is an exclusive preview of paintings which are fresh out of the studio and destined for an exhibition at the Brigitte Braun Gallery in Melbourne. Peter finds that sharing his work locally feels perilous however is a really worthwhile part of his process.

Regional Arts Australia and SBS have collaborated on a series of vignettes to feature eight great arts projects from across regional Australia. Understory was chosen as the WA representative. This has been an exciting opportunity for our organisation and our participating artists, writers and musicians.