IN THE upcoming years four bridges will be constructed in the Clarence Valley, spanning the Clarence River at Grafton, Harwood and Tabulam and Sportsmans Creek at Lawrence. The Bridges Project will capture the response of artists to the bridges' construction.

The Bridges Project is an opportunity for selected artists to document the construction and progress of the four bridges. An exhibition of the work produced will be part of a series of exhibitions at the Grafton Regional Gallery, The Kirk at Yamba Museum and the Sir Earle Page Library and Education Centre.

With construction on the bridges about to start, the Grafton Regional Gallery is seeking expressions of interest from artists of the Clarence Valley and surrounding regions who would like be involved in the Bridges Project.

Artists who work in all ranges of media are invited to apply. All interested artists are invited to attend an information forum being held at the gallery on August 24. Project officers from Roads and Maritime Services will give presentations on each of the four bridges, the gallery will outline the artistic program and there will be the opportunity for artists to ask questions.

Expressions of interest close on Wednesday, August 31. Application forms are available from the Grafton Regional Gallery website or by contacting the gallery. A panel of artists and gallery staff will select artists. Selected artists will be paid a fee for their involvement in this project.

The artists involved in the Bridges Project will play an important part in recording the development of the new bridges. While being important pieces of infrastructure for growing regions, bridges are also objects of beauty and engineering excellence that fascinate and inspire.

The project is coordinated by the Grafton Regional Gallery, a cultural service of the Clarence Valley Council, in partnership with Roads and Maritime Services and with the support of the Yulgilbar Foundation.

Assembled animals

A beautiful display of assemblages in our community exhibition space was created by the students of Baryulgil Public School in collaboration with artists Debby Taylor and Rochelle Summerfield. Over several weeks at the end of term two the artists and the students participated in workshops to create a series of Australian animals. They used a range of materials to create the animals.

Still Life

This exhibition round, the Grafton Regional Gallery's major show, Still Life, comes from the Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery and features its collection of still life works. The works range in style and media from traditional works by Sam Leach through to contemporary assemblages by Sylvia McEwan.

Most of the works won the Eutick Memorial Still Life Award (EMSLA) or were bought from the award's finalists. EMSLA is a national acquisitive award funded by Sydney benefactor Dr Mal Eutick, who founded the award in honour of his parents Lillian and Malvin Eutick. EMSLA is celebrating its 10th year in November.

Each year the award is judged by Sydney Morning Herald art critic John McDonald, and one or two regional gallery directors. The EMSLA provides the Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery with a unique collection of some of the best still life works in Australia, including the acquisition of still life paintings from the colonial era through to contemporary art pieces.

All Australian-based artists are eligible to enter the EMSLA, with entry forms available on the Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery website or by post upon request. Entries close August 19.

Gardening volunteers

People who love to do general gardening maintenance are invited to join our small group of volunteers who tend our heritage and cottage-style gardens. A lot of the tending is carried out during the week in the mornings. Contact the gallery if interested.