The Manning Regional Art Gallery is set to transform into a deep, dark rainforest when the multi-sensory Frugal Forest exhibition kicks off on Thursday November 17.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In the Frugal Forest, nothing is wasted and every scrap is an opportunity as the installation has been made entirely of stuff that was headed for landfill.
As you wander through this fascinating exhibition, you’ll find that every sight and sound, down to the last leaf and birdcall, has been intricately crafted from everyday things that we usually throw away like shopping bags, electrical cord, printer ink and Styrofoam.
Created over three years by not-for profit group Frugal Arts Inc with the help of artists, musicians, students and community members across the Mid North Coast, the project has involved over 6000 hours of hard work and more than 1170 participants.
To ensure the Frugal Forest continues to grow, there will be opportunities for school children and interested locals to make their own mark on this touring exhibition by taking part in free workshops at the gallery.
“A forest is a living example of a zero waste system and this evolving installation has been a great way to talk about the idea of a circular economy in a way that’s positive and fun,” said Bryony Anderson, co-director of the project with Chay Khamsone, explaining why they decided to build a forest.
On top of the successful regional tour, the Frugal Forest project has secured participating MidWaste councils a finalist spot in the 2016 Local Government Excellence in the Environment Awards, which will take place in Sydney on November 29.
MidCoast Council’s manager Waste Health and Regulatory Services, John Cavanagh, was delighted with the announcement.
“This is has been a great project to be part of and to become a finalist in the category of Communication, Education and Empowerment is a fantastic result,” said John.
The Frugal Forest exhibition will officially open with an event from 2pm on Saturday November 19, where you can expect nibbles, wine and a guided tour.
Entry to the opening is $10 or $7 for Friends of the Gallery (FOGs) members and if you’d like to come along, simply RSVP by emailing art.gallery@midcoast.nsw.gov.au or calling 6592 5455.
This free exhibition will be open until Sunday January 15 during normal gallery hours from Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm and Sunday1pm to 4pm.
There will also be workshops happening for school groups in November and families during January, so check out the gallery website at www.manningregionalartgallery.com.au for more information.
If you’d like to find out more about the Frugal Forest project, visit http://frugalforest.frugalarts.net.