Join the artists behind ‘Beacon’ in conversation.
Melissa, Circles of Life 1, drawing, 2025.
Join Lisa Pownell, Margaret Bold, Michael Buckley and Stefano Conti as they discuss their work in the Beacon Exhibition. The conversation will be a moderated panel with a chance to ask questions near the end.
When: Saturday 20 September, 2 – 3 pm
Where: Counihan Galley, 233 Sydney Rd, Brunswick
Exhibition Access: Accessible venue and bathrooms, no booking required, Audio description, Online exhibition
Contact: info@artsaccess.com.au
Michael Buckley
Michael Buckley is a filmmaker, performer and visual artist. He was recognised for his innovative approach to practice with a Writing Fellowship (2000) and a New Media Fellowship (2002) from Creative Australia. He is a member of the legendary vocal performance group ‘Arf Arf’ who have an extensive performance history in Australia and Europe.
Lisa Pownall
Lisa’s work concerns itself with environmental issues and often focuses on endangered birds. She is inspired by scientific Botanical illustration and Ornithology, the study of birds.
Margaret Bold, Prism 2024.
“Even though my mother tried to discourage me: I’ve been making art since I was little. I didn’t go to art school, as adult I participated in the Nunawading mural project for young people and I also became interested in photography when my mother gave me a Kodak Instamatic camera at ten years old.”
Stefano Conti
“Since I was a student in school I was talented student and I won prizes. Even as a child I would make drawings. I am a writer, poet and I make music. When I do something I like, I feel good and alive.”
Beacon explores concepts of disability, safety and connection through light, colour, people and place.
The work is a response to the idea of a beacon. A light that pierces through the darkness as a warning, signal, or celebration. It can also be a symbol of hope, an aspiration or the destination at the end of a long journey. Artstop studio artists have created works that explore what guides them, what shines brightly in their lives and ask you to think about your own beacons.
Beacon asks ‘What does it mean to live as Deaf and Disabled people? And how do our personal experiences affect the ways we think about and navigate the world?’
When: Sunday 10 August – Sunday 26 October
Gallery open hours: 11 am – 5 pm Wednesday to Saturday and 1 – 5 pm on Sundays
Artstop is a visual arts studio run by Arts Access Victoria (AAV) in Brunswick. Artists meet weekly to connect, learn new skills and develop their arts practices. Find out more about the AAV studios.
‘Beacon’ features works by Caroline Alcalde, Claire, Danny Do, Hui, Josephine Lazidis, Lisa Pownall, Maree G, Margaret Bold, Melissa, Michael Buckley, Roslyn, Stefano Conti, Teague Leigh, Theo Psathas and Kelly Wright.
Wheelchair Access
Accessible Toilet
Auslan
Audio Description
Relaxed Event (Adapted to be accessible for autistic and other audiences)
Quiet Space
