Superman writes.. Look/Mirror Exhibition

Superman reviews the ‘Look’ and ‘Mirror’ exhibitions held at the Canberra Museum and Gallery....

Recently I attended the official opening of the ‘Look! – the art of Australian picture books today and ‘Mirror’ by  Jeanne Baker, held at the Canberra Museum.

Murray and Brenda escorted me to the opening, where I was met by the museum staff, and  the Director of the Museum – Shane Breynard.

Dr Belle Alderman (AM), myself and Shane Breynard

I was made very welcomed and introduced to many very important people. Drinks and nibbles complemented the evening and I ate fairy bread and drank apple juice.

The ‘Look’ exhibition showcases the diversity of picture books created by Australian illustrators during the past decade. Accompanying each framed illustration is a brief description along with an interactive activity. Unfortunately not all the framed illustrations are at ‘child-friendly’ heights.

There are four activity tables which can accommodate 1-2 children at a time. A small activity book accompanies the exhibits.

Only one indigenous illustration is displayed.

I love Jeanne Baker’s books and have 2 in my personal collection. I have read/looked/discussed her book ‘Mirror’ with Brenda, so was keen to see this exhibition. I found the layout of it confusing, going from one room to the other to compare the illustrations- I wonder why the framed illustration portraying each country were not displayed alongside one another, at child-friendly height.  This would have allowed for more interaction and discussion between parent/teacher/care giver.

 Instead, we had children running over the raised platforms under the framed illustrations – a constant clatter clatter, echoing between the rooms. No discussion about the wonderful illustrations was heard-a pity as they are beautiful and would provide a wonderful opportunity to engage and encourage visual literacy.

WOODING

Wooding = Firewood Collecting

Dress – Long Sleeves, Trousers tucked into long socks to prevent leeches sticking onto your legs and sucking your blood-Murray got leeched!, long sleeve shirts to prevent the huge mozzies and march flies attacking



Alison and Dorothy (Jan's mum)



Permit is required; $16 (pensioners rate) gives you 2 tonne to be collected within 3 months

Age; all ages can take part- Dorothy is in her 80's and still picks up and carries

Location – Tallaganda State Forest

Type; various hardwoods

The Outsider Gallery/Cafe

Just a quick recommendation for somewhere fulfulling and unique to eat when next in Captain's Flat-do try
The Outsider-huge meals of fresh vegies, fruit and meat. No need for entrees or hot chips here. While waiting for your meal you can browse the gallery of work by Gunther Deix - a reknown "Outsider" artist.

Trapped in the Black Mountain Tower!

Yesterday the sun was shining so we headed into Canberra to explore. John our driver/tour guide assisted by Dorothy showed us around this well spread out city. 358,000 people live in Canberra. Lakes separate the CBD from the Indigenous Embassy and other places of historical and political importance.

Canberra appears to be made up of many circles with Capital Hill being in the centre. We had a 860 metre view of Canberra for well over an unexpected hour-when we became ‘trapped’ in the Black Mountain Tower due to a fire alarm. While we gathered around the fire exit awaiting further instructions the retailer offered ice-creams-no freebies – it was $4.00 a scoop!!

Earlier on, we had a very informative visit to the War Memorial. The static diorama displays are extremely well done and realistic. The poppy wall was a subdued reminder of those that lost their lives.

Anzac Parade from War Memorial looking towards Parliament

Lunch was at Bookplate – National Library which unfortunately did not have a children’s section. Bookplate – the café served scrummie expensive food-perhaps this is city prices-more than Perth though - $10.90 for a bowl of soup, or $17.00 for a salad – perhaps I have lost touch with reality…

We took a walk to the Museum of Australian Democracy – previously the old parliament house-another revenue gathering well. On the way we past the Indigenous Embassy-established in 1972, this small tent gathering is getting their message across. Photos are not allowed, however I didn’t see this sign until after I had a taken a few…..

Today we are off ‘wooding’….. will share that experience later.

Friday afternoon Superman, myself and Murray are invited to the opening of the ‘Look’ exhibition at the Canberra Museum and Gallery.