ArtJam illuminates Grafton bridge precinct
Beats, beers and a blacksmith’s furnace – just some of the ingredients that make up ArtJam at the Grafton Bridge Precinct. Add in a gang of amazing mural painters and you’ll understand why ArtJam is the most innovative community event to hit Grafton in recent times.
The event is designed to allow people to explore the newly created precinct between Grafton’s twin road bridges. With its stature as a street art gallery growing, this curious nook makes the ideal venue for a community art event and with live music, DJs and a variety of walk-up art workshops, ArtJam promises to be a highlight of the 2021 Plunge festival programme.
Event organiser Phil Nicholas said, “Firstly, this event offers family-friendly fun. It’s about getting involved in making art, no matter what your skill level or background. And if you just want to sip a beer by the river, we’ve got that covered too. There will be hot food and a licensed bar running all afternoon.”
“Secondly, this event is about showcasing local creative talent across the generations. Art inspires and educates, and I wanted to make it accessible to anyone. There’s a community of street mural painters that converge on ArtJam and our local luminary, Kade Valja will be running a guided tour of the precinct to shed light on who is behind some of the most striking works.”
“We also have respected community art educators Pamela Denise and Julianne Gosper sharing their passion and skills in interactive workshops. Another local artist Stu Murphy, has turned his roots in street art into a fluid ink painting activity where you can make the most incredible lamp shade.”
“Finally, an activity I’m really excited about is a collaboration between celebrated blacksmith and sculptor Eoin McSwan and renowned paper lantern artist Phill Relf. These chaps have created a frame to suspend a large bamboo seed pod that ArtJam attendees will be invited to paper over to create a large lantern. This and other smaller lanterns made during the day will be lit at 8pm to shine new light into the Grafton bridge precinct.”
ArtJam works on a Fair Go Funding model: if you enjoy the event and can afford it, help fund it. Free community events benefit everyone, but they’re not free to produce. By purchasing a $10 ticket, everyone wins – the event costs get covered and everyone can have a great experience.
ArtJam runs from 2pm to 9pm on Saturday 17th April 2021 at McClymont Place, Grafton.