50 Years of Art Open Day

Join us as we celebrate our 50th Birthday!

In 1973 The Fremantle Arts Centre was established, finalising the transformation of the once decrepit building into an artistic haven for the local community.

We invite young and old to celebrate this milestone with a free, family event; our 50 Years of Art Open Day.

SCHEDULE + LOCATIONS 

10am – 11am Kids Storytime – In the front garden
10am – 12pm Kids Toys – Buster the fun bus toys in the front garden
10am – 12pm Face Painting – Lady Bird entertainment fairies in the front garden
10am-12pm Still Life Drawing (kids) – Drop in anytime to the upper gardens
10am- 12pm Weaving (kids) – Handheld looms on the upper gardens
10am – 1pm Open Studios – Wander upstairs at your convenience (follow the signs)
10am – 1pm Screen Printing (adults + kids) – Bring an old shirt to the inner courtyard
11am -12pm Book Readings – Fremantle Press authors on the main stage
12pm-1pm Exhibition Tour – meet at FAC reception for Pliable Planes and Special Treat tour
1.45-2pm Welcome to Country – plus formalities
2pm-3pm Live: Ella Therese- Indie folk on the main stage
3pm-4pm Live: Hector Morlet – Diverse alt-pop on the main stage
4pm-5pm Freocast DJ’s: Reb and Harri

Coffee, food vendors and a bar from midday – or pack a picnic and enjoy our leafy surrounds! 

Open Day Art Courses
Celebrate our 50th with a special one-day course at our Open Day.

Book now for:

Entry is Free and open to all.

Open Studios
Follow the signs at reception to see our teachers and students in action during their art courses. Tutors will be happy to answer any questions you may have, but please respect that this is a creative workspace and keep noise to a minimum.

 

Screen Printing with Mariaan Pugh
We are delighted to offer a special screen-printing workshop with local artist and Special Treat curator Mariaan Pugh. To take part in Flower shirts for Friends please bring along an old (or new!) button up shirt, preferably white. Mariaan will guide you through the screen-printing process and the result will be your very own wearable piece of art! Places will be available on a first come, first serve basis.

 

Childrens Workshops
Still Life Drawing and Weaving Workshops led by our FAC tutors Miles carpenter and Jo Bowman will be held on the upper gardens (grassed area above and adjacent to the front garden) places will be offered on a first come first serve basis – if it looks busy, come back in 5-10 minutes and a spot will be available for your little one!

 

Fremantle Press Books Readings
A range of authors will be in attendance, holding book readings on the main stage in the front garden. Following the readings authors will be available for book signings, to be outside of Found store.

Authors:

  • Renee Pettitt-Schipp
  • Dawn Mauldon
  • Gillian O’Shaughnessy
  • David Whish-Wilson
  • Seth Malacari
  • Steve Hawke
  • Karen Herbert
  • Emma Young
  • Michael Thomas
  • Chemutai Glasheen
  • Molly Schmidt

Parking
Limited free street parking is available on Finnerty, Ord and Vale Streets. Parking is also available at Fremantle Leisure Centre for a small fee. Alternatively, take public transport. FAC is a short 10-minute walk from Fremantle train station with several bus routes stopping nearby. Head to the Transperth Journey Planner to find your best route.

 ACROD Parking
There is limited ACROD parking available on Finnerty Street, as well as at the Fremantle Leisure centre.

While you’re here be sure to pop in and check out our current exhibitions Pliable Planes: Expanded Textiles & Fibre Practices – a travelling exhibition presenting work by 12 Australian artists who reimagine textiles and fibre. Special Treat is also on display, a gorgeous collection of beachcombed ‘treats’ recreated into unique works of art.

Plus, don’t forget to leave your mark on our communal art project the Weaving Wall.

See you there!