Social fabric a winner for Karin

By Shaun Inguanzo
TWO days, an impromptu theme and a whole lot of fabric.
That was the challenge ahead of Doveton artist Karin McLean who had two days to produce an artwork based on a mystery theme revealed only at the beginning of Dandenong’s Inspired! art competition this month.
Set on the historic grounds of Dandenong’s Heritage Hill museum, Inspired! began on Friday, 16 March and attracted both local and non-local artists.
Ms McLean took out the People’s Choice Award for her piece that celebrated the cultural diversity of Dandenong.
Ms McLean was the only artist to use fabric in her work, a fitting medium given her artwork explored the ‘social fabric’ of the city.
The theme of cultural heritage was only revealed on the Friday, giving artists just the weekend to produce their pieces.
“I actually had to get my family’s help to look after my two children,” Ms McLean said.
“And I prepared by going through my fabric collection and doing a lot of research on the different migrant groups that have settled in the region.”
Main prize-winners in the Dandenong Club category were first-place Beatrice Manoukian from Chadstone, second-place Isabella Hastings from Berwick, and third-place Kate Ward-Walton from North Melbourne.
But Ms McLean’s victory in the People’s Choice category – voted on by spectators – pleased the 35-year-old.
“I was really pleased because all along I had hoped to create something everyone would be able to identify with,” she said.
Greater Dandenong mayor Youhorn Chea praised the art competition’s impromptu format.
“What is so special about Inspired! is that it opens an avenue to the arts for people who may never have considered visiting a gallery or exhibition before,” he said.
“The special format of the competition adds an exciting element to the creation and appreciation of art and I am delighted that the people of Greater Dandenong embraced this wonderful art competition.”
Inspired! was run in conjunction with the State Government initiative, Celebrate Our Cultural Diversity.
All artwork is for sale and the council is encouraging residents to view it while on display at Heritage Hill until 29 April.
Heritage Hill is located at 51 Langhorne Street, Dandenong.