Martin Edge exhibition promotes accessible art for all
Published 11 December 2023
Step into the colourful and inclusive world of celebrated artist Martin Edge at Pine Rivers Art Gallery from Saturday 16 December 2023 to Saturday 16 March 2024.
All the best, from Martin Edge is a playful, sensory exhibition that encourages everyone to experience the world through the eyes of local Moreton Bay painter and proud ambassador for Autism Queensland, Martin Edge.
The exhibition of 22 paintings and associated activities. is a retrospective of Martin’s works during his 15 years as an award-winning artist, with many borrowed from private collections across Australia and two works commissioned specifically for this exhibition.
City of Moreton Bay Mayor, Peter Flannery said supporting local artists and increasing accessibility in Moreton Bay is a priority for Council.
“We're on a mission to make Moreton Bay a more accessible city, and we are thrilled to be working with, and supporting, local artists like Martin Edge to help make this happen,” said Mayor Flannery.
“With 2023 named as the Year of Accessible Tourism, it’s the perfect time for us to open the doors to this unique exhibition.
“Our exhibitions team has been working with external consultants from occupational therapists to people with lived experience to develop this exhibition and associated programming, with a particular focus on supporting neurodivergent visitors.
“Co-designing with people who have lived experience as well as experts, ensures the gallery is a welcoming space for all.
“I want everyone to know that City of Moreton Bay galleries are welcoming spaces for everyone to have truly enriching experiences.
“In addition to the playful paintings by Martin and a large-scale wall that comes to life through augmented reality, the exhibition will have a quiet room, a fun, free and interactive activity space, and a line-up of great events including painting classes with Martin himself, over the summer period.
Martin Edge is a celebrated painter who has been working as a professional artist for the past 15 years. Exhibiting consistently since 2008, Martin has earned national and international recognition.
Martin Edge said the exhibition was not just for art lovers.
“It’s for the whole family and everybody is welcome,” Martin said.
“My exhibition is about the wondrous world according to me, Martin. It’s a celebration of my art, looking back at my journey as an artist and my everyday life and adventures in Moreton Bay.
“It’s my first large-scale exhibition - from my very first painting that I ever completed which won the Moreton Bay Region Art Prize back in 2008 which is quite special, through to more recent paintings. Some of these are coming from all around Australia and I haven’t seen them since I painted them!
“There’s also a lot of fun, playful and interactive parts to the exhibition including augmented reality, a children’s workshop space and lots of sensory elements. Plus, there will be heaps of events throughout the exhibition that everyone can enjoy.
“I want everyone to feel a sense of fun and joy when they come to the exhibition. I think there will be a few happy tears when I see it in the gallery for the first time and when people turn up and it brings a smile to someone’s face, then I know I’ve done my job,” Martin said.
Besides his art practice, Martin is a proud ambassador for Autism Queensland and his generosity as a volunteer, mentor and artist has positively impacted the local Moreton Bay community.
“People often ask me why I started painting and I guess I didn’t really go looking to become an artist, the art found me. I like bright colours and the world around me and when I paint it makes me happy and brings a sense of joy. If I’m having a bad day, when I start painting, I start to feel well and happy again,” Martin said.
All the best, from Martin Edge has been produced by City of Moreton Bay Galleries in collaboration with artist Martin Edge and Pia Robinson, local founder of The Culture Crusader and changemaker in accessible cultural tourism and experiences.
“Council is proud to support and collaborate with innovators like The Culture Crusader to present art in a more accessible way for the community to enjoy,” Mayor Peter Flannery said.
“If you want to have an enjoyable day out and experience something different and truly inclusive, I’d encourage you to come along to this free exhibition at Pine Rivers Art Gallery and celebrate local artist Martin Edge.”
All the best, from Martin Edge
Pine Rivers Art Gallery
16 December 2023 - 16 March 2024
Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am - 4pm
For more information visit the website.
All the best, from Martin Edge is an inclusive arts experience developed by City of Moreton Bay in collaboration with artist, Martin Edge and The Culture Crusader.
Early Start Australia are proud supporters of the All the best, from Martin Edge exhibition, through the provision of consultancy, services, staff training and exhibition program development. The Culture Crusader is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.