Scotch College

Ken Field Memorial Art Show

Former staff member, Ben Shearer, opens the Ken Field Memorial Art Show

This year's Ken Field Show was again a very fine affair, and financially a good success with more than $20,000 being raised for the Ken Field Fund for the Arts. Scotch is lucky to have the generous support of so many highly respected artists, many of whom are now long-standing friends of the School; but it is also strongly supported by Susan Edwards and Aalto who provide the display screens, fittings and lighting for the Exhibition.

This year, we welcomed the additional involvement of Robert and Kathy Littlewood (of Littlewood and Hart Gallery in South Melbourne) and Barry Pang and Anita Archer who introduced a new element to the Exhibition through their provision of 'investment art'. For the first time, the Ken Field Exhibition showed paintings by such luminaries as Sidney Nolan, Pro Hart, William Dobell and Norman Lindsay, amongst others. Not only are these paintings wonderful works of art, but as Anita Archer - Australia's most successful art auctioneer - revealed in her talk on Saturday morning, they are very sound investment opportunities.

The Memorial Hall transformed!

The Exhibition was opened with the traditional cocktail party on Friday night, and despite the clash with another huge cultural event (the opening ceremony of the Rugby Word Cup), 150 people enjoyed their leisurely browse and the witty opening address by Ben Shearer before making their early purchases. A former member of staff and exhibitor at each Ken Field Show since its inception, Ben talked purposefully and with humour about the imperatives of Art in the curriculum, and as a humanising aspect of our lives. His remarks were greatly appreciated by all present, as were his paintings!

Without a doubt, this was a highly successful show, and the interest in the high quality works which Scotch exhibits remains as strong as ever. The added dimension of investment art can only strengthen the Ken Field Memorial Art Show, and we look forward to more opportunities to hear and learn about such possibilities in the future. In 2005, it is possible that there may be a new venue for the Art Show, and there are also thoughts of a smaller show in 2004. We will keep the Scotch Family informed as plans are firmed up.

Alan Watkinson
Director of Development