By Tanya Steele
The latest exhibition at the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum is showcasing the skills and work from the Yarra Ranges Council’s historical handmade collection.
‘Taking the Time: handmade objects from the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum’ is on display in the Box Gallery until Sunday 28 May 2023 and invites audiences to immerse themselves in an array of inspiring handmade objects from Yarra Ranges Council’s cultural collection which includes new and old items, recent acquisitions, and some pieces that have never been displayed before.
Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Jim Child invited residents to attend the exhibition and said it was a delightful tribute to the Yarra Ranges and the remarkable creativity and craftsmanship of our region.
“Taking the time illustrates unique stories, people and the undeniable creative culture that characterizes the Yarra Ranges,” he said.
“It’s a wonderful celebration of this region and invites audiences to discover the ingenuity and skill of makers past and present.”
The exhibition highlights some of the interesting, important, beautiful and unique objects that have been handmade in the area, including Dame Nellie Melba’s illuminated address book, a floral still life collage made from postage stamps, hand-coloured architectural drawings from Yeringberg and an embroidered cat.
Speaking at the opening, Yarra Ranges Regional Museum Program Director Megan Sheehy said the exhibition showcases an eclectic collection of items that depict resilience, ingenuity, and the passing down of skills and traditions.
“This rich yet eclectic arrangement tells a strong story about resilience, as evidenced through the re-purposing of materials, mending and adaptation of textiles and handing down of skills and traditions,” she said.
“We are so lucky to have rich cultural collections that reflect and bolster our sense of identity even as we experience change or catastrophe.”
The exhibition also showcases the museum’s most recent acquisition, a meticulously woven iuk (eel trap), by Wurundjeri Woiwurrung elder and artist Aunty Kim Wandin.
Ms Sheehy said the exhibit provides insight into rare trades and revived practices.
“The exhibition also provides insight into rare trades and revived practices, as well as sharing the stories of unique people and the practices they value,” she said.
“We hope that it will encourage visitors to reflect on their own lives and creative experiences, to think about taking time to learn, teach or make what is important to them.”
Taking the time: handmade objects from the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum collection will be on show at Yarra Ranges Regional Museum from 8 March to 28 May 2023.
Entry to the exhibition is free.
For more information see the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum Website.
Yarra Ranges Regional Museum is located at 35-37 Castella Street, Lilydale
