Castlemaine artist Catherine Tait will share her art on the world stage with an exhibition at an exciting new gallery space in New York next month.
The talented painter and sculptor has pushed the boundaries to create her latest exhibition Old Friends – moving into silverwork jewellery and also dabbling in printmaking to create some beautiful works around the theme.
Tait said her first international exhibition came about after a chance meeting in New York in 2018.
“I was visiting New York for an awards ceremony with my friend and mentor, Ballarat artist Betty Collier, who is 76 and still carving!
“While we were there I struck up a conversation with Viviana Puello, one of the founders of ArtTour International Magazine, and the ArtTour International television show. Viviana had just opened a new arts space – Grimandi Art Gallery. I went to check out the space and just loved it.
“Shortly after returning home Viviana contacted me to see if I would be interested in exhibiting there and I jumped at the opportunity.”
During her visit to New York, Tait noted how much people loved their dogs and decided to make the exhibition about man’s best friend.
“Dogs are universal. No matter what country you live in, people love their dogs. These paintings and sculptures feature dogs with attitude. They are pets I knew. Friends and old souls. Look into their eyes.”
The latest exhibition is a particularly personal one for the artist who recently lost her own beloved little four-legged friend mini foxy pomeranian ‘Roxy’.
“She was always with me in the studio. She was always five steps behind me and followed me everywhere. She was such a beautiful companion.
“Roxy is in the exhibition. She will be coming along with me,” she said.
Tait’s family and dear friend and renowned local jazz musician, Maggie Jackson, will also be travelling to New York for the big event.
Jackson will be performing at the intimate opening on September 6 and has penned a new song especially for the occasion titled My Friend.
“I’m really excited! I look forward to supporting Catherine at the opening and checking out the local jazz scene while I am there!” Jackson said.
The pair invite locals to spread the word and invite any ex-pats they know living in New York to come along to the opening or check out the exhibition, which runs from September 4-17.
“We’ve been surprised by the number of ex-pats in New York we have discovered to date and are looking forward to a fantastic evening,” Tait said.
“Of course local art fans are more than welcome to jump on a plane and join us! But if you can’t be there you can preview the exhibition on my website www.catherinetaitartist.com.au from August 25 and check out what pieces you may like before they get snapped up by the Americans!”
Tait is pledging five per cent of funds to the Gumtree Adopt a Greyhound program.
“Greyhounds are such beautiful creatures. I wanted to do something to make a difference and I think the work Gumtree does to re-home these dogs is so important.”
For those who miss the exhibition don’t despair. Tait’s work will feature in the ArtTour magazine next year.
