Monday, 03 July 2023

AJN: Growing exhibition showcases Jewish artists

This is an extract of an article that originally appeared in AJN 9 June 2023. It was written by Shane Desiatnik.

A RECORD number of Jewish artists exhibited their work on May 28 at the launch of the Showcase of Jewish Artists exhibition at the B’nai B’rith NSW Centre. This year’s exhibition – held until June 4 – featured entries by 58 artists, not just from Sydney, but also for the first time from the Blue Mountains to Byron Bay, and even as far as Melbourne.

The featured artists range in age from 12 to 87, and all produced beautiful and unique artworks, including paintings, drawings and sculptures. Entry was by gold coin donation.

In the past decade, eight exhibitions for Jewish artists have been held at the B’nai B’rith Centre, starting in 2013, when it was co-hosted with Newtown Synagogue as part of B’nai B’rith’s Day of Jewish Culture and Heritage project.

Since 2017, B’nai B’rith and COA Sydney have joined forces to co-present the exhibition, at the B’nai B’rith Centre’s new location at Barker Street, Kensington.

“While the name of the exhibitions has changed over the years, the objectives and values have remained steadfast,” Vivienne Radomsky, B’nai B’rith NSW’s marketing manager, said. “The exhibition remains community based, as a space where Jewish artists are encouraged to come together and exhibit their work, without judgement or fear.”

Participating artists included Gillian Hodes, Steve Durbach – whose artistic name is Sid Sledge – Ann Milch, Ethne Benn, Michael Shteyman and Harry Aizenberg.