Wodonga’s newest community space Hyphen – Wodonga Library Gallery opens to the public today, August 2, from 10am.
The opening of the $12 million facility follows an 18-month build and the temporary location of the library to High St.
Hyphen features three main galleries – Artspace Gallery, Playspace Gallery and Community Gallery – as well as the Hallway Gallery. It hosts the full library service and features three meeting rooms; the Community Studio overlooking the courtyard suitable for workshops, meetings and presentations; the Creative Studio for resident artists; Tech Studio and Sound Studio; and, a Sculpture Terrace.
The name Hyphen reflects the building’s twin purposes of art and literature and its amazing architecture and dash-like shape – the signature cantilever over the building’s main entrance.
The gallery spaces launch the Hyphen program with a captivating and intriguing opening offering.
Our state-of-the-art Artspace Gallery features Nyanda, a collection of artworks from four contemporary Aboriginal women exploring their personal stories about place. Nyanda means “many” in the local Dhudhuroa language and Bethany Thornber, Treahna Hamm, Tegan Murdock, Patricia Cerminara share narratives of past, present and future in this celebration of First Nations peoples.
The Playspace Gallery is turned into an imaginary forest landscape of light, colour, kinetic sculpture brought to you by the creative minds of Skunk Control while our Community Gallery will provide the opportunity to reflect on Wodonga’s past through the Picturing the Past exhibition, featuring artefacts and photographs from the Wodonga Historical Society collection.
The Hallway Gallery features the work of two young Aboriginal artists Carliegh Walsh (Wiradjuri) and Sophia Galvin (Yorta Yorta). Carliegh and Sophia were invited to share their latest work to complement the Nyanda exhibitions.
After sunset, the windows on the cantilever come to life with an animated artwork by artist Freya Pitt.
The projected animation explores Wodonga from the perspective of a bird. Be a part of the journey, flying through the night sky over many iconic Wodonga landmarks beginning with a bird’s-eye view and glancing down and around at 36.1241° S, 146.8818° E.
The official opening will take place on Friday, August 6, at 10.30am.
This will be followed by a three-day opening weekend featuring music, workshops, tours and an opportunity for the community to say hello to Hyphen.
