Birthday bash for Sawtooth ARI

Launceston’s Sawtooth ARI – formerly Arts Alive – will be celebrating 25 years of serving the arts community this April, and the party they have planned will certainly be one to remember.

Over the last 25 years, the artist run initiative has worked with a significant number of emerging, early and mid-career artists, seeking to give a platform to their practices through exhibition programmes and events. In the words of Sawtooth ARI’s Co-Chair Anna Barber, “there’s nothing else in the region quite like Sawtooth: we’re not just an organisation run by artists for artists, we’re for everyone”.

As such, it is no surprise this occasion will be marked by 26 (one for luck) artists creating limited edition prints for the milestone. Works by Alex Davern, Amber Koroluk-Stephenson, Angela Casey, Benjamin Baker, Bianca Templar, Bonnie Starick, Chee Yong, Clara Martin, Emily-Rose Wills, Emma Magnusson-Reid, Fernando do Campo, Jo Chew, Joel Crosswell, Julie Gough, Katie Barron, Lex Palmer-Bull, Liam James, Neil Haddon, Olly Read, Rob O’Connor, Rod Gardner, Sarah Rhodes, Tony Curran, Tricky Walsh, Troy Ruffels, and Zara Sully will be on sale during the event. Each of the artists has worked with Sawtooth ARI in the past, and are clearly excited to participate in the event.

“I feel that Sawtooth validated me as an artist and that it was more than ok to express that truth”, says Angela Casey, while Amber Koroluk-Stephenson states that “there aren’t enough platforms for artists, curators, and the community of art enthusiasts to connect, learn and share. I see Sawtooth as an important platform for the arts in the heart of Tasmania’s creative and cultural landscape.”

“I had my first solo show with Sawtooth and have been included in multiple group shows, says Clara Martin. “Sawtooth is the space that I was able to find my footing and develop my practice in the gallery space. Sawtooth sits perfectly at the intersection of professional gallery practice and grassroots community building. It is hybrid, versatile and flexible and is something the art world needs more of.”

The event is in part a drive for funds so that the artist run initiative can continue to serve the community for another 25 years (at least), and donations are welcome. Additionally, all RSVPs will go into a lucky door prize pool, with goodies worth $500 up for grabs. The party is set to kick off on Friday 26 April – don’t miss out!