By Vanessa Chircop
WHAT happens when you mix two IT project managers named Michelle, some paint, and an exhibition? According to Michelle Thompson, “an extraordinary exhibition of amazing paintings”.
Michelle Thompson and Michelle Downing are both taking part in Hobsons Bay’s Art in Public Places and will be exhibiting together at Mosaic Restaurant in Altona.
Ms Thompson said the fact that the two Michelles were partnered together for the exhibition was a fluke on the council’s behalf – prior to this exhibition they hadn’t met.
“The council didn’t even realise what they had done until we told them,” Ms Thompson said.
Both artists are new to exhibiting – this will be Ms Downing’s first exhibition and Ms Thompson’s second.
“If I sell something I’ll probably be over the moon because that means someone actually likes what I do,” Ms Thompson said.
Both artists have very different styles.
Michelle Downing’s artwork is predominantly oil on canvas and depicts women in poses and outfits reminiscent of the late 1920s and 1930s whereas Michelle Thompson’s paintings are inspired by the world around her. Art in Public Places will feature 52 artists from Melbourne’s West across 39 Hobsons Bay businesses. The event runs from Monday 7 March to Sunday 17 April.
For information call 9932 1000 or visit www.artinpublicplaces.com.au
