PODspace is an exhibition and education program managed on a voluntary basis by a group of emerging curators and artists.

PODspace stopped operating as a traditional gallery at the end of 2012, before experimenting with pop up exhibitions in 2013. During 2014 PODspace will again retain the pop up exhibition format, working with partners to activate spaces around Newcastle.

NOTE: THIS BLOG IS NOW CLOSED. For all the latest news and events from PODspace, go to http://octapod.org/podspace/

PLEASE ASK permission before using any images from this site: podspace@octapod.org

June 29, 2010

Handwise III

Fibre Textile based exhibition curated by Ahn Wells

featuring artists Brett Alexander, Christian Kauter, Robyn Nunan, John Parkes, Emily Roberts, Martin Trew

Wed June 30 - Sat July 17 2010
Opening Thursday 1 July 2010, 6-8pm


Handwise III is the third in a series of exhibitions curated by Ahn Wells based on an initial concept of creating works that are fibre/textile based. A range of artists, both local and from further afield, have been asked to contribute new work that falls somewhere, loosely or firmly, within this surprisingly diverse genre. As well as showcasing the work of talented individual artists, the aim of Handwise is to widen audiences expectations and understanding of what fibre/textile art is and can be.

Handwise I was held in 2008 at John Paynter Gallery. Wells organised the exhibition and participated as an artist. Soozie Combe, Jessica Coughlan, Emma-Lee Crane, Belinda Howden, Anna King, Olivia Parsonage and Niomi Sands also showed their work which included woven twigs, crocheted copperwire, a giant material fork and a film of a sewing machine popping bubble wrap. In 2009 Handwise II was again exhibited at the John Paynter Gallery. This time Wells became the curator and did not participate as an artist. A new selection of artists were invited to participate. They were Nerida Ackland, Kim Blunt, Bree Cunningham, Gillian Shaw and Joy Smith. While these artist were asked to stay faithful to the original concept, they evolved and extended it. Resulting in paper adorning the gallery wall, eerily formed heads made from muslin material, recycled platted ties and the highly technical traditional tapestry weaving.

This year Handwise III moves to PODspace Gallery where Wells volunteers as a co-director. Brett Alexander, Christian Kauter, Robyn Nunan, John Parkes, Emily Roberts and Martin Trew will exhibit their work in a group show which promises to produce further new insights into the fibre/textile discipline.










Ahn Wells is a local artist with a strong connection to the Newcastle arts community having studied and exhibited here for the past 10 years. Her work is fibre/textile based while also having a strong interest in drawing and work on paper. She works from Studio 25, Newcastle Community Arts Centre, 246 Parry St Newcastle West NSW 2302. www.ncac.org.au

Over the years Wells has met the Handwise artists either through study, overseas travel or via her own exhibition practice. She invites them to participate because their practices, as well as appealing to her own particular sensibilities, all having the unique potential to inform, advance and enhance the Handwise concept.

June 9, 2010

grab a coaster exhibition

local artists have turned pub coasters into artworks to help support the gallery.

all works for sale from $15.

Wed June 9 - Sat June 26 2010
Opening Thursday 10 June 2010, 6-8pm




grab a coaster exhibition


step 1
Go to your local pub, grab some coasters.
step 2
Start creating an artwork from your coaster, draw, paint, photograph, sculpt, anything you can think of. There is no limit to how many you can contribute.
step 3
Bring your finished work to PODspace gallery or any of the other drop off points by Monday June 7.
step 4
Join us for the opening on Thursday June 10, where all donated works will be sold at a very affordable set price.
step 5
Buy the art, drink the wine, and eat the cheese.








Classic Coasters, Queensland, have generously supplied us with plenty of coasters to get us started with our fundraiser, available from the front desk at PODspace gallery.


podspacegallery@yahoo.com.au | podspacegallery.blogspot.com
Contact Michael: 0411 668 471 | Alison: 0438 658 155
3/231 King St. Newcastle NSW 2300 [1st Floor]