A BUSH ODYSSEY

Opening March 6 2010, 'A Bush Odyssey' will showcase a mix of contemporary and traditional art - from  paintings, prints and photography to sculpture, mixed media and ceramics. The Showcase will bring together a number of artists, both established and new, in an exhibition of local talent that promises something for every taste.

After the affects of last years Daylesford Bushfires, a powerful partnership has been formed with ChillOut Festival announcing CFA, Glenlyon Group as its worthy cause in 2010, to help protect Daylesford and neighboring towns in the future. The Convent's 'A Bush Odyssey' Exhibition will further contribute to assist in raising funds for this worthy cause.

All commission on works sold throughout this exhibition will be donated to the Glenlyon CFA Group. Select artists will also be donating a percentage of the sale price, with some donating the total sale price. The Convent will also be offering the chance to win a two-night stay in our magnificent Penthouse suite by entering a raffle.

Announcing 2010 contributing Artists:

Anthony Scibelli
Basil Eliades
Chris Rowe
Cynthia Schbella 
Dave Dando
Dee Waterhouse
Elisa Errichiello
Frances Guerin
Grace Bailey
Hugh Waller
Jackson Rowe
Joy Mott
Karen West
Mark Ross
Martin Thurnheer
Michael O'Hanlon
Michelle Day
Noel Muscat
Pete Goodlet
Petrus Spronk
Phil Woodman
Robert Nathan
Rory Cox
Rynelle Walker
Samantha Anahata-Hanson
Steve Ward
Valerie Brown

Also in conjunction with Chillout:

Gay Conversion School Drop Out 
DATE: Saturday 6th March & Sunday 7th March (Labour Day Weekend)
TIME: 7 PM VENUE: The Convent Daylesford (Entry via Altar Bar)
BOOKINGS: (03) 5348 3211 or info@theconvent.com.au

What is the Chillout Festival?

ChillOut began as an annual festival of the Springs Connection, a local gay and lesbian business group in Daylesford. The first festival was staged in 1997 and each year the festival has been hosted over the Victoria Labour Day long-weekend in March. The inaugural festival was held at the Old Winery in Ballan Road attracting participation from 10 stallholders and 50 – 100 visitors over one Sunday afternoon. The very early festivals drew some local opposition because of the focus on gay and lesbian pride but how attitudes do change.

In 2009 ChillOut celebrated its twelfth anniversary. Since its inception ChillOut has grown to become the largest gay and lesbian festival in regional Australia and the largest festival in Hepburn Shire. Within gay, lesbian and related communities only the city-based festivals attract larger visitor numbers.