Join The Family to remember their creator Malcolm Harrison and celebrate Huttette's 21st.
TheNewDowse is proud to welcome back with open arms a very popular artwork entitled The Family, a collection of 34 dolls lovingly hand-made by the late Malcolm Harrison (pictured left). Join The Family to remember their creator Malcolm Harrison and celebrate Huttette's 21st.
TheNewDowse is proud to welcome back with open arms a very popular artwork entitled The Family, a collection of 34 dolls lovingly hand-made by the late Malcolm Harrison (pictured left).This year The Family has gathered together to commemorate two important occasions - the passing of creator Malcolm Harrison, and the coming of age of their youngest member, Huttette, who will celebrate her 21st birthday during the exhibition.
Malcolm Harrison, a creator of quilts, tapestries and embroideries, was one of New Zealand's most respected and versatile textile artists. His death in November 2007 was a great loss to New Zealand's arts community, and TheNewDowse is delighted to be able to celebrate his remarkable talent in this exhibition.
Textile artist and author Ann Packer says, "Malcolm never set out to be a trailblazer - but by rejecting notions of political correctness, he became an inspiration, a mentor and a friend not only to his peers but also to younger artists and designers. And even those who do not know his name, know his 'Family'. For a man who never married and had no children, this is perhaps his true legacy."
The Family was created by Harrison in the 1980s and grew spontaneously from his collection of fabrics, trimmings and ornaments. They are an eclectic bunch that includes a hard-working bee-keeper, circus performer, gamblers and adulterers, naughty teenagers, a judo expert, a school teacher, musicians and a poet. Each doll has been intricately crafted using vintage textiles, and comes with its own rich history and quirky personality.
"The first family member Jerry, was born in 1983. He looked so lonely that Malcolm decided to make him a wife, Chloe. Then Jerry needed a mother, and Chloe needed a father and so this complex family just kept growing" says Leanne Wickham, Concept Developer at TheNewDowse.
In 1987, The Family held their first public family occasion, an exhibition at TheNewDowse. Much to the public's surprise Chloe gave birth to a baby within days of the show opening. The baby was appropriately named Huttette. "We have commissioned textile artist Vita Cochran, whose own work has been inspired by Malcolm's, to create a 21 year-old Huttette doll. And of course a 21st birthday party needs guests, so we are inviting the public to create their own party-going dolls that will be displayed alongside the exhibition" says Wickham.
Events & Activities Programme :
A 21st Birthday Party Invitation : Stitch your way to the Party!
The Family would like to formally invite you to stitch a partygoer to attend Huttette's 21st birthday. Like any 21 year old, she would like friends and relations to come to the party, but needs your help in creating them. Stitchers, knitters and crafters are invited to create partygoers that will be displayed alongside the exhibition from October 2008 - February 2009.
Entries due by : The Partygoers must arrive at TheNewDowse by 3 October 2008 in order to join the party.
Download the Info Sheet here
Draw your family portrait on the gallery wall.
Families come in all different shapes and sizes, and TheNewDowse is inviting visitors to draw their own family portrait on the gallery wall! Special frame-shaped blackboards run the length of the gallery and chalk is provided.
Free activity, available daily.
D.I.Y Creative Activity : Frame Your Family
Here's your chance to create a special one-of-a-kind magnetic photo frame for your favourite family snap-shot. Purchase the frame
from the Info Desk, decorate it to your heart's content, take it home, insert your favourite photo and pop it on the fridge! Price: $5
9 August, 2008 - 28 February, 2009
06/10/08