Ross Watson Catalogue XXVIII
Scissor Sisters front man Jake Shears modelled for Watson after a recommendation from long time collector Elton John.  The results are included in this exhibition of recent paintings, photography and edition prints.  A great success at London Pride 2007,  his photographic works are emotionally charged triptychs which masterfully combine classical and contemporary imagery,  pregnant with ambiguity and drama.

Silence, his recent series of paintings, explore the theme of ‘unspoken love' between soldiers in this haunting and meticulously executed series. Inspired by the making of period film set during world war 1,  these paintings possess the distinctive qualities which have elevated Watson's art to an international audience - intrigue and mystery set in moody silence.
Venue:          Ross Watson Gallery 465 Nicholson Street, Carton North
Transport:             Tram number 96, Stop 18
Melways:       2C A2
Date:                 Thu 24 Jan - Sun 10 Feb
Time:                 11am - 6pm
Price:                Free 
Info:                 enquiries@rosswatson.com

Classic Queer Shorts

This specially curated program features some fine new and archival Lesbian and Gay themed works that embrace the experimental, the documentary, the dramatic and the comedic.
Including works of the caliber of We Aim To Please (in a restored print!), Farewell to Charms, Brad and the classic 70's short, Disco, these works chart a vibrant and opinionated course through a generation of queer culture. 

Venue:                      Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI)
Federation Square, Melbourne (opposite Flinders St station)
Transport:             Flinders Street Station, Swanston & Flinders Street Trams
Melways:                1B P1
Date:                         Sat 26 Jan
Time:                          2 pm
Price:                        $8
Info / Bookings: 03 8663 2583 or www.acmi.net.au

Tranzlezbian Gendermash

A PJ and Bumpy Production
Tranzlesbian Gendermash is an event co produced by PJ Fotiades and Bumpy (King Victoria) which showcases translesbian / queer writers and songwriters.
Rap, ControVerse, Stories, Songs, Queer Porn, Juicy Secrets, GenderRevellers, Bent, Funny, Sad, Sweet, Opinionated, Short & Snappy! Auslan Interpreted
Following on from the popular Translesbian Readings, held over the last 6 years at King Victoria drag kings, Gendermash is a deliberately controversial, positive, and sexed up journey starring Gender creators, morphers, questioners, revellers, Djs and Interstate Guests.

Venue:                   Gasworks Theatre
Gasworks Arts Park, Cnr Pickles and Sts, Albert Park, 3206
Transport:             Tram: No 1 - Stop 31 - Melway Ref: 2J H7
Date:                      Sat 26 Jan
Time:                     10:15pm till late
Price:                     $15 full; $10 conc; $10 per person groups of 8 or more
Info / Bookings:    03 9699 3253; frontdesk@gasworks.org.au  ; www.gasworks.org.au
Accessibility:         Wheelchair accessible main entry, Wheelchair access to Theatre, Wheelchair accessible lavatory / Gender-Neutral lavatory;
Auslan interpreter available on request and already provided for some events;
Licensed bar; outdoor smoking area.
Gasworks Theatre and Foyer are now air-conditioned.

Your Life As A Dyke

Your tales from the dyke side.
Irreverent, intelligent, and improvised... Strap yourselves in for a new concept in lesbotainment from the "My Life as a Dyke" team. Settle in for a tell-all confessional as you get the opportunity to share stories from YOUR life as a dyke! Then sit in stitches as the girls present your stories back to you in the unique comic style you've come to expect from dyknamic duo Nik and Rach.
Performed by Rachel Forgasz and Nik Willmott, two of the queer world's most accomplished theatre practitioners, Your Life as a Dyke combines comedy, song, improvisation, audio visual and brilliant insights into contemporary lesbian life.
Broken into two parts on the same night, the first part sees the Your Life as a Dyke team investigate what is happening in your dyke life, while the second part plays the findings back to you in a hilarious collection of vignettes. In between, audience members are invited to share a dinner in the Gasworks Gasbar & Terrace, where they can bring their own food or choose from the very affordable menu options on offer.
"This clever, funny and engaging show is first class, and its performers are a delight." Helen Thomson, The Age
"With actors as lusty and talented and full of presence as Willmott and Forgasz, you suspect that they'd shine even if they were performing in your garden shed... slick and outrageously funny." Cameron Woodhead, The Age

Venue:                   Gasworks Theatre
Gasworks Arts Park, Cnr Pickles and Sts, Albert Park, 3206
Transport:              Tram: No 1 - Stop 31
Melway Ref: 2J H7
Date:                      Wed 30 Jan to Sat 2 Feb; Tue 5 Feb to Sat 9 Feb
Time:                      7:30 pm (dinner break at 8:15 pm)
Price:                      $28 full; $20 conc; $21.50 per person groups of 8 or more
Info / Bookings:     03 9699 3253; frontdesk@gasworks.org.au  ; www.gasworks.org.au
further info: 03 8606 4200
Accessibility:         Wheelchair accessible main entry, Wheelchair access to Theatre, Wheelchair accessible lavatory / Gender-Neutral lavatory;
Auslan interpreter available on request and already provided for some events;
Licensed bar; outdoor smoking area.
Gasworks Theatre and Foyer are now air-conditioned

TransDestinations Symposium

A two-day trans* celebration
Held at Gasworks Arts Park over one day and two nights, Transdestinations surveys the current state of play and future possibilities for trans-connected communities. It includes forums and workshops covering health and wellbeing, social justice and equity, and arts programming including spoken word, performance, music, visual arts exhibitions. Transdestinations runs in association with the Tiwi Islands Gay And Sista Girls concert, ButchFemmeTrans' cocktail party - A Sunset Soiree, Tranzlezbian Gendermash and Upstart Alley (see other Gasworks event listings).
The event features artists, activists, facilitators and guests from across Australia. Transdestinations explores where the transgender and trans-connected communities are today, where we have come from and what lies ahead.
Professional development opportunities and skills workshops sit alongside performance, social networking, broad discussion and exhibitions that portray the vibrancy and unique perspectives of this diverse and multiply connected community.
All welcome. Register your interest in taking part now. Full program available in December from www.gasworks.org.au.

Venue:                   Gasworks Theatre & Foyer,
Gasworks Arts Park, Cnr Pickles and Sts, Albert Park, 3206
Transport:              Tram: No 1 - Stop 31
Melway Ref: 2J H7
Date:                      Sun 27 Jan
Time:                      11am till late
Price:                      $20 full; $15 conc; $15 per person groups of 5 or more
Info / Bookings:     03 9699 3253; frontdesk@gasworks.org.au ; www.gasworks.org.au
workshops and meals at additional cost
Accessibility:         Wheelchair accessible main entry, Wheelchair access to Theatre, Wheelchair accessible lavatory / Gender-Neutral lavatory;
Auslan interpreter available on request and already provided for some events;
Family friendly; Licensed bar; outdoor smoking area.
Gasworks Theatre and Foyer are now air-conditioned

Nomads Indoor Rockclimbing
No experience necessary - only a desire to have fun. Please book by the Sunday prior to climbing, or earlier, to ensure you don't miss out. Limit of 30 climbers per session! If the dates or location are inconvenient (or booked out), please contact the Nomads to find out alternatives that might be suitable.
Please arrive by 6:15 pm to sign in and pay prior to commencement of the session, so you don't miss out on any climbing time. Wear comfortable clothing appropriate for sports: no short t-shirts and no jewellery, skirts or tight jeans. Tie back long hair. Don’t bring valuables or bags to the centre as there are no storage facilities onsite for those.
The Nomads are an outdoor and social group, gay or gay friendly, which provide an opportunity for people to lead and take part in a range of outdoor activities. We have been in operation for over 19 years, with all activities organised by volunteer leaders who are members of the group. 

Venue:             Hardrock, 501 Swanston St, Melbourne (meet in front of the entrance, in Franklin street)
Transport:  Melbourne Central trains; Swanston St or La Trobe St trams
Melways:      2B, E12
Date:                Wed 30 Jan; Wed 6 Feb
Time:                Meet at 6:15 pm. Climbing from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Price:               $18 Includes safety instructions, harness and shoe hire
Info:                Nomads website: home.vicnet.net.au/~nomads,
Hardrock website: www.hardrock.com.au
Bookings:     Bookings needed by Sun 27 Jan (for 30 Jan) or Sun 3 Feb (for 6 Feb):
Phone 0412 762 470 or email: thenomadsinc@yahoo.com.au

Fairfield to Eltham Bike Ride
Join Bent Kranks for a fun day out on your bike! Meeting at Fairfield Park car park where we will begin our ride along the picturesque Main Yarra trail, following the Yarra River and Diamond Creek to Eltham.  Enjoy native birds in a serene setting of bushland and parkland from the seat of your bike, with almost no use of public roads. 
Paths are a mix of asphalt and firm gravel, mainly flat with 2 or 3 short hill climbs.  Our intended stop for a well-earned lunch break will be in Main Street, Eltham.  Purchase lunch at one of the many cafes, or bring your own.  Bring water, snack and sunscreen, your mountain bike or hybrid bike in good working order and a sense of adventure! Bike helmets must be worn.  Ride distance approximately 24 km. 
Return to Fairfield by train, or ride back if you have the energy!

Venue:                      Fairfield Park car park, Fairfield Park, Heidelberg Rd, Fairfield
Transport:                 Hurstbridge train line to Dennis of Fairfield Station
Melways:                  30 J12
Date:                        Sun 27 Jan
Time:                        10 am
Price:                        $2 Full, $1 Concession (includes Bent Kranks members)
Info / Bookings: 0412 368 147 or enquiries@bentkranks.com.au
Website: www.bentkranks.com.au

Tags: Midsumma Festival 2008