Gravity (and Wonder) Public Programs
Gravity (and Wonder) public programs are produced and offered in association with Western Sydney University (WSU) and Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS).
GRAVITY IN THE GARDEN(11 September)
Gravity in the Garden is a full day event on 11 September that includes conversations, explorations and demonstrations. It includes three main events – In Conversation with Costa Georgiadis ($25), Sydney Observatory Gravity Model Demonstrations and Solar Telescope Viewings (free) and Gallery Garden Tours (free).
In Conversation with Costa Georgiadis, host of Gardening Australia
Sunday 11 September 1.30-2.30pm
Join Costa Georgiadis in a lively discussion on gravity and wonder in the garden with Dr Peter Weston, plant scientist from the Royal Botanic Gardens and Landscape Architect David Duncan. Three garden enthusiasts collectively will bring a richer understanding to the relationship between gravity and plants: how plants adapt to gravity in different ways, as well as discussing some helpful hints on the logistics of garden design and plant selection for the garden enthusiast.
Costa Georgiadis is the well-known and loved host of the ABC television program Gardening Australia. A trained landscape architect, Costa is passionate about the natural world and organic gardening.
David Duncan is Senior Associate at Aspect Studios, whose portfolio includes projects with considerable microclimatic challenges, such as the design for the Goods Line and One Central Park – the largest green wall in Australia. David has considerable knowledge on gardens that challenge gravity.
Dr Peter Weston is a Senior Principal Research Scientist, and Plant Systematist at the Royal Botanic Gardens, who has a particular passion for Proteaceae (banksias, waratahs, grevilleas) and orchids.
The artist created heritage gardens of Penrith Regional Gallery provide a unique setting for the talk.
Tickets are $25.00
Sydney Observatory gravity model demonstrations
Sunday 11 September from approx. 11am – 2pm
A fun free demonstration and hands-on activity where the force of gravity is demonstrated before your very eyes by Sydney Observatory staff using an interactive model. Experience the remarkable and fascinating force of gravity in the Gallery’s front garden, near its landmark Tank Stand. This demonstration is sure to delight children, families and curious minds everywhere.
FREE, no bookings required.
Sydney Observatory Solar Telescope viewing
Sunday 11 September from approx. 11am – 2pm
When you’ve checked out the Gravity model demonstrations, you can fire up your imaginations even further with a solar telescope viewing. Staff from Sydney Observatory will be on hand to help you view the Sun, bright stars and, depending on the time of year, even the Moon and Venus!
The Solar telescope is safe for day-time use, but please note, it is not safe to look at the Sun through any normal telescope, with binoculars orthe naked eye. Doing so could seriously damage your eyesight.
FREE, no bookings required.
Gallery Garden Tours
Sunday 11 September at 11am and 12noon: tours are 30 minutes duration
Join this free garden tour with resident gardener Shayne Roberts and discover the many historic features of Penrith Regional Gallery gardens. The former home and property of sculptor Gerald Lewers and painter Margo Lewers boasts beautiful garden plantings with outdoor artworks and interesting plant selections imbued with the taste and interests of its original inhabitants.
STAR GAZING EVENTS (8 & 22 October)
There’s a whole universe to explore out there! Did you know we have our very own local Observatory right here in Penrith? The Western Sydney University Observatory is located on the Werrington North Campus of the University of Western Sydney just off the Great Western Highway.
As part of Gravity (and Wonder) the Gallery is working in partnership with WSU Observatory on a range of brain (and imagination) bending adventures, including two star gazing nights, one of which will be held at the Observatory, the other in the Gallery Garden.
Star Gazing at Western Sydney University Observatory
This wondrous evening under the stars will be led by WSU Astronomer in Charge Dr Ain de Horta, assisted by students, and will include a dynamic talk about gravity, a guided observation of the night sky through the observatory telescope.
Ticketing information and booking link will be available soon. If you would like to go on a waiting list for this event when it comes on sale, please email the Gallery.
Star Gazing in the Gallery Garden
Featuring Citizen Science activities for the whole family. What is Citizen Science? It’s the daily observations we all make that can contribute to a better understanding of the world. The individual curiosities and fascinations with our natural environment, recorded and used to help put the bigger picture together. Our Citizen Science projects focus on the night sky.
For our Star Gazing night, people are welcome to bring their own telescopes or view the night sky from the telescopes provided. Staff and students from the WSU Observatory and volunteers from the local amateur astronomy club will be your guides for the evening. To keep you warm on the inside there will be a piping hot urn and biscuits on hand.
Gallery group tours will be available to take in the Gravity (and Wonder) exhibition.
TICKETS – Children $5, Adults $10, Family $25 – on sale soon.
GRAVITY GEEKS ART + SCIENCE SYMPOSIUM (5 November)
Saturday 5 November 9 – 5pm
Venue: The Joan, Q Theatre, High Street, Penrith City Council
Patron – Professor Fred Watson
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has recently announced an innovation agenda. Science, technology, the arts and innovation are all central to both growing the knowledge economy and the development of new industries, manufacturing opportunities and jobs.
The Gravity Geeks symposium will bring together artists and STEM researchers, educators, students and audience. It will present the work of artists working with scientists to illuminate scientific concepts and related research concerning gravity.
A key element of the Symposium is its integrated performance program. Renowned Australian contemporary dance / performance company, Shaun Parker & Company will engage with the Gravity theme as performers defy gravity and escape earthly bonds in their choreographed movements. Parkour group DMCDauntless Movement Crew will perform on stage as an introduction to the symposium program and leading composer/sound designer Barton Staggswill also perform.
To complement the event an inflatable Planetarium will be installed in the Borland Foyer during the Symposium and members of the general public will be invited to drop by and take a look, assisted by student guides from WSU.
Tickets and final details for this event will be available soon.