The end of August (2008) represented a hectic time for Tom Bass as he attended the official unveiling of Cootamundra’s Captains’ Walk (Stage II) and Bradman Dinner.  In between the events Bass presented a fascinating discussion on the National Library ‘Lintel Sculpture (1967-68) commissioned by the National Capital Development Commission (NCDC) for the National Library of Australia.

With Genevieve Carson, Bass reflected on the enormity of the project and his collaborator Kevin Goodridge.  Through images taken by Max Dupain and Kevin Goodridge - Bass was able to convey the method of construction and installation. 

Coupled with some wonderful witty moments, the evening was concluded with a moving musical tribute to Bass’ in honour of his iconic Canberra sculpture ‘Ethos’ (1959-61).  Performed by ‘A Chorus of Women’ - musical arrangement by Dr Glenda Cloughley the performance included a solo by Judith Clingan AM.

The Tom Bass Sculpture Studio School will be hosting its annual OPEN STUDIO on Sunday 15 June from 1pm - 3pm.  Tour the Sculpture School and talk with students as they work on their latest projects.  From 2pm, Tom Bass will talk about the history of the Sculpture School and how it has evolved over the last 34 years.

From 3pm - 5pm, join Bass for a belated birthday get-together to celebrate his 92nd Birthday.

Details: Tom Bass Sculpture Studio School 1A Clara St, Erskineville 02 9565 4851

Open Studio, Sunday 15 June 2008 1-3pm / Talk 2pm / Birthday celebration 3-5pm

To mark the 40th Anniversary of the National Library of Australia’s building, Tom Bass and Genevieve Carson will talk about Bass’ role in creating one of his most important works ‘Lintel Sculpture’ for Canberra’s (then) first prestige building.

View archival film footage of the monumental 70ft (21.3metre) copper sculpture in progress along with photographs from Bass’ private collection.

Event details

Thursday 28 August 2008, 6pm 

Parkes Place, National Library of Australia, Canberra, ACT

For more information check the NLA website closer to the event: http://www.nla.gov.au/

Join Tom Bass for the 34th Annual Student Exhibition on Sunday 9 December from 6-8pm at the Tom Bass Sculpture Studio School (1A Clara Street, Erskineville).  To be opened by distinguished Sydney sculptor Orest Keywan.

The trip to Bathurst was a success with an enthusiastic turn-up at the opening and at the Artist talk. The first thing Tom did when he entered the exhibition was to rearrange the sculpture called Isosceles Abstract and it certainly looks a lot better in this position - very ‘alive’ as Tom said. I would show you a photo but can’t copy one in. In time we will have images of the exhibition on the website - in the mean time you will have to go a look yourself! If you are sorry to have missed Tom’s talk it is likely he will go to Bathurst again towards the end of the exhibition and give another Artis’t talk - or come to one of the many Friend’s events being organised at the sculpture school (link at the bottom of the home page)