There's something delicious about being in a venue after the normal opening hours and Up Late at the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) is no exception.
Throw in some drinks, music and the opportunity to draw and you've got the latest offering at GOMA's Drawing Room on Friday nights available until 2 March 2012, 5.30–10.00pm during ‘Matisse: Drawing Life’.
This was an unexpected pleasure courtesy of the James Street folks who ran a competition on their Facebook page giving away a double pass to Up Late. My plea that if I had to stay home on Friday night I would be forced to watch a 'boys' movie, as it was K2's turn to choose, obviously resonated with many and I won the tickets. A big thank you to James Street and GOMA for making this happen.
There were plenty of folk taking advantage of the stylish surrounds and sharing a drink with friends. Many also enjoyed the opportunity to draw the artfully placed objects around the room on the quality paper and pencils provided. iPads also offered other ways to explore the objects and were a source of fascination for some.
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| K2 shows his hidden drawing talents |
You can also eat at GOMA Restaurant located in the heart of GOMA.
With music cascading throughout the gallery, it was wonderful to wander amongst Matisse's paintings and appreciate his deft hand and sense of colour. The Gallery Shop was open as well, with lots of tempting offerings.
Tickets ($20) available through qtix or telephone 136 246 (on sale until 12 noon each Friday, booking fees apply) and at the Gallery of Modern Art ticket office on the night (subject to availability). Friday night viewing of the exhibition is only available with an Up Late ticket. Take your smart phone and earphones and you'll be able to take advantage of the bar code scans around the exhibition and have your own personal tour.
Bottom line: recommended but make sure you get there early (6pm) if you want to park close when there is a show at the Lyric Theatre. Our fall back position was dinner at Jam Jar, West End, until we scored a park in the carpark at 8.30pm. We were dreaming to expect to find one at 7pm as all car park full signs were flashing.
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| Spotted in the crowd - Michelle and Joan. |