An exhibition by Portarlington-based artist Kate V M Sylvester, who uses old t-shirts to create large-scale installations, will open at the Wangaratta Art Gallery on Thursday, 13 November.

Pleats of Matter is a fascinating look at how the humble t-shirt can create powerful artwork, addressing themes of sustainability and textile waste.

Using a unique dissection process, Sylvester meticulously unthreads and deconstructs old t-shirts by hand, changing the texture of the threads to create an entirely new fabric.

Through the process she reflects on how things can change over time and how a simple t-shirt can be shaped by gravity, time and environment.

The title of exhibition, Pleats of Matter, was inspired by French philosopher Gilles Deleuze’s notion of "the pleats of matter and the folds of time," where matter and time are constantly interacting and shaping one another.

Wangaratta Art Gallery director, Rachel Arndt, said Sylvester’s work invites viewers to consider the relationship between humans and nature, and the resulting material we as humans produce.

“In slowing down the dissection of a simple t-shirt, Sylvester invites a renewed awareness of our impact and our interconnection with the natural world and a new perspective of our relationship with the universal elements that are continuously active in our daily lives," she said.

Kate V M Sylvester is a Perth-born artist currently based in Portarlington, Victoria.

She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Painting) from the Victorian College of the Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from La Trobe University.

Her work has been recognised in numerous award exhibitions including the North Sydney Art Prize (2024), We the Makers Sustainable Fashion Prize (2023) and Yering Station Sculpture Award (2022).

Sylvester’s solo exhibitions include KVMS Retrospect at 69 Smith Street Gallery (2014) and a 2017 show at Tinning Street Presents.

Her work featured in Fabrik: conceptual, minimalist and performative approaches to textile, 2016, with works on display at the Ian Potter Museum of Art and at the Margaret Lawrence Gallery.

The artist will be speaking about her work on Thursday, 13 November from 5pm, prior to the launch of her exhibition from 5.30pm, with all welcome.

Pleats of Matter will be on display until 11 January, 2026.

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What's On in brief

Sculpture and painting at Art Gallery on Ovens

A joint exhibition of sculpture by Ron Ahl, and watercolour paintings by Jana Brook, will open at the Art Gallery on Ovens in the laneway off Murphy Street on Thursday, 13 November.

See new sculptures by Ron including bird baths using materials including metal and wood, and landscape watercolours by Jana in a range of sizes, inspired by the local environment and further afield.

An official opening will be held on Saturday, November 15 from 10am to 4pm with all welcome to come and meet the artists.

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CENTRESTAGE with Marina Prior and Michael Cormick

Stage stars Marina Prior and Michael Cormick are touring their full-length production CENTRESTAGE, visiting the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Saturday, 15 November at 7.30pm.

Having been friends for decades since performing together in Cats in 1986, the duo now takes their remarkable voices and stage craft on tour around the country, performing a two-hour show accompanied by renowned pianist, Andrew Ross.

Hear them perform songs from their hit musicals, gorgeous duets, iconic show tunes plus their own personal and crowd favourites, with tickets available now at wpacc.com.au.

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Sable Park garden to open again

The garden of Les and Rosemary Bolitho called Sable Park will be open again for one day only on Saturday, 15 November from 10am to 4pm.

The encore comes after the heavy rain interrupted the last open garden fundraising event held at the end of October, with over 700 roses, iris and water features to explore in the extensive property.

There will also be Devonshire Teas available, a classic car display, sculptures by Sam Anderson and limited-edition Sable Park 2026 calendars for sale, with entry $10 per person and all money raised going to support Carevan Wangaratta.

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La Dolce Vita in the King Valley

Feast, dance, taste and immerse yourself in the Italian spirit of the King

Valley, when the region's winemaking families celebrate La Dolce Vita from 14 to 16 November.

The nine participating wineries will be offering a wide variety of interesting food, signature wines and live entertainment throughout the festival weekend, in a family-friendly environment.

Get your tickets now by visiting winesofthekingvalley.com.au, which provides access to all venues.

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Waiting for God continues this weekend

The Wangaratta Players production of feel-good comedy Waiting for God continues at the Stage Door Studio in Evans Street, Wangaratta this weekend.

The play by Michael Aitkens looks at the challenges of growing old ‘disgracefully’, set in the Bayview Retirement Village, where battle-axe extraordinaire Diana Trent conspires with resident Tom Ballard to give the conniving manager his comeuppance, with heart-warming results.

Following a sellout opening weekend, limited tickets remain for shows on 14, 15 and 16 November, and on 22 and 23 November, available at Trybooking.com.

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Monthly happy dogs walk

The Wangaratta Kennel and Obedience Dog Club will hold its next Happy Dogs Walk on Sunday, 16 November commencing at 9.30am from the Wangaratta Kennel Club (showgrounds).

The monthly walk is designed to promote and encourage dogs to be involved with social and group interactions with their furry friends in public places.

The club invites all dog owners to join with others for a leisurely 3-4km walk through parklands, along gentle pathways and footpaths, for no more than one hour duration, with coffee to follow as available.

For further information contact Ron on 0417 644 877 or Kevin on 0418 221 260.

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Wang Repair Café at the Sunday market

The Wang Repair Café will be holding its next repair event at the Wangaratta Community Market at Moore Than Swimming in Mason Street on Sunday, 16 November from 8am to 12pm.

Bring along your broken items for the repair team to fix and help keep them out of landfill, including toys, garden tools in need of repair or sharpening, mechanical items and even clothing.

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