All things maritime and marine is the theme for these July school holidays here at the Station, as we host a range of activities and events all part of this year’s Albany Maritime Festival.
The holidays start with the opening on Monday 3 July of Our Blue Backyard, a photographic exhibition of our region’s amazing oceans through the eyes of Albany photographer, Kaylah Tugwell. This exhibition featuring photography of local beaches and coastline, including whales and drone-captured images, is on display and sale through to Sunday 23 July.
Over the first week of the holidays, Monday 3 to Friday 7 July, enjoy a fun craft activity decorating a 3D wooden sailboat, 10am to 2pm each day. Let your imagination inspire your design – will it be a pirate ship or whaling vessel, or even a yacht with full sails? Your finished boat will be a remarkable sight!
On Saturday 8 July at 11am, join John Robertson, author of the recently published Sealed Souls, for a book signing and talk. Robertson will take you on a historic journey back to the early colonial times when sealing was the first industry in Australia. It was a time when displaced people were forcibly transported half a world away, only to displace others in a strange land.
Learn about Albany’s early sealing industry and its transition into bay whaling along our local coastlines, meeting some of the unsavoury whaling characters of the early European colony along the way. This event is free to attend and does not require purchase of an admission ticket.
During the second week of the holidays, Monday 10 to Friday 14 July, you will be able to meet past whalers onsite from 10am to 2pm each day. Hear firsthand stories from these men as they look back on their time working for the Cheynes Beach Whaling Company, which was a major industry in Albany and Australia’s maritime history.
Plus, every day over the July school holidays, you can join the Processing Factory Audio Experience at 11:30am and 1:30pm. This is a 15-minute audio track that guides you through the processing factory, providing an interesting insight into the history.
Then escape the winter chill in the Gary Tonkin Gallery and discover the newest addition to our onsite experience, The Art of Scrimshaw. This awe-inspiring exhibition explores the history and creative process of scrimshaw, and features artwork from internationally renowned Scrimshander, Gary Tonkin, including his largest and most intricately carved piece, an intact 4-metre Sperm whale jawbone.
Looking for something more creativity this Maritime Festival? Then make sure to book a spot at one of our Monotype Printing Workshops, on Thursday 6 & Monday 10 July. Join Artist Merry Robertson in a three-hour maritime and ocean themed workshop that highlights the boundless expression of printmaking. Spaces are limited, so bookings are essential.
There really is something for everyone to enjoy these school holidays at Albany’s Historic Whaling Station, so pack your jacket, head out, and explore Albany’s unique maritime history.
These events are part of the Albany Maritime Festival 2023. Albany will come alive with an array of different events across the month of July, from food, culture, creative workshops, art exhibitions and more, there really is something for everyone during this year’s winter celebration.
