
What's on
Events
Thornton’s Tour de Source
Thursday 8 May, 11:00am — Thursday 24 July, 12:00pm
Explore the exhibition in an intimate tour with your host and guide, Sir Leslie Thornton. Les will share anecdotes, inspiration and his favourite pieces in a convivial atmosphere where you will glimpse the wonderful workings of Les. Questions encouraged!
In his fifty - year career, Leslie has had over forty solo exhibitions and participated in numerous group shows and has continuously created, bringing his aesthetics to work. Born in Queensland, Les escaped as a young man, with training in civil engineering, a love of lighting and a feel for the surreal. Arriving in Melbourne, he soon left to make Castlemaine - then a haven for the arty counter culture - his home.
Cost: $15
Multiple dates available, check booking link for options.
Upcoming dates:
8th May 11:00am - 12noon
15th May 11:00am - 12noon
29th May 11:00am - 12noon
Thornton’s Tour de Source - Volunteer Week
Thursday 22 May, 11:00am — Thursday 22 May, 12:00pm
As a special ode to the work that volunteers give, Sir Les will be taking a free tour especially for volunteers!
Explore the exhibition in an intimate tour with your host and guide, Sir Leslie Thornton. Les will share anecdotes, inspiration and his favourite pieces in a convivial atmosphere where you will glimpse the wonderful workings of Les. Questions encouraged!
In his fifty - year career, Leslie has had over forty solo exhibitions and participated in numerous group shows and has continuously created, bringing his aesthetics to work. Born in Queensland, Les escaped as a young man, with training in civil engineering, a love of lighting and a feel for the surreal. Arriving in Melbourne, he soon left to make Castlemaine - then a haven for the arty counter culture - his home.
Missjonesroses presents: Msguided
Saturday 3 May, 11:00am — Saturday 3 May, 2:00pm
Adjust your seat belts, lock up your tray tables and put your phones on plane mode as Version, Tigah and the Captain, fresh back from sell-out European performances at the Guggenheim, Tate and the Pompidou Centre will take you on a tour you will never forget of the Sir Les Thornton exhibition at CAM. Hold onto your hand luggage, this flight may never leave the ground….. but you can be assured of the ride of your life. Is it a guided tour or an art happening?
Book your flights early to receive bonus duty free gifts and to avoid the congestion of cattle class.
Bio:
Girls On Air are a small troupe of highflying presenters from 94.9 Main FM Castlemaine Radio.
Date: Saturday 3 May
Session times: 11am and 2pm
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: $15
Location: 14 Lyttleton St, Castlemaine
Light Play: A Hands-On Sculpture Workshop Inspired by Sir Leslie Thornton
Saturday 21 June, 2:00pm — Saturday 21 June, 3:00pm
Light Play: A Hands-On Sculpture Workshop Inspired by Sir Leslie Thornton
Saturday 21 June, 2:00pm — Saturday 21 June, 3:00pm
Description:
For 8-12 year olds
Join us for a playful and imaginative workshop inspired by the terrific sculptures of Sir Leslie Thornton! In this hands-on session, children will explore the art of assemblage by building collaborative sculptural creations using power boards, double adapters, and night lights—just like Sir Leslie.
A table full of electrical components will become their playground as they experiment with form, balance, and composition.
This is a temporary play-based experience, much like working with LEGO—encouraging experimentation, problem-solving, and creative thinking.
No prior experience is needed, and all materials are provided. No electricity will be involved - rather the focus is on using the imagination to create new forms.
Come build, and celebrate the magic of sculpture and seeing things in a whole new light!
BIO: Laura Jade is an Australian illumination artist and interaction designer who merges art, biology, neuroscience, and technology to create interactive experiences that reveal hidden biological processes. With over 15 years of experience in STEAM education, she designs hands-on workshops that engage children in creative exploration, blending fine arts with science and technology. Her teaching style emphasizes playful experimentation, curiosity-driven learning, and making complex scientific concepts accessible through art and interactive design.
Date: 21 June
Time: 2pm
Duration: 1 hour
Ages: 8 - 12
Ticket price: $15
Location: 14 Lyttleton St, Castlemaine
Bookings essential
Vote in the Victorian Women’s Public Art Program
Sunday 8 December
Vote to celebrate local women in public art
For too long the stories of the founding women of our thriving local arts scene have been absent from the history books. Together, we can change that.
We are a leading partner in Mount Alexander Shire Council’s proposal to commemorate seven trailblazing local women in a new public artwork.
Known as the first women of Castlemaine Art Museum, the group stood in solidarity for better representation of women in art. They were instrumental in establishing Castlemaine Art Gallery and Museum (now known as our very own Castlemaine Art Museum).
Their story has been shortlisted in the Victorian Women’s Public Art Program. With your vote, funding from the program can help us create a new public artwork to acknowledge their place in history, forever. Voting closes Sunday 8 December. Please share this with your networks!
Follow the link for further information and to vote:
https://engage.vic.gov.au/womens-public-art-program
To vote, click the 'participate' button, click on 'start survey' and follow the prompts.
Voting is open now until Sunday 8 December.
