Amber Stephens is an Arts Worker based in Naarm/Melbourne. Her current tenure at Shepperton Art Museum as a Public Programs Assistant demonstrates her extensive end-to-end program capabilities, where she assists in developing, coordinating, and delivering multiple intensive programs for various audiences, from baby to adult. She has a strong passion for fostering meaningful discourse and connections in communities; hoping to make a strong, engaging, and welcoming space within her practice.
Some recent projects that she has worked on: MADASS x MUMA: Sculpt a Vessel with Warisa, SAM Winter Camp, a series of 12 programs over 10 days, and MADA Industry Night, as overall MC for the evening.
Meteoric Treasures
Meteoric Treasures examines memory-making through the materiality of social objects and their relation to community. Social objects are a part of our everyday lives; in the most mundane moments of writing a grocery list with pen and paper, or something sacred that has been passed down intergenerationally. But how do these objects contribute to our identity and memory-making? Meteoric Treasures aims to provide a reflective experience for local community, providing these 'social objects' through the works of local artists, as well as a participatory experience for the community to connect more deeply.
To obtain a exhibition catalogue, please contact Amber via email.
SAM Makes: Tracing Memories
Image credit: Shepparton Art Museum
Designed over the duration of my internship at Shepparton Art Museum, SAM Makes: Tracing Memories examines ceramic exhibition Three Hares guest curated by Adam John Cullen, reflecting on stories attached to the objects we collect over our lives – souvenirs from our travels or mementos from times spent with friends. Throughout the workshop, I guided participants through a tour of the exhibition, followed by a hands-on, collaborative collage workshop. Attendees were encouraged to explore their personal stories by bringing their own sentimental object from home or alternatively create their own history from a supplied object found.
MADASS x MUMA: Sculpt and Sip
Image Credit: Monash University Museum of Art (MUMA)
Created during my time as President of the Monash Art Design and Architecture Student Society, MADASS x MUMA: Sculpt and Sip was a hands-on clay workshop designed for students to engage with the Monash University Museum of Art and local artist Noriko Nakamura. At 100% attendance, 38 students had a private after-hours viewing of exhibition Renee So: Provenance, and were after invited to engage with themes presented in the exhibition such as identity and representation. Led by Nakamura, students made fantastic sculptural ceramics inspired by ancient Japanese Dogu figures and had some nibbles and wine!
In the spirit of reconciliation Monash University acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
