A set designer for over 20 years, Julie Skate opted for a change of careers, completing a Masters of Art and Culture Management, Masters of Art History and a post-grad in Indigenous partnerships, setting her off on a new path that would lead to the Canberra Glassworks. For Julie, part of the appeal of taking on the role of CEO at the Canberra Glassworks, a position she has been in for just over two years, โwas very much the opportunity to walk outside my office and see artists workโ. Julie is enjoying the challenge of building the profile of the Glassworks locally and internationally. โWe were off the radar on the arts scene which was a problem when you have the quality of artists hereโ, she says, while sheโs also keen to showcase the โextraordinary facility with amazing artists working hereโ.
CANBERRA GLASSWORKS
โItโs a large part of my life but itโs about awareness and making people aware of what weโve got here,โ Julie says. As well as exhibitions and artists at work in the hot shop, there are opportunities for the public to learn and to create.
SCOOTER
This is a 1963 Mitsubishi C-135 Pigeon named โWalterโ. โHeโs ugly. Itโs funny because they did win a number of design awards over the years โฆ it is also the opportunity to restore something thatโs been loved once, unloved, and is going to be loved again.โ
CAT
Pixie is a rescue Bengal and provides โgreat company, lots of funโ. โEverything Iโve ever had has been a rescue โฆ I find it really odd when people go and buy a cat or dog when there are plenty that need homes.โ
BUNGENDORE
โI love going out to Bungendore, itโs such a cute little town. Itโs a nice place to take people, I find, because they are surprised by it.โ Julie is a particular fan of the Suki & Hugh Gallery ; โit has really nice exhibitionsโ.
BOLT
Julie thinks this Ajax black steel Imperial bolt wouldโve been from one of her dadโs first steel constructions in the 1960s. โIt was where he found his forte of doing that type of work [building]โ. โOne of the [glassworks] artists thought enough of me to clean it up and bring it back for me.โ
