Owls have always fascinated people, and accordingly they have long featured in art, weaving themselves into legend and culture on virtually every continent. Continuing this tradition, Steps Gallery is hosting an exhibition of sculpture, printmaking and works on paper which all focus on these mysterious denizens of the night.

Daylesford Sculptor Dave Dando has joined forces with Kathryn Gribbin and Lisa Sewards, both printmakers from Melbourne, to deliver an outstanding exhibition that explores these nocturnal predators who live in the shadows at the interface of our rural and urban landscapes.

Using towering metal and copper sculptures, luminous light-boxes which exude light and cast shadows, and beautiful works on paper that include fusions of photographs, drawings and printmaking, the works all highlight the plight of Australia’s owls and the conservation work being conducted by Birds Australia.

Owls are “flagship” species which help us to understand the conservation needs for all sorts of forest-dwelling species. 10% of sales of the artworks will be donated to Birds Australia and Birds in Backyards to assist with ongoing conservation work to make a difference for Australia’s birds.

Join the artists on opening day, Saturday 21 January, between 3–5 pm at Steps Gallery, 62 Lygon Street, Carlton South. The exhibition will be opened by renowned Melbourne printmaker Marco Luccio, and will feature a performance by Ron Murray, a Wamba Wamba man, artist, musician and story teller, who will tell us The Story of the Owl.

The exhibition will run until 5 February 2012.

For more information, go to www.miesf.com.au/stepsgallery.htm or call Lisa Sewards on 0418 442 086.