This cafeteria-style spread celebrates the often neglected work of the trades while playing with the language of modern cuisine. There is a huge diversity and unexpected beauty in these materials, a beauty that can transcend their utilitarian function. This sculptural feast also addresses consumption in an age where food is as much about looking as eating. Our obsession with food as entertainment has led to the creation of meals tailor-made to satisfy our increasing demands for visual excitement, novelty value and infinite choice.

Now, for a limited time, Lunch for the Trades is at Lionel Bowen Library! This exhibition is free and will be on display during library opening hours from 7 June to 25 August 2024, so ensure you pop in to be delighted by this unique collection of handcrafted pieces.

For enquiries call 9093 6400.

You are invited to celebrate the newest exhibition, at the Exhibition Showcase with Artist Ruth Downes on Sunday 7 July. Light lunch will be provided and bookings are essential: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/919894076947

Ruth Downes has an ongoing passion for this area of sculptural exploration, as evident in her other exhibitions. Tea Party in the Mayoral Garden (2001 - 2010) won the inaugural NGA Sculpture Prize ‘People’s Choice Award’ then toured to New York
and Washington, followed by an extensive Australian touring program, including Lionel Bowen Library in 2023. This is the follow-up exhibition Lunch for the Trades (2007 - 2010), which has travelled to many regional galleries in NSW and Queensland. Ruth's most recent touring exhibition is Barely Wearable - body adornment for the age of overconsumption (2020 - 2024).

Ruth has also had a parallel career in design and public art. This has included commissions for site specific 2D and 3D public artwork as well as street banner design and corporate identity programs.