Capital Life: What's on in Canberra's arts scene from March 11

The Canberra-based artist known by the mysterious moniker "KNEES" has an exhibition of large-scale, multi-coloured reduction woodblock relief prints, including a cardboard vehicle. "Space is no longer beyond our reach; it is a current reality," Megalo says. "KNEES brings space closer by mobilising current technology to construct a fleet of functional terraforming machines. These artist's impressions document planets being terraformed for habitation. This world-building project is essential for ensuring humanity's future. The earth is not the end." The show is being promoted as "a first glimpse of tomorrow's frontier". Terraforming Expo, by KNEES, is showing at Megalo Print Studio + Gallery, 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston, March 12-April 2.

2017 exhibition callouts

Belconnen Arts Centre is inviting artists to "actively participate in fuelling a love of the arts, creative experience and vibrant exhibition program". The centre "presents a dynamic exhibition program supporting artists to exhibit for four weeks in the gallery, foyer, arts lounge and outdoor galleries. Featured artists are given the opportunity to connect with a vivacious and diverse audience in an established hub for the arts in the north and west of Canberra … Proposals are welcomed from both Canberra and further nationally." Applications close on April 1. For more information, see belconnenartscentre.com.au or phone 6173 3300.

ANCA Gallery in Dickson is also calling for exhibition proposals for next year: "Emerging and established, local and interstate artists and curators are encouraged to apply. ANCA Gallery is an attractive and flexible exhibition space, featuring three moveable walls, excellent track lighting and roller shutters on the high windows to easily block out light when required." Applications close on March 31. For more information, see anca.net.au.

Words + Art at UNSW

The Canberra branch of the University of NSW is showing prints and prose by Australian artist Barbara Hanrahan, gathered from collections held by the university and local private collectors. The show presents her prints alongside her "unique imaginative fiction, displaying the fertile relationship between her visual and textual languages". Barbara Hanrahan: Words + Art is showing at UNSW Canberra Academy Library, Building 13, UNSW Canberra at ADFA, Northcott Drive, Canberra.

Body Politic at Bilk

Melissa Cameron is showing new works at Bilk in Manuka, conceived and created since her big move to Seattle in the United States in 2012. "At first glance, these pieces appear extensions of her earlier works. They are light and finely balanced – exquisite in their creation," Bilk says. "On closer consideration, many works utilise everyday objects that we recognise within the pieces, rather than exclusively antique and vintage objects that formed the basis of her previous works." Body Politic, by Melissa Cameron, at Bilk Gallery, Palmerston Lane, Manuka, March 18-April 17.

The Foundations of Place in Manuka

Local artist Hayley Lander has a thoughtful new show opening at Canberra Contemporary Art Space this week. "Individuals' humble actions to organise nature can give rise to a sense of familiarity, security, and ultimately connection to the land that they inhabit. The Foundations of Place displays a series of still life paintings that feature pruned branches from local gardens. This recent body of work explores the interdependence of self and place." The Foundations of Place, by Hayley Lander, opens on March 17 at Canberra Contemporary Art Space, 19 Furneaux Street, Manuka, and runs until March 27.

Graduates at Form

Form Gallery in Queanbeyan is showing works by three recent ANU School of Art graduates as part of its Emerging Artists Support Scheme. Kirrily Humphries is showing paintings that "examine moments in architectural space where the physical remains of human activity have accumulated over time, forming layers of spatial memory". Christopher Burton is showings drawings inspired by Copenhagen – "the visual mapping of that space" that brought new direction to his practice. Clare Peters has works in glass that aim to "allow the beauty in life to be revealed, bringing with it a sense of wonder and hope". Octavio Garcia has photographs that "recreate a pantheon of Aztec gods, using sacred images which were originally carved in stone and painted on paper made from bark". Their works are showing until March 28. Form is also showing new drawing, collage and textiles by Valerie Kirk, "exploring the past as an imaginary space that impacts on our present and future". Kirk was moved to create works after a visit to the Age of Fishes Museum in Canowindra, NSW, creating detailed drawings that led to a new body of work. Past in the present and the future, by Valerie Kirk, is showing at Form Studio and Gallery,1/30 Aurora Avenue, until March 28.

Retronauts at ANCA

Leah Bullen and Sara Roberts have a show of new works on paper opening this week at Australian National Capital Artists in Dickson that "interrogates the relationship between painting and photography. For both artists, photography acts as a kind of stepping stone, a way to move between the real world and the imaginary world created in their work. Bullen's and Roberts' work engages with a translation of meaning that is equally physical and temporal. Photographs are able to capture a past moment in time, whereas painting has the ability to slide between past and present through its more ambiguous relationship with time." Retronauts, by Leah Bullen and Sara Roberts, at ANCA Gallery, 1 Rosevear Place, Dickson, March 16-April 3.

Metamorphosis in residence

You can't get more informal than an exhibition at someone's house. At least, I think it's at someone's house. The space is called The Residence Gallery, and is showing recent works by Ben Henderson, "including paintings, Hebel and sandstone sculptures, and water features based around the female form". The show opens on March 12 at The Residence Gallery, 43 Whittell Crescent, Florey.

Basically Beethoven at Muse

So this is an open mic, but on the piano at Muse in Kingston. "We have the most beautiful walnut baby grand piano in our little shop, and it has something of a terrific pedigree, having once been owned by Australian composer Calvin Bowman, who is one of the country's most celebrated classical artists," the Muse guys say. "This is a very (very) informal event, and we would encourage anyone to get up and have a go. Play the piano, sing a song, bring your flute or your fiddle. It doesn't have to be Beethoven. Anything goes: choirs, bands, solos, duets and everything in between. No-one is here to judge you, but to congratulate you for having the courage to get up and perform in public. Above all else, it's just a bit of fun." Basically Beethoven classical music open mic, March 12, 3.30pm-5.30pm, at Muse, East Hotel, 69 Canberra Avenue, Kingston.