Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528) was the most influential and renowned German Renaissance artist, thanks largely to his contributions to the art of printmaking. Because of Dürer, engravings and woodcuts came to be seen as works of art in their own right, and not merely as adjuncts to paintings. With printmaking came new possibilities for reproduction and distribution, and Dürer’s art was disseminated in an unprecedented manner. Exhibiting technical brilliance, freedom of invention, and iconographic complexity, Dürer’s engravings and woodcuts continue to be among the most widely admired in the history of art. I will explore the themes of passion and persistence in my discussion of some of the key prints in Dürer’s oeuvre.

On this special bus tour of heritage sites on the northern end of Moreton Bay we will visit a bora ring, midden site, fish trap and more. Michael, as our guide, will shares his immense knowledge of Aboriginal Culture in this area. With the beautiful background setting of the picturesque Moreton Bay this will be a great day out, relaxing and educational... stay tuned. There will be more information coming...

The Maltese archipelago - Malta, Gozo and tiny Comino- lie at almost the exact centre of the Mediterranean Sea, just south of Sicily. Islands with clearly defined boundaries, where everything besides stone has always come by sea, whether animals, people or plants: Malta is an ideal test case for theories of cultural change in Antiquity. Recently scholars have argued that Malta’s modern geopolitical centrality is deceptive - that it was a marginal port for the Romans, passed over in favour of Syracuse, and left largely alone apart from St Paul’s shipwreck and Christian mission. Yet both Malta and Gozo have distinctive Neolithic, Ancient (Punic, Greek, Roman) and Medieval antiquities, from temples to statues to distinctive local pottery. I will give a brief overview of the main antiquities on the islands of Malta and Gozo, and connect their evidence with wider questions about island life in Antiquity. I will then conclude by focusing on the best-preserved ancient statue from the islands, a goddess who probably represents local syncretic devotion to a figure connected with Astarte, Isis, Aphrodite, and Fortuna.

This event provides an opportunity for all FOTAM members to actively contribute to raising the necessary funds for the conservation of the medieval stained glass from Winchester Cathedral in the Abbey Church, Caboolture. Now in its third year the Walk For Winchester promises to be a great event with a very worthwhile outcome. FOTAM members can be involved on many levels – getting sponsors and walking, sponsoring a walker, volunteering to assist on the day providing morning tea or helping prepare the BBQ lunch or even manning a water station. Put this date in your calendar and be involved... help us Restore the Glory of the magnificent Medieval Windows from Winchester Cathedral.

Dr Chris Clarkson has tentatively agreed to be our guest at the FOTAM annual dinner which this year will be a luncheon to cater for all our members who prefer not to drive at night. If Chris’ excavation timetable does not prevent him from joining us (Chris is a lecturer and archaeologist with the University of Queensland and annually excavates sites around the world), he will present on the hominid migration out of Africa and the impact of the Toba super-eruption. (more to come)

As the sun sets over the Australian bush, the ancient sound of chants is heard drifting from the Abbey Church with its remarkable medieval stained glass windows. This annual event has now become a highlight in the FOTAM calendar. It is without doubt a magical evening of Gregorian Chanting held in the beautiful candlelit Abbey Church. Schola Cantorum, Brisbane’s leading Gregorian Chant Choir, presents an evening of Medieval Christmas and Advent Gregorian Chant. Do not miss this opportunity to hear this ancient music within the ambience of the Abbey Church. The chanting recital is followed by a light supper of medieval delicacies in the Abbey Hall.