Archive - Letters and Appreciation
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Letters, Records, and Reflections from a Creative Life
Creative Collaboration and Human Connection
Selected Archive Credits and Letters of Appreciation for Raymond Mather
This page presents selected excerpts from personal correspondence, institutional records, letters of appreciation, and published media documenting my professional collaborations and creative contributions across dance, theatre, fashion, film, education, and visual arts since the early 1980s.
These materials have been reproduced for historical and archival purposes. Private contact details have been removed where appropriate.
Together, they form a living record of how my work has been received, valued, and trusted by peers, institutions, students, media, and international collaborators over more than four decades of creative practice.
This archive includes letters and records relating to the following areas of practice
and collaboration:
• Dance Avenue
• Tanks Arts Centre
• CR8 Studios
• ART1
• Connections Photography
• Community Arts Projects
The following sections present selected examples of professional, client, and institutional recognition across different phases of my career.
Professional Testimonials
(Gallery Directors & Industry Peers)
Below are selected professional endorsements from gallery directors and industry colleagues who worked closely with Raymond across different stages of his career.
Peter Aitken
Director, Wentworth Galleries, Sydney (2024–2025)
“From his very first day, Raymond made an immediate
and positive impact on our team.”
“I can recommend Raymond wholeheartedly and without reservation. Any team would be lucky to have him.”
“Raymond was simply a joy to have around. His warmth, humour and calm presence lifted the entire team.”
Alesha Glennon Schaafsma
Owner / Director, The Artery Contemporary Aboriginal Art
(2005–10, 2020–24)
“There is no question that without your dedication
and hard work we would not be where we are today.”
“Raymond also reorganised our stockroom and implemented numerous operational and administrative improvements, greatly enhancing the efficiency of our gallery’s day-to-day activities.”
“You are an incredibly talented creative being.”
“Mond (Raymond), you are a wonderful person who has great energy and enthusiasm.”
Client and Collector Reviews
(from The Artery Gallery, 2020-2024)
[Google review excerpts]
The following are independent Google reviews from collectors and clients during Raymond’s tenure at The Artery Gallery.
Client Reviews, The Artery Gallery (Google)
“Amazing team who support their customers from start to finish… Mond (Raymond) and Leah pulled several paintings together for us to choose from… It was shipped promptly and arrived safe and sound!”
Roz Lloyd, USA
“Wonderful experience… finally went into the gallery and bought 3 pieces with the help of Raymond!”
Claire Yule, Sydney
“Raymond was pleasant, informative, professional and not pushy in providing assistance to us.”
Colin Macdonald
“The sales team were friendly, knowledgeable and intuitive… The prices are fair and the service was excellent.”
Tony Orlando
“Raymond was fantastic… showed us a number of works so that we could be 100% sure of our eventual purchase.”
Jock McKenzie
“Many thanks to Raymond for his patience and sharing of his knowledge of the artwork and artists.”
Craig Pain
“Amazing paintings and Raymond is very knowledgeable.”
Keera Suttiwaree
Education, Mentorship, and Creative Lineage
“You’re inspirational, sunshine.
Thank you so much for giving so much.”
Student Thank You Card, Theatre Nepean, Class of 1998
“You gave us the inspiration to be beautiful. You will be greatly missed.”
Student Thank You Card, Theatre Nepean, Class of 1998
“You are an amazing teacher and mentor.”
Student Thank You Card, Theatre Nepean, Class of 1998
“You have been a wonderful teacher and friend.”
Student Thank You Card, Theatre Nepean, Class of 1998
“Thank you for all the support and guidance.”
Student Thank You Card, Theatre Nepean, Class of 1998
“Mr Ray Mather (our gorgeous, beautiful Ray)”
Theatre Nepean Class of 1998 Invitation, University of Western Sydney
Fashion, Events, and Public Presentation
“In appreciation of your expertise and assistance in training the models and choreographing the 1998 Flair Fashion Awards.”
Flair Fashion Awards Committee, Certificate of Appreciation, 1998
“The Committee of the Flair Fashion Awards wish to thank you for your expertise and assistance in training the models and choreographing the 1998 Flair Fashion Awards.”
Aggie McClutchey, Coordinator, Flair Fashion Awards, 1998
“Ray, this is thanks to you for making Flair a great night.”
Aggie, Flair Awards
“The 1995 Wagga Wagga Golden Gown Awards Presentation was a tremendous success; we have had no negative comments, only compliments.”
Anne Nixon, Honorary Secretary, Golden Gown Award Inc., 1995
“Thank you for putting the final polish to the models, and for choreographing the parade.”
Anne Nixon, Honorary Secretary, Golden Gown Award Inc., 1995
“The models really appreciated your encouragement and tuition.”
Anne Nixon, Honorary Secretary, Golden Gown Award Inc., 1995
“Choreography - Ray Mather”
Golden Gown Awards Programme, 1995
Media Recognition and Public Commentary
“Thought you looked fantastic!”
Kerry Yates, Fashion Editor, Daily Mirror
“Taree has come of age in the tough fashion world.”
Manning River Times, “Presenting Taree with Flair”, 1998
“An unbridled celebration… a professional event of which the Manning can be justifiably proud.”
Manning River Times, 1998
“To everyone associated with Flair 1998, you have done us proud.”
Manning River Times, 1998
“Your initiative, creativity, organisational ability and sheer hard work have combined… to present Taree to the rest of the world in the most positive way.”
Manning River Times, 1998
“Everything he touches is creative.”
Heather McKinnon, MIPIK Profile Interview, 2011
“He is a true creator, the sort of person who sources power and joy through the simple act of creating.”
MIPIK Profile Feature, 2011
“He is truly interesting, creative and talented.”
Jan, Reader Comment, MIPIK, 2011
“A truly talented and inspirational person.”
Denise McLean, Reader Comment, MIPIK, 2011
These comments were posted by Jan Allsopp following the independent sharing of Raymond’s artwork Coffs Harbour Big Banana by Yarrila Arts and Museum on Instagram.
“It’s as bold and sassy as Raymond himself.”
Jan Allsopp, Instagram, Yarrila Arts and Museum, 2022
“This truly makes me happy.”
Jan Allsopp, Instagram, 2022
Cultural Institutions and Philanthropy
The Powerhouse Museum gratefully acknowledges your generous and much-valued contribution.”
Powerhouse Museum, Cosmic Ball, 1993
“The ball was a spectacular success and companies and individuals such as yourself contributed to that success.”
Powerhouse Museum, 1993
“Thanks so much for a great prize… It was a fabulous night.”
Powerhouse Museum, 1993
“The ‘Express Yourself Ball’ is looking spectacular… This event will be very special.”
National Hairdressing Industry Trust, 1994
“It would be fantastic if you could positively use your circle of influence.”
National Hairdressing Industry Trust, 1994
Film, Production, and Screen Work
“Congratulations and many thanks again for your commitment and hard work during the filming of ‘Strictly Ballroom’.”
Tristram Miall and Popsy Albert, M&A Film Corporation
International Fashion and Touring Work
“It is with great pleasure that we reconfirm… your involvement with our Louis Feraud national promotion.”
Louis Féraud Paris, 1988
“I would like to put all details relating to the tour in writing so you know what your involvement entails.”
Louis Féraud Paris, 1988
International Dance Collaborations
“Here’s to years of deepening, developing, dancing and discussing the essentials in our lives.”
Cast of *A Night of Stars*, New Caledonia, 1995
“May you continue inspiring and creating.”
Cast of *A Night of Stars*, New Caledonia, 1995
“With much love and friendship.”
Michael Vernon, Choreographer, *A Night of Stars*, 1995
“Big big kisses for Cha-cha-cha Boy!”
Pari Opera Ballet, 1995
“Lots of love. It was great to work with you.”
Dance Theatre of Harlem, 1995
Creative Identity and Artistic Direction
“I had found my expression.”
Ray Mather, MIPIK Interview, 2011
“I wanted to know what else I was capable of being beyond ballroom dancing.”
Ray Mather, MIPIK Interview, 2011
“It’s not just a gallery, it’s a hub for all sorts of creative activity.”
Ray Mather, MIPIK Interview, 2011
Ongoing Practice and Legacy
These letters, cards, certificates, programmes, and published articles form part of a wider creative archive documenting a lifelong practice grounded in generosity, professionalism, curiosity, and collaborative integrity.
They reflect not only completed projects, but enduring relationships, shared learning, and the quiet, cumulative work of building trust across communities, disciplines, and generations.
This archive continues to grow as new projects unfold and new connections are formed.
ART1 Archive Context
This project forms part of a wider body of event direction, choreography, and community-based creative work developed prior to ART1.
View other related works and historical material in the Selected Credits.