This Christmas season, Sketa Oz Design officially released the Soselina luxury paper and gift line alongside, the unexpected release of designer wallpaper.

​Stage 1 of the Sketa Oz Collection – designer cards - first became available to the public and stores worldwide for both retail and store stock purchase in late 2017, after a difficult design period.

​Sketa Oz Design hoped, “part one of the collection would form the base of something much greater”, as more artistic works were slated to accompany part one, over the coming months.

Well, true to Sketa Oz form - Stage 2 of the collection has done just that - with intricately drawn, black pen and ink drawings for the designer wine and gift bag line, as well as the production a luxurious selection of watercolour paintings that have been manipulated entirely for the sole purpose of Xmas wrapping paper – all products entirely printed in Australia, by the caring hands of Greenridge Press.

To complement the luxury, Soselina paper line, we will also be privileged to enhance our personal home spaces with the very first design, for a velvety selection of wallpaper, which has been co-produced by Australia’s international luxury wallpaper and fabric company – Milton & King.

Designs for Soselina, began back in February 2019, and although print and publishing tests were conducted in various South-East Asian printing houses, none managed to acquire the contract, due to the exorbitant freight charges and high quantity stipulations. “We just couldn’t do it, it just wasn’t feasible…and there were concerns of design piracy.”


Given the Sketa Oz Group functions almost entirely without funding. This means, “we take longer to bring things to market and find it difficult getting the word out. It really is a labour of love as the products are entirely handcrafted – from design, folding each and every bag, to the drawing and painting of wallpaper. I hope it will eventually fruit,” stated Selina Kucks - Founder and CEO of the Sketa Oz Group Pty Limited.

“The CoVid economic climate, has prescribed that our manufacturing base needs to remain in Australian for the foreseeable future, regardless.” Ms Kucks believes CoVid has done them a favour, as it is the perfect opportunity to produce products that would otherwise be entirely printed in Asia. It will develop a new, employment base and redefine our country’s image as not just a tourist destination. She insists home-soil production will give Australia’s non-existent manufacturing base an opportunity to grow and evolve in totally foreign territory, “…and that’s not such a bad thing.”

Part 1 Recap
Card creations originate from watercolour works, highlighted by underlying pen and ink drawings. Original works are created on 300gsm water colour paper and illustrator board.

The works are then printed on quality, recyclable Australian cardstock, which is then hand-folded; placed together with hand-crafted envelopes, card slips and seals inside a recyclable, resealable cello bag for clean, product protection.

Sketa Oz Design stated, “All envelopes and card slips are handcrafted one-by-one, from cut to fold – created from heavy FSC paper to encourage due care of our forest and responsible paper selection in the purchase & production of paper goods”.

The Soselina and Sketa Oz Collection can be viewed at: http://www.sketaoz.com/design

Interested stores and business houses wishing to stock the handcrafted, designer line can contactus@sketaoz.com or head over to www.sketaoz.com and talk to someone on the design team.

-END---

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Publicity Dept.
contactus@sketaoz.com
www.sketaoz.com
​

Click below to download the release and accompanying PR Photos

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
SKETA OZ CEO – SELINA KUCKS FACES NEW LITERARY CHALLENGE
 
BRISBANE, April 29, 2018 - Selina Kucks a.k.a. Sketa - Australian author, entrepreneur and CEO of Sketa Oz Group Pty Limited takes on a new literary role as: Publicity Officer for the upcoming national, political group – The Arts Party.
 
As part of a strong team of eleven, newly elected individuals, the AGM of April 16, 2018 saw Barry Keldoulis, PJ Collins and Pamela Aiken assume the positions: Leader, Secretary and Treasurer, respectively.
 
Arts Party founder PJ Collins stated, “set up and planning have already commenced, with the first committee meeting scheduled for next week,” following the AGM.
 
Founded in October 2013, by Sydney-based artists, PJ Collins and Nicholas Gledhill and registered by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) on August 6th, 2014 – the Arts Party owes its existence to a well, managed crowd-funding campaign.
By 2016, the Arts Party had again crowd-funded for their next development stage; sourced seven new candidates for the House of Representatives and thirteen senate candidates to represent the party in the 2016 federal election.
1.5 million Preference votes, between 1~6 were received and The Arts Party ranked 26th among 56 parties in the first preference Senate results.  Of the 7 lower house candidates, two came 4th in their seats, after Labor, Liberal and the Greens - view full results here.
                              
The new team to lead the Arts Party for 2018-2019 include:

• Leader – Barry Keldoulis
• Secretary – PJ Collins
• Treasurer – Pamela Aitken
• Policy Officer – Carol-Anne Croker
• Publicity Officer – Selina Kucks
• Technical Officer – Steve Doig
• Victorian Committee Contact – Malcolm Thomson
• Social Media Lead – Dan Craig
• Ordinary Member – Sue Davidson
• Social Media Officer – Kylie Macey
• Social Media Officer – Emily Winter

 
“The Arts Party hopes to gain traction in the upcoming, 2018 NSW elections and has aspirations of making a huge impact on Australia’s political system,” Ms. Kucks stated. “The Arts Party is globally the first of its kind and this political movement has already made inroads into the UK, Scotland and Ireland. 
 
I believe the group could set the arts community on fire – spurring great collaboration, support, and ideation for growing the arts basin here in Australia.  It’s paramount that we get behind this newly, established political party which represents the entire Arts community.
 
We now have a voice and a podium upon which to stand and be heard; promoting the arts at home and abroad; voicing the importance of continuing arts education in learning institutions; and striving for arts funding to be more forthcoming for our nation.
 
There are so many areas of the arts that require assistance, promotion and sustenance - the Arts Party can help establish and maintain appropriate standards of conduct...fill the voids. 
 
Upholding belief, enjoyment, and support for the arts is not a new concept – it has been around for centuries – it is how every living being on the planet enjoys themselves; how one spends one’s spare time.  In fact, although the arts and crafts industry couldn’t be more engaged than ever before – it receives less and less funding; which is ironical given our population’s constant obsession with all facets of it – be that gaming, film, television etc.  This arts industry is huge and services Australia, actually services the world in a very big way.  It’s high time the industry was thought of and taken care of with equal fondness.”

About Arts Party (Australia)
The Arts Party (Australia) is a progressive, national, political party whose primary being for existence is to: represent ‘the arts’ and all it embodies; to be the voice for practitioners, lovers, supporters and educators of ‘the arts’ within the political arena and to represent the voice of change in: breaking down all forms of societal barriers; putting forward national policies that foster artistic growth at home and abroad; expanding the arts export basin and delivering sufficient arts funding to assist educational institutions to continue offering democratic rights of access to the arts.
 
Follow the news about the party at @TheArtsParty
 
About Sketa Oz Group Pty Limited
The Sketa Oz Group – is a multi-level, branded business group that engages in: The Arts, Design, Publishing, Education, Health and Wellness. Our Mission is to become the best version of 'us' - through becoming a leading producer and disseminator of information and entertainment that is creative, innovative, unique, artistic and educational.Follow Sketa Oz News or tweets @SketaOz
 
About the Arts Party
The Arts Party is an international political movement, inspired by the importance of the Arts and creative action, with parties currently registered in Australia, England, Scotland and Wales. The Arts Party is committed to introducing arts thinking into politics and promoting creative, scientific and evidence-based ideas that improve the lives of as many people as possible.

Media Contacts
Additional information can be sourced from:
Sketa Oz Group Pty Limited
W: www.sketaoz.com
E: contactus@sketaoz.com
 
 View PDF of Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Publicity Dept.
contactus@elk-publishing.com
www.elk-publishing.com

LAUNCH – SKETA OZ DESIGN COLLECTION

In conjunction with ELK Publishing, Sketa Oz Design has officially released the first part of their designer stationery collection, Monday 1st May, 2017.

The Sketa Oz Collection which is now available to the public and stores worldwide for purchase and store stock, respectively; marks a two year, difficult design period. Sketa Oz Design hopes “part one of the collection will form the base of something much greater”, as more works are planned to accompany part one, over the coming months.

Card creations originate from watercolour works, highlighted by underlying pen and ink drawings. Original works are created on 300gsm water colour paper and illustrator board.

The works are then printed on quality, recyclable Australian cardstock, which is then handfolded; placed together with hand-crafted envelopes, card slips and seals inside a recyclable, resealable cello bag for clean, product protection.

Sketa Oz Design stated, “All envelopes and card slips are handcrafted one-by-one, from cut to fold – created from heavy FSC paper to encourage due care of our forest and responsible paper selection in the purchase & production of paper goods”.

The Sketa Oz Collection can be viewed at: http://www.sketaoz.com/collection.html

Interested stores and business houses wishing to stock the designer collection can contactus@elk-publishing.com or head over to www.sketaoz.com and talk to someone on the design team.

ELK Publishing is a member of the Australian Publishers Association and prides itself in quality book and paper goods production.

---END---

View PDF of Media Release

Read the Press Release article below.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Publicity Dept.
contactus@elk-publishing.com
www.elk-publishing.com

SKETA - Australian Children’s Author Displays Artistic Talent and Literary Ability

ELK PUBLISHING releases the Sketa Oz Collection – 2016 Black & White Series – colour or frame it book by Australian Children’s author ~ illustrator – SKETA.

The collection of natural designs is the first of many and paves the way for this artist to launch the full Sketa Oz Design Collection, later in the year.

Intricate and unique, the black & white pen and ink drawings are set to move the market in the world of colouring, for all ages.

The artistic colour or frame it book officially goes on sale – Friday, April 15th 2016. Given Sketa celebrates a birthday this month, supporters are encouraged to head over to Amazon.com on the Friday to pick up a copy for just $2.99. You’ll need to hurry, it’s only available to the first 50 people.

Earlier this month, hardback versions of 'Possum Tales...an Odd Day' and ‘Possum Tales...in the Lettuce Patch were also released for the children’s book market. The tales detail the mischievous adventures of Poss and Milly – two common brush-tail possums, renowned for noisily inhabiting, Australian rooftops.

Sketa known to her home-town folk of Toowoomba, Queensland as Selina Kucks, stated she was excited to see this book on the next leg of its journey. "I'm tickled pink to see the final result of this next tale and believe readers will be more than happy with the creative flair in which it was published. A lot of hard work, sleepless nights and exhausted days accompany its production."

For Sketa this is the second of five books in the Possum Tales Series, but the sixth in books published to date. Writing the YA novel series 'The Parchment' in 2009, readers were keen to receive its Korean translation in 2010 and the 'The Parchment Tale unfolds in 2012. The third and final book in this trilogy was ticked for publication last year, "but due to particular family issues over the last couple of years, I was never in the frame of mind to complete it", she said.

We wish Sketa all the very best with 'Possum Tales...an Odd Day' and hope you'll show your support on Good Friday, 25th, 2016 for the Amazon release. Go get 'em Sketa!

May Briggs
Publicity & Correspondence
ELK Publishing

About ELK Publishing
ELK PUBLISHING is an Australian grown, independent publishing house of Children's and Educational Literature. It strives to provide families, schools and teachers with direct access to unique and exceptional quality in children's literature at affordable prices.

It avidly promotes 'Literacy Starts at Home', 'Author School Visits' and the 'Gift a Book' programme. All aim to encourage greater enjoyment, participation and enhanced interest in reading and literary pursuits. It works toward stamping out illiteracy across nations; pursues the development of creative literature and seeks to improve literacy rates from an early age.

ELK PUBLISHING also offers alternate, affordable fundraising opportunities to schools, to grow their book collections. It is the official publishing press for Australian Children's Author - 'Sketa'.

ELK PUBLISHING offers a growing array of children's novels; short stories, illustrated books for young and intermediate readers, children's series books, progressive English readers, teacher display books and educational resources. This is a work in progress and like anything good, it will take time to build a quality selection of products. We hope you enjoy our literature - stay with us and watch us grow. 

​View PDF of Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Publicity Dept.
Mobile: 0400 301675 / contactus@elk-publishing.com
www.elk-publishing.com

Easter Release for Book 2 of Possum Tales ELK PUBLISHING it proud to announce, Sketa's next illustrated children's tale.

'Possum Tales...an Odd Day' details the mischievous adventures of Poss and Milly – two common brush-tail possums, renowned for noisily inhabiting, Australian rooftops.

Officially on sale - Friday 25th, 2016, avid Sketa supporters are encourage to head over to Amazon.com for its official release. To get this book to #1, you'll need to purchase within the 24 hour time slot.

Sketa known to her home-town folk of Toowoomba, Queensland as Selina Kucks, stated she was excited to see this book on the next leg of its journey. "I'm tickled pink to see the final result of this next tale and believe readers will be more than happy with the creative flair in which it was published. A lot of hard work, sleepless nights and exhausted days accompany its production."

For Sketa this is the second of five books in the Possum Tales Series, but the sixth in books published to date. Writing the YA novel series 'The Parchment' in 2009, readers were keen to receive its Korean translation in 2010 and the 'The Parchment Tale unfolds in 2012. The third and final book in this trilogy was ticked for publication last year, "but due to particular family issues over the last couple of years, I was never in the frame of mind to complete it", she said.

We wish Sketa all the very best with 'Possum Tales...an Odd Day' and hope you'll show your support on Good Friday, 25th, 2016 for the Amazon release. Go get 'em Sketa!

May Briggs
Publicity & Correspondence
ELK Publishing
                                                                              ____________________________________________________

C H I L D R E N ’ S B O O K S
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Publicity Dept.
Mobile: 0400 301675 / contactus@elk-publishing.com
www.elk-publishing.com

About ELK Publishing
ELK PUBLISHING is an Australian grown, independent publishing house of Children's and Educational Literature. It strives to provide families, schools and teachers with direct access to unique and exceptional quality in children's literature at affordable prices.

It avidly promotes 'Literacy Starts at Home', 'Author School Visits' and the 'Gift a Book' programme. All aim to encourage greater enjoyment, participation and enhanced interest in reading and literary pursuits. It works toward stamping out illiteracy across nations; pursues the development of creative literature and seeks to improve literacy rates from an early age.

ELK PUBLISHING also offers alternate, affordable fundraising opportunities to schools, to grow their book collections. It is the official publishing press for Australian Children's Author - 'Sketa'.

ELK PUBLISHING offers a growing array of children's novels; short stories, illustrated books for young and intermediate readers, children's series books, progressive English readers, teacher display books and educational resources. This is a work in progress and like anything good, it will take time to build a quality selection of products. We hope you enjoy our literature - stay with us and watch us grow.

View PDF of Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Publicity Dept.
Mobile: 0400 301675 / contactus@elk-publishing.com
www.elk-publishing.com

AUSTRALIA’S NEWEST INDEPENDENT CHILDREN’S BOOK PUBLISHER RELEASES NEXT ‘SKETA’ BOOK
Toowoomba, QLD, 23rd March, 2016
ELK PUBLISHING - Children’s Books – ‘Where Literature Comes to Life’

ELK Publishing set to release, Sketa's next illustrated children's tale.

'Possum Tales...an Odd Day' details the mischievous adventures of Poss and Milly - two common brush-tail possums, renowned for noisily inhabiting, Australian rooftops.

Officially on sale - Friday 25th, 2016, avid Sketa supporters are encourage to head over to Amazon.com for its official release. To get this book to #1, you'll need to purchase within the 24 hour time slot.

Sketa known to her home-town folk of Toowoomba, Queensland as Selina Kucks, stated she was excited to see this book on the next leg of its journey. "I'm tickled pink to see the final result of this next tale and believe readers will be more than happy with the creative flair in which it was published. A lot of hard work, sleepless nights and exhausted days accompany its production."

For Sketa this is the second of five books in the Possum Tales Series, but the sixth in books published to date. Writing the YA novel series 'The Parchment' in 2009, readers were keen to receive its Korean translation in 2010 and the 'The Parchment Tale Unfolds’ in 2012. The third and final book in this trilogy was ticked for publication last year, "but due to particular family issues over the last couple of years, I was never in the frame of mind to complete it", she said.

We wish Sketa all the very best with 'Possum Tales...an Odd Day' and hope you'll show your support on Good Friday, 25th, 2016 for the Amazon release. Go get 'em Sketa!

May Briggs
Publicity & Correspondence
ELK PUBLISHING

You may view the 2005 SOIB Company auditions notice in the below PDF.

View PDF of Auditions Notice

IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 28/12/2004

S K E T A O Z  I N T E R N A T I O N A L  B A L L E T  C O M P A N Y

Sketa Oz International Ballet Company is still looking for highly proficient classical and traditional dancers (Male and Female – 16~28 years) for the 2004-2005 Ballet Season. For traditional dance we are looking for Korean, Chinese and Japanese Traditional Dancers that have an acceptable level of classical ballet training.

It is not essential for dancers to be finished their dance studies but should be at least advanced 1 or 2 RAD equivalent. Such dancers would be suggested to attend the aspirant or the company’s finishing programme whereby they can continue their dance performance studies while still being involved in the company’s touring production work.

Under the Artistic Direction of Selina Kucks Dip.Arts, BA Arts, RAD RTS, MA/Ph.D Dip & Trade (in prog), the company has recently merged with Seoul Royal Ballet (Korea) and brings with it the opportunity for young dancers to perform in a culturally diverse touring company within schools/ theatres within the Australasian region.

Students must be highly adaptable to change, and they would be required to undergo and intense 2~3 months coaching period whereby they will also be expected to learn traditional Asian dance. All dancers will be required to learn and exchange their dance and language for easy communication among company members.

For information concerning registration, required classical variation lists, & to secure an audition time or video applications contact: sketaoz@ozemail.com.au

Alternate contact: +61 07 4637-8386
P.O. Box 2828, 64 Annand Street, Toowoomba 4350
Queensland, Australia
http://www.seoulroyalballet.com
http://www.sketaoz.com

View PDF of Media Release

2004 SOIB Company ballet auditions notice can be viewed in the below PDF.

Press Release – 23/06/2004

Sketa Oz International Ballet 
Week ending: Sunday 5th June 2004, kicked off the first presentation of Dance Awards, in the series of many over the next 5 months for local ballet company owner – Ms. Selina Kucks, with a bid to increase national awareness over the importance of more communities standing behind state and regionally run dance competitions. 
 
Now major sponsors of the Brisbane Eisteddfod Solo Awards and Lockyer District Dancing Festival, Sketa Oz International Ballet hopes to boost the love of classical ballet as a whole by offering the Queensland Region in particular, an additional (4) four perpetual trophies/cups.  The perpetual awards support dance bursaries and prize monies in excess of $20,000 Australian dollars.  This is to be shared among the Brisbane Eisteddfod, Lockyer District Dancing Festival, Youth Ballet Theatre and the Royal Academy of Dance. 
Ms. Kucks said yesterday, that there is a fifth and even more major Ballet competition to be offered to classical dancers - nationwide in the near future, but was not at liberty to divulge any information at this stage. 
 
Brisbane Eisteddfod Perpetual Trophy Winners are:
 
Gabriella Tudorin - Sketa Oz Most Promising Senior Classical Dancer – 13 years & over
 
Ashley Rooney - Sketa Oz Most Promising Junior Classical Dancer – 13 years & under
Ashley is ten years old and has been studying classical ballet for the past three years. She started learning in Los Angeles under Marat Daukoyov a former principal dancer of the Russian Kirov Ballet Company. Since returning to Australia, she has learnt of Eva Kohout, former principal of the Czech State Ballet, at the Eva Kohout School of Dance in Nundah, Queensland. Ashley also has lessons from Andrew Lyons, formerly of the Australian Ballet Company. She has been classical champion at many Eisteddfods including Tropicana, Wynnum, Brisbane and Gatton. Ashley loves dancing and her dream is to pursue a career in classical ballet.
 
Ms. Kucks envisages, the additional opportunities for dancers to be acknowledged for their skills, together with more scholarship and bursary opportunities will hopefully improve the future outlook for talented dancers. Getting sufficient media exposure for more Australian ballet companies to sit-up and take notice of the local talent has always been an issue.
 
Our kids need greater opportunities to show off what they can do and showcasing our kids through the eisteddfod & competition arena, provides valuable stage experience and confidence boosting opportunities to help kids…on their way to success.  Thousands of kids every year will start dancing by the time they turn six.  But, by the time they reach 12~13 years of age, over 85% of those kids will have quit dancing altogether - due to a lack of career opportunities, social stigma and peer-group pressure.  Dance has always been treated as a hobbyist sport and it is not taken seriously.  There is so much media coverage and support eagerly given to Australian sport, but not for the arts. 
It’s a crying shame!
 
Presently, Sketa Oz is accepting applications for company auditions to be held as part of the National Tour encompassing: Toowoomba, Brisbane, Gold coast - July 4th~25th 2004 & Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth – 1st~29th August 2004. 
 
Individuals interested in auditioning should auditions@sketaoz.com  or www.seoulroyalballet.com
 
Applications for the 2005 Aspirant Programme and Professional finishing course are now
available at www.sketaoz.com   Alternatively interested individuals may contact: (07) 4637-8386


View PDF of Media Release