On the Local Arts Trail in February 2025
— with Alison Desmond —
Moorabool’s gifted local artists are getting ready for a big year - make the most of the good weather and visit some of the local galleries to see what’s trending in 2025.
Gordon Bar Room Gallery
• Artist: Jane Gardner
Since childhood, Jane Gardner collected nature ephemera such as gumnuts, leaves, shells and seaweed in hopes of one day using them in artistic pursuits.
During Covid lockdowns she finally was able to slow down and started making arrangements of these ephemera adhered onto board.
“Isn’t it ironic that an illness that’s attacking people’s lungs has helped so many of us breathe again?” said Jane.
Jane’s work focusses on diversity and simplicity, and the rhythms and patterns of the natural environment.
Also showing in February are Mike Bradley, Myrawin Nelson, Quilby Nelson, Chris Creaney, Ben Creaney, Nichole Knight and Sandra Jarnett, as well as visiting artists Adam Bennett and Vanessa McGill.
Gordon Bar Room Gallery is open 10am to 2pm Saturdays
Oak Grove Gallery
• Artist: Martin Cleal
Martin Cleal has been painting for forty years, and working from his restored 1872 Ballan News building for about two years, welcoming visitors with a big smile.
Heavily influenced by Arthur Streeton, Tom Roberts and the Heidelberg School, he ventures into the local countryside and to beaches to sketch and take notes for his impressionistic landscape and seascape paintings.
Back in his studio, Martin paints with oils, watercolour and acrylic onto board, with an emphasis on mixing colours, perspective and movement, with inventive application.
His paintings are complex and impactful, colours pure, mark-making organic and free, and his passion is fully-realised in his works.
For Moorabool’s best views pop in and see Marty at Oak Grove Gallery.
Oak Grove Gallery is open 11am to 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday
Flack Post & Telegraph Office
• Artist: Amanda Western
After a relaxing break Flack PTO are gearing-up for a big year in 2025.
“We currently have a small selection of jewellery and antiques for sale and are expanding with a giftshop,”said gallerist Danielle Flack.
“We’re also looking at running a pet photography event where people will be able to bring their furry friends for a mini photoshoot,” she said.
Flack PTO have photography studio space for hire, and exhibiting is by application - visit the website for more details.
February exhibitors include Gabrielle Bridges, Bronwyn Shipway, Amanda Western, Alicia Flack,Damien Lewis, Ken Toomey, Leanne Robson and Jason Vassallo.
Flack Post and Telegraph Office is open 10am to 3pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Ballan Art Space
• New home for Ballan Arts Space
After months of hard work Ballan Art Space’s new premises in Inglis Street will open with their Pop Culture exhibition from February 7th.
The group has painted the interior of the gallery and some of the building’s exterior, laid flooring, repaired fencing and worked in the new sculpture garden.
“It’s been constant work with lots of people, mostly a core group helping, now the end is in sight. All this relies on donations and volunteers,” said volunteer Miranda Williamson.
“It’s easy access for people to find us, heaps of people said they didn’t realise we were there at the old place where we were hiding before,” she said.
“Pop Culture will be a nice bright, vibrant introduction to the new space,” said Miranda.
Ballan Art Space will be open 10am to 3pm, Thursday to Sunday
BMAC Gallery
BMAC is a diverse group of artists working together, exchanging ideas and exhibiting at Lerderderg Library, Bacchus Marsh.
The first meeting for the year will be at the library from 1pm to 3pm on Tuesday, February 18.
MAPP Up in Lights
Unfortunately, both the Ballan and Bacchus Marsh MAPP Up in Lights outdoor gallery structures will be temporarily unoccupied until April.
The Bacchus Marsh Village Green space was damaged in a weather event and the Ballan space needs to be moved from the front to the back of AA McLean reserve.
Moorabool artists are encouraged to apply to exhibit in the MAPP Up in Lights galleries - check the Moorabool Shire Council Arts & Culture webpage for details.
About On the Local Arts Trail
The Local Arts Trail column is released through our monthly eNewsletter and on this website at the start of each month.
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