The transformation of the Central Goldfields Art Gallery will be revealed when it officially re-opens with a celebratory program of events tomorrow, Saturday 4 March from 10am to 4pm
The Victorian Government, together with Council, has invested $2.28 million to the upgrade which has seen one of the Shire's most significant assets refurbished and extended.
Project architect Nervegna Reed have successfully merged the historic elements of a 19th century fire station with the contemporary standards for presentation of visual art to deliver an inspiring modern public gallery.
Providing multiple opportunities to engage, even before stepping inside, the building now opens its arms wide and encourages interaction and dialogue with visitors and community.
Framing views to an Indigenous Interpretive Garden (to be delivered as part of stage 2 and 3 of the project in 2024) that will reference locally significant cultural sites and traditional fire practices, the space is anchored to its environment. From the inside, there are further opportunities to look up and out, with the result that it is expansive and optimistic.
The Gallery will re-open with the first headline exhibition of its 2023 program – Ladder to the Stars: Dean Bowen Sculptures – as well as the annual Community Art exhibition and works from the permanent collection.
Central Goldfields Shire Mayor Cr Grace La Vella said Council was thrilled to be able to announce the reopening celebrations for the Gallery.
"We know excitement has been building for the re-opening and so are looking forward to welcoming both locals and visitors through the doors to help us celebrate this special occasion for our Shire.
"Thanks to Victorian Government funding, our Gallery now has new opportunities to present a greater variety of leading artists and exhibitions in a "state of the art" gallery for the community and the wider region. Notwithstanding the growing visitation to this area and as a result gaining even more tourism momentum within our district into the future, yet another quality attractor for our proposed suite of tourism highpoints in Central Goldfields Shire".
Central Goldfields Art Gallery Coordinator Helen Kaptein said our redeveloped Gallery is a space we can all be proud of – we encourage our community to come along and see it in person and enjoy a community celebration on Saturday 4 March.
"We're delighted to be opening the doors with the Ladder to the Stars: Dean Bowen Sculptures exhibition. Dean Bowen was born in Maryborough and is now a renowned artist both nationally and internationally.
"The exhibition explores human potential and growth. It comprises 35 sculptures grouped around themes of animals, young people, hope and possibility – which makes this an extremely fitting exhibition through which to launch the redeveloped Gallery.
"Visitors are encouraged to enjoy and explore the redeveloped Gallery and view artworks from the Gallery's permanent collection in a stunning new space along with a celebration of local creativity showcased in the popular, annual Community Art exhibition."
The Central Goldfields Art Gallery will be open Thursdays to Sundays from 10am to 4pm commencing on Saturday 4 March. Entry is free and all are welcome.
Community Celebration Day - Saturday 4 March
9.45am onwards: Coffee Cart - buy a barista made coffee
10.30 to 11am: Storytime - children's book reading
11am to 12.30pm: Make your own Australian bird, led by local artist Jennifer Latch
11.30am: Community Art Exhibition announcement of special awards
12noon: Music from Jan Stephenson from the Groove Dudes Dunolly
12noon to 1pm: Young People - tell us what you want from an Art Hang Out at the Gallery - sign up and make it happen!
12noon: Badge making workshop
11.30 to 1pm: Free sausage/veggie sizzle cooked for you by Rotary Club of Maryborough
2 to 2.45pm: Talk by Andrew Stephens, author of Nitty-Gritty: The sculpture of Dean Bowen. Dean Bowen will be in attendance and available for book signings.
