Gallery born of determination

A GROUP of creative and focused Creswick women has, in a short time, achieved what others have only spoken about for years.

Art on Albert, a not-for-profit gallery for local and regional artisans – including painters, woodworkers, ceramicicts, potters, textile artists, sculptors and photographers – opened last month.

Creswick residents have long talked about what a bonus an art gallery would be to the town and the region. Fortunately, a group of like-minded people have formed a committee and made this a reality.

President Julie Reed said there were two groups originally trying to get a gallery going.

“They were trying but didn’t get much traction,” she said. “So, we decided to amalgamate, bite the bullet and get it going.

“By good fortune, the perfect space became available at 86 Albert Street.

“Negotiations were finalised, and we signed a lease on 1 March with work commencing in record time to fit out the space.

“We held a grand opening on 29 March. It was very successful, with a number of artists selling some of their work.”

As a not-for-profit gallery, its aim is to return a surplus from sales of art back to the community, to organisations like Shannon’s Bridge or the local men’s shed.

Exhibitors will pay for a space and will be able to leave their work for up to three months.

Committee member and artist Chris Dobson said they were keen to encourage young and emerging artists by providing a wall where young people can proudly display their art.

Art on Albert is staffed by volunteers and is open from 10am to 4pm Thursday to Monday.