Creative society in the Christmas spirit

THE halls of Barkly Square have been decked for a Christmas Art Show which is on display until this Monday, 12 December.

Featuring work by members of the Ballarat Society of Artists, the event also includes art sales, and business secretary Susan Clarke said visitors can expect to see a whole range of mediums from printmaking right through to oils and watercolour paintings.

Sixteen artists are showing and selling pieces, framed and unframed, alongside cards and merchandise.

“People can buy artwork on the walls and take them home on the day,” she said.

After a successful winter exhibition at Barkly Square, the society has returned to the community centre for the festive summer showcase.

“We thought we’d take the opportunity again, at Christmas time, to have a week-long pop-up shop and art for sale,” she said.

“We decided we’d do it this week and make a concerted effort to be part of this big building again. It’s really great to be part of it.”

The society has 70 members, and through community engagement, they have gained about 23 of them throughout 2022.

“With all our activities in the last 12 months, we’ve been encouraging people to join us, to take part, and we’re really excited about what they’re going to bring to the group,” Clarke said.

“Through the Christmas pop-up, I hope people can notice that art is a really enjoyable thing to be part of, and it doesn’t matter what standard of art you do, whether a beginner or professional, we welcome anyone who wants to have a go and just be part of an encouraging, supportive group.”

The show is open from 10am to 3pm tomorrow, Monday, 12 December at 39 Barkly Street, Ballarat East. There are EFTPOS facilities on site.