Geelong artist celebrated at Ocean Grove gallery

THE Hive Gallery in Ocean Grove welcomed Geelong artist Phillip Butters as part of its “Solo Artist Exhibition Program” at the weekend before last.

Since it opened its doors three years ago, The Hive has been a hub for the Bellarine Peninsula’s arts talents and offers itself as one of the region’s most impressive gallery spaces.

Owners and partners Karen Spreadborough and Will Wilson established The Hive as a showroom for Will’s internationally acclaimed bronze birdbaths and sculptures that had been sitting in his Ocean Grove garage for over 15 years.

The additional upstairs art space is now home to a diverse range of artworks from over 25 artists, including Phillip’s A Moment in Time exhibition.

“We are enjoying presenting our new Solo Exhibition Art Program for both established and highly skilled unrepresented artists this year, and last weekend the public was invited to attend the first solo exhibition A Moment in Time by Geelong’s Phillip Butters”, Karen said.

Philip grew up in Ocean Grove as a thirdgeneration real estate agent who traded in the town’s main street for 30 years. The artist’s style was developed over decades of self-taught practice.

“After previously working in striking colours and bold brush strokes, he (Phillip) has arrived at an impressive monochromatic style that is sophisticated, striking, layered and full of mood. Phillip feels he has found his style,” a statement from The Hive said.

Visitors were greeted with a glass of local One Day Estate sparkling wine and gathered upstairs to meet Phillip and experience his A Moment in Time.

The exhibition will run until June 10 at The Hive, 41 Smithton Grove, Ocean Grove.