Hidden gems uncovered at The Unicorn

CREATIVE talent from across the Ballarat region is being showcased this month in a new exhibition at The Unicorn Collection in Sturt Street.

Twelve artists from the Hidden Gems Art Studios collective are presenting Hidden Gems @ The Unicorn, a month-long feature exhibition running until Sunday 1 March.

The exhibition features a diverse range of works, including painting, photography, textiles, ceramics and mixed media, highlighting the breadth of practices represented within the collective.

The exhibition space is open to visitors from Thursday to Sunday throughout the display period. A Meet the Artists session will be held this evening (Friday 6 February) from 5pm to 7pm.

Collective spokeswoman Vanessa Brady said the event provided an opportunity for visitors to engage directly with the artists and learn more about their creative processes and studio practice.

“Hidden Gems @ The Unicorn is a wonderful chance for our artists to come together in a shared space and connect with new audiences,” she said.

“This region has so much creative talent, and this partnership with The Unicorn Collection allows us to really celebrate it.”

Hidden Gems Art Studios is a growing network of artists based throughout the region, including Smythes Creek, Haddon, Smythesdale, Scarsdale, Sebastopol, Ross Creek, Dereel, Cambrian Hill and surrounding areas.

Ms Brady said the collective was formed to strengthen connections between artists, encourage collaboration and foster a sense of mutual support.

The Unicorn Collection is an initiative of Ballarat Evolve Creative Industries and supports both emerging and established artists through rotating exhibitions, creative events and space-activation projects.