New Byron gallery launches with glow-in-the-dark exhibition

LOCAL artists now have a new venue to showcase their work with the launch of Byron Spaces Gallery, a rotating exhibition program located above the Byron Community Centre.

Reflecting the spirit and creativity of the Byron Shire, Byron Spaces will feature seasonal exhibitions that celebrate everyone from emerging to established artists.

Kicking off the program is the inaugural winter exhibition, Magic Birds of Australia, featuring the vibrant, mixed-media works of Italian-Australian artist Valentina Di Blasé of ValeVale Art. A familiar face to many as a regular stallholder at the Byron Markets, Di Blasé brings her unique artistic vision to the gallery with a glow-in-the-dark display.

Raised in Rome and immersed in art and architecture from a young age, Di Blasé studied at art school there before moving to Australia in 2015. Her creative journey led her to acrylic markers, which allow her to achieve rich effects – bright hues, metallic touches and fluorescent highlights – all in one medium.

Her current exhibition, which is on show until the end of August, transforms by light: vivid and intricate by day, and revealing hidden messages under blacklight. The collection explores themes of transformation, emotion and place.

The Byron Community Centre, an independent not-for-profit organisation, supports the community through a range of services from meals and counselling to a broad range of arts and social initiatives.

Byron Spaces Gallery is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free.

For more information, visit byronspaces.com.au .