Royal Melbourne Hospital Foundation

When artist Georgie Gall approached the Hive Gallery to enable her next exhibition to be a fundraiser for the Royal Melbourne Hospital Foundation, it seemed a natural fit for Karen Spreadborough, the curator and director, who has also spent 29 years as a physiotherapist.

“To combine my interest in art and health seemed ideal to say ‘yes’ to,” Karen said, as The Hive aims to build its presence in the community.
Six months, and many meetings and discussions later, “The Artist of the Month” Program to raise money for the Royal Melbourne Hospital Foundation has just launched, with Georgie Gall leading the way with her collection Dawn to Dusk, which features tranquil paintings of waterways, inspired by the changing light of day.’

Georgie with Jo, a supporter and the painting she just bought.

Restricted to Melbourne during the long COVID Lockdown, as time wore on, Georgie “found her paintings became more meditative, and more of an escape into a calm and beautiful world on the canvas”.

“This is a large body of work from Georgie, featuring her iconic water birds and signature use of texture within her abstract scenes of oceans and water,” Karen said.

“The paintings are serene and no surprise that they already grace the walls of the Royal Melbourne Hospital I.C.U. and waiting room thanks to Georgie’s generosity.

“They add a beautiful reprieve from a challenging environment.”

Ed Smith, director of the RMH Foundation was present to open the Exhibition which runs until May 1.

Initially, the funds raised will go towards purchasing a Wide-Field Digital Imaging Camera that will aid diagnostic accuracy and treatment of eye patients.

“Without healthy eyesight it is, of course, harder to appreciate visual art,” Ed said.

Local filmmaker Fraser Montgomery gets footage for a short video with Anthony North, deputy director of the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Both The Hive and Georgie Gall will be proudly donating a part of the proceeds of each sale for the month towards the RMH Foundation.

The Hive Gallery is situated at 1/41 Smithton Grove, Ocean Grove and open Friday to Sunday 10 to 4pm or by appointment on 0417 116 216.
Get behind this initiative and you might end up with a stunning piece of original art and the joy and knowledge you are supporting a vital cause, and one of the state’s largest hospitals.

All works can be seen online at thehiveoceangrove.com.au