Art store to pop up in Torquay

A NEW space will pop up in Torquay this weekend to allow local creatives to sell their works to the public.

The soon to be developed gallery at the Multi Arts Centre (formerly the Surf Coast Sports and Recreation Centre) will open a pop up-shop for a limited time to sell works from artists within the region.

With several events being cancelled due to the COVID pandemic, local artists have struggled to find opportunities to exhibit and sell works.

“We have worked with artists in the community to create this pop-up shop as a way to celebrate work being created in our region and give the public the opportunity to buy local works from artists,” Surf Coast Art Space Inc Committee president Sally Groom said.

Local artists who have contributed artworks to the Local Art Pop Up include Ray Wilson, Helen Gibbons, Janicke Johansen and Elise Roberts.

The store will sell a variety of works including prints, paintings, ceramics, cards and small sculptures.

The long-term vision for the space is to develop a gallery and shop that will provide local artists with a dedicated space to exhibit and sell works and to network, as well as provide visitors and the local community the opportunity to meet artists.

“The Local Art Pop Up Shop is a great way of not only supporting artists, but supporting the long-planned new gallery space as it comes to fruition,” Ms Groom said.

The Local Art Pop Up will be open at the Multi Arts Centre, 77 Beach Road, Torquay, on Saturday, August 21 and Sunday, August 22 from 10am-2pm.