Hoop Gallery opens new exhibition

HOOP Gallery in Torquay has launched its last exhibition before it temporarily closes its doors for renovations next month.

PlaceMakers opened on Thursday last week at the Multi Arts Centre (MAC) and will run until September 22.

Hoop Gallery president Virginia Aldred said PlaceMakers highlighted the work of four local artists: Roe Clapham, Mick Sowry, Brittany March and Helen Gibbins.

“This exhibition celebrates the exceptional artworks that reveal each artists’ full potential and ever-evolving Surf Coast creative ecosystem,” Ms Aldred said.

The Surf Coast Shire is redeveloping the arts precinct in Surf City, with gallery and theatre renovations to take place from October through to June 2025.

In the exhibition, Clapham presents ‘Coiled Wall Art’, a display of hours spent stitching and weaving with an eclectic mix of threads, ropes, twines and collected treasures.

A self-taught potter, Clapham also presents a striking fusion of weaving and her beautifully hand-turned, glazed pots.

Sowry, a visionary photographer, is showing work deeply inspired by his lifelong passion for the sea. His captivating images uncover hidden stories and its immense power, often overlooked.

March, an artist and illustrator, features work that is deeply inspired by the natural world, particularly marine life of the southern Australian coastline.

Using charcoal and soft pastels, she captures exquisite detail and realism in her exhibited work.

Gibbons’ whimsical images radiate with her love for drawing with ink brush and pens.

Her playful, quirking characters offer enchanting glimpses into her imaginative inner world.

Ms Aldred said PlaceMakers stood as a testament to Hoop Gallery’s standard of excellence and the vibrant creativity it had fostered in the community.

“Although we’re closing the physical doors of our gallery, our creative vision remains unstoppable.

“We’re rolling up our sleeves and embracing this challenge with enthusiasm, as we dive into our ‘Hoop Gallery Without Walls’ activities.

“With our can-do attitude, we’re committed to bringing art and creativity to the community in fresh and exhilarating ways.

“These activities will feature ‘pop-up exhibitions’ across diverse locations from the Surf Coast to Geelong, dynamic artist talks, and exciting collaborations with the Geelong Art Gallery, the Australian National Surfing Museum and local Surf Coast arts’ businesses.”

Hoop Gallery is managed by community organisation Surf Coast Art Space Inc, is located at the MAC, 77 Beach Road, Torquay and is open on Thursdays and Fridays from 11am to 4pm and Saturdays and on Sundays from 10am to 4pm.