A vision in full colour

ARTISANS of Australia in Curlewis is a thriving creative destination on the Bellarine Peninsula, built on founder Helen Meikle’s belief that art should be experienced up close, in conversation with the people who create it.

More than a gallery, it is a living creative hub where visitors can witness process, exchange ideas and connect directly with makers in an open, welcoming environment.

Helen’s vision was shaped during her time in Europe, where she developed a deep fascination with artists and the spaces they inhabit.

She was drawn to the sensory richness of working studios: the smell of paint and clay in the air, the murmur of conversation, the scratch of charcoal on paper, and the quiet intensity of ideas forming.

She loved the collaborative energy that flowed through shared creative spaces and the way artists saw the world differently.

Those environments were not exclusive or distant; they invited curiosity and dialogue.

When she moved to Australia in 2011, Helen searched for that same accessible studio culture but struggled to find it.

Many artists worked in isolation, and their finished works appeared in galleries far removed from the creative journey that shaped them. The experimentation, challenges and breakthroughs remained unseen.

Determined to change that, she set out to create a space where art could be encountered in real time, where the public could engage not only with completed pieces but with the people and processes behind them.

Established in 2019, Artisans has grown into a dynamic and ever-evolving destination.

Two main gallery spaces host curated exhibitions that change every four weeks, ensuring a constant flow of fresh work.

A third gallery space rotates continuously, showcasing more than 50 local and regional artists who sell directly to the public.

The range of mediums is extensive, spanning pottery, oil painting, photography, pastel, sculpture, textiles, mixed media and much more.

Exhibitions include solo and group shows, featuring artists at every stage of their careers, from emerging talents to established practitioners.

The direct-to-public model removes commissions and barriers, allowing artists to retain full value from their work while fostering genuine exchange with collectors. Visitors leave not only with artwork but with stories, insight and connection.

Artisans is also home to seven resident artists working onsite in dedicated studios.

Guests can observe art in progress and engage with the creative journey firsthand.

Studios open by appointment and on the first Sunday of each summer month, from 10am to 2pm. Two workshop spaces further extend participation, offering hands-on classes and skill development led by local artists.

A licensed 50-seat bistro completes the experience. Designed to be as welcoming as the galleries, it echoes the warmth of Cheers, where familiarity and friendliness matter.

Serving light lunches and hot and cold drinks, it encourages visitors to pause, relax and enjoy the sweeping views.

Open six days a week, 9am to 4pm, with free entry and full accessibility, Artisans welcomes everyone to experience creativity without barriers.