Artists find space to bloom

A GROUP of local artists are regularly gathering at Lerderderg library to share and discuss their work in a friendly environment.

B-MAC Gallery artists’ group meets once a month with the goal of providing artists with an affordable way to display their work and come together.

Despite losing their dedicated gallery space during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, group members said it is still important to have a place for creatives to connect.

“Not everyone is interested in sport,” said group member Janice Webster.

“You make all these wonderful things, and there’s no where to put them out in public.”

Each monthly meeting has a different theme where members can learn new artistic techniques such as eco printing or creating art from books.

“It’s a popular day of the month, it’s a social activity,” said group member Miranda Coutts.

“We get to share hints and tips and welcome everybody and make everyone feel legitimate as a creative person.”

Anyone is welcome to come along, no matter their experience level.

“You don’t have to be an amazing, established, well known artist like Janice,” said Coutts.

“A lot of people have imposter syndrome, but we’re not judgemental.”

The group’s next big exhibition is showcasing the hidden creations of local artists and will be held at Bacchus Marsh Public Hall as part of the Hide and Seek Festival.

Group member Bev Baker said she hopes in the future they will have a new dedicated gallery space.

“It was devastating when we lost our home and some of us stayed together and worked terribly hard to get a premises, and we nearly did but it fell through,” she said.

“But we’ve never given up.”

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 15 October from 1pm until 3pm. More information can be found on the Moorabool Shire website.