Art is weird, and wonderful

By Tina Seirlis

There are two wonderful reasons to celebrate this week, as the latest popular exhibition at the volunteer-run Ballan Arts Space comes to a close, along with gallery itself celebrating a first birthday milestone.

This Sunday from 1-3pm everyone is invited for a last chance to view the Weird & Wonderful by The Fairy Bread Collective. A free afternoon tea will be provided as the exhibition is farewelled, along with the Ballan and District Artists Collective group reflecting on a successful first year within the gallery space.

There is only one condition of entry, those attending are encouraged to get into the spirit of the exhibition and come along in a weird and wonderful hat.

According to Collective Committee Member Miranda Howard, ‘Weird & Wonderful’ contains a large mix of styles and mediums with the intention of there being a surprise around every corner.

“From wooden people and tiny cities, a pompom dog, artworks made from nature, metal and other treasures, including a horse and his ghost rider, there is something for everyone to enjoy,” she said.

There is a voluntary entry donation box for those who would like to help the gallery build a strong future.

The concept for the Ballan Arts Space was said to have originated back in June 2022 when Mike Bradley, owner of the building, which fronts Inglis Street as Seek Accounting, approached various individuals in the community with the proposal of utilising the building’s rear as an art gallery.

A founding committee of management was formed made up of Helen Hammond, Tracey Taylor, Miranda Howard and Lou Callow. Following a public meeting, the Ballan and District Artists Collective was formed and the rest is history with the group having grown to over 60 members from across the region over the course of its first year.

Grants secured from the Ballan Community Bank and Moorabool Shire Council further supported the group to pay rent and fit out the gallery.

Ms Callow said to exhibit in the gallery as part of group exhibitions, one needs to be a member of the Artists Collective, through a membership fee.

“When the gallery is open, a roster of volunteers is generated from the exhibitors for each exhibition,” she said.

Rooms at The Ballan Arts space can also be hired for privately-run exhibitions, and the gallery includes a retail space showcasing a variety of hand-made gifts.

Following this Sunday’s celebration, another exhibition is already planned with ‘Colour Explosion’ set to open from 22 September.

“Everyone is welcome to come in, you don’t need to be an artist or a previous art lover to get a kick out of something in each exhibition,” Ms Callow said.

Opening hours are 10am to 3pm Friday through Sunday.