Winter wonderings unveiled

Art enthusiasts and supporters of the arts have braved the winter chill, to attend the ‘Winter Wonderings’ exhibition opening this month.

Held on Friday 19 May at the Ballan Arts Space, the event offered an opportunity to appreciate local artwork, share culinary delights, sip fine wine, and immerse in live music orchestrated by Ballan’s own, Nina Rootsey.

Established in August of last year, the Ballan Arts Space operates under the stewardship of the Ballan and District Artists Collective. The volunteer-driven group is fuelled by a passionate desire to elevate the arts within the region.

“This marks our seventh themed exhibition since the gallery’s inception,” a spokesperson for the Artists Collective said, brimming with excitement and pride.

“Each time artists deliver their pieces, it’s a delightful flurry of surprise and admiration. The diversity and high-quality work from local and regional artists who opt to exhibit here is continuously awe-inspiring.”

Managing each exhibition presents its own set of challenges, as the team strives to do justice to each piece. Yet, the Collective agrees that the payoff comes during the opening celebrations.

“To be able to stand back, absorb the entirety of the exhibition, and engage in discussions about the artwork with the artists themselves is a truly rewarding experience,” they shared.

Currently, the Artists Collective boasts 62 members, with a majority having showcased their work in the Arts Space since its launch.

In a recent bid to generate fresh ideas for future exhibitions, the Collective issued a call for theme suggestions through their newsletter. The overwhelming number and variety of responses have equipped them with enough inspiration to plan out the next decade.

But the Collective’s mission extends beyond just showcasing art. They plan to offer a slew of specialist and community arts workshops, guest lectures, and social gatherings.

These platforms are designed to nurture a sense of community, facilitate knowledge exchange, and create a space where individuals can craft their artistic expressions freely.

The Winter Wonderings exhibition will be held until Sunday 25 June. The Ballan Arts Space is open at 117 B Inglis Street from Friday to Sunday 10am to 3pm, so feel free to pop in and have a look at the fantastic art on display.