New gallery to be established in Ettalong

A new gallery will be established in Ettalong by a Patonga artist and an Ettalong cafe.

According to artist Ms Vanessa Ashcroft the joint venture between herself and Re:Publik will create a platform for local artists to show their works in a professionally operated and marketed space.

She hopes it will also attract artists and clientele from Art Gallery on Ocean View's sister gallery, Art Gallery on Darling in Balmain, to the Peninsula.

"I am passionate that the artists represented by Art Gallery on Ocean View are of a high calibre, in fact one of our opening artists is Pamela Honeyfield who won the Gosford Art Prize two years in a row and who is also a Resident Artist of Art Gallery on Darling," Ms Ashcroft said.

Ms Ashcroft said the space would also host many events throughout the year and would be suitable for other events such as meet the artist talks, conferences, book signings and launches and special events.

"With the stunning architecture and industrial tone underlying the foundation of the art gallery and cafe space, it is sure to create a sense of anticipation each time we rehang and curate the work," Ms Ashcroft said.

Ms Ashcroft has been operating Art Gallery on Darling for three years and said the time was ripe for a similar space on the Peninsula.

"As Director of Art Gallery on Darling, I feel our model, while being different in Balmain, is a very successful one and has the possibility to keep expanding," she said.

"The Gallery in Balmain was closed for the Christmas break which gave me the opportunity to focus solely on getting the Ettalong branded and ready for opening night."

This will be held on Thursday, February 22, from 6pm to 8pm.

"As a practicing artist, I love the opportunity to create art for a different market and to indeed test the market difference from Balmain to the Coast.

"Throughout 2018 I will be exhibiting many different artists in a diverse range of mediums from photography, ceramics, weaving, printing and paintings from not only the local community but from as far afield as New Zealand," Ms Ashcroft said.

"The paintings and sculptures will be constantly curated and changed with emphasis on creating a stunning space to enjoy the culinary delights offered by the cafe.

"With over 20 artists already signed up to show their work, I am confident that this new venture will be very successful," Ms Ashcroft said.

SOURCE:

Interview, 11 Jan 2018

Vanessa Ashcroft, Gallery on Ocean View

Reporter: Dilon Luke