The Grand Opening of the Blak Arts Collective’s Pop-Up Gallery Shop on Thursday 15 of October was attended by over 50 people. Uncle Tim Miller welcomed everyone, Richie Lawton gave an inspiring talk and played us all into the mood. De-Anne Douglas from partner organisation Wanaruah Local Aboriginal Land Council spoke of the importance of partnerships and giving culture a chance. John O’Brien encouraged people to buy locally authentic art from someone “who might just live around the corner”, and Kerri-Ann Taggart opened the gallery on behalf of artists.
Some 20 artists are represented by artworks and merchandise. And there are workshops throughout the shop’s life – just pop in and see! Last day is Saturday 24 October.
Kemer Edwards and Bindi Baker are staffing the shop after a great journey to help collect the art, put it on display and make the place look just so fine. We were very grateful to Elissa and Aleisha from Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre for their pro support and assistance, and to Muswellbrook Shire Council for so much support and for the space itself. Many others helped on the day.
Earlier that day 2NM broadcast their lunchtime show from out front of the gallery and helped drum up business. The overall verdict? Can we do this again next year?!
Visit Now – Shop 24 Marketplace, 72-78 Brook St, Muswellbrook.
Open:
Thu 22 October 10am-5pm
Fri 23 October 10am-5pm
Sat 24 October 9am-4pm
Artists showing at Blak Arts Collective Pop up Shop:
Cara Northey
Cassandra McFawn
Daniel Ellis
Danielle Mate
Debbie Becker
Denise Hedges
Ian Hawkins
James Dennis
Kerri-Ann Taggart
Monique Rennie
Montanna Odgers
Morgen Kafer
Murruy Design
Natasha Matthews
Richie Lawton
Rosslyn Thomson
Saretta Fielding
Simone Turner-Ryan
The project is delivered by Blak Arts Collective, in partnership with Arts Upper Hunter and Wanaruah Local Aboriginal Land Council, with funding support from the Australian Government’s Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support (IVAIS) program.
Photo. From left. John O’Brien ( Executive Director of AUH), Kemer Edwards ( Administration Officer for Wanaruah Local Aboriginal Land Council) and Bindi Baker, ( Project Officer for AUH) taken by Cara Northey