IT WAS always proposed that the Phillip Island Community Art and Craft Gallery group would find a home for their exhibitions and sales in the new Cowes Cultural Centre.
And Berninneit could have benefitted from the foot-traffic that a commercial gallery space would have generated.
But plans changed and ultimately there wasn’t the space and the Phillip Island Community Art and Craft Gallery group had to move but all’s well that ends well with the art and craft group finding a fantastic new home in the old fire station building in Settlement Road, Cowes.
And the Bass Coast Shire Council did everything possible to help them settle in from attending to all the OH&S issues, including constructing a wheelchair assessable ramp out the front, updating all the amenities needed by the group and generally renovating the new facility ready for the group to move in recently.
And what a centre of art and craft it has turned out to be, officially opening last Thursday in time for the grand final long weekend with plenty of time to settle in ahead of Christmas and the summer holidays.
Last Friday, it was the job of Phillip Island artist Sue Brown volunteer at the new gallery and she was more than happy to show visitors around.
“It’s taken us the best part of 12 months to get set up but thanks to the shire, it all looks fantastic now,” Mrs Brown said.
“There’s a wide range of art, craft and styles including knitting, painting, jewellery, pottery, photography, hand-made cards, woodwork and a whole lot more.
“There are a lot of local artists here and there’s something for everyone.”
Mrs Brown is a contributor to the gallery herself, handmaking high-tea stands, a range of decoupage pieces (the process of gluing a combination of collage materials and coating them with a clear gloss finish), framed jewellery and more.
“It’s a good opportunity to see a variety of local art and craft all in the one place,” she said.
So, if it’s a pair of locally-made earrings you’re looking for, something thought-provoking to hang on your wall or just a handmade card for a special occasion, you’re bound to be inspired at the new Phillip Island Community Art and Craft Gallery in Settlement Road Cowes.
The gallery is open Thursday to Sunday, 11am-3pm at the moment but hours are sure to be increased closer to Christmas and the summer holidays.
