About Us

 

The ArtSpace is a profit for purpose incorporated organisation managed and staffed voluntarily by a team of artists, artisans and community supporters to offer opportunities to link local artists with collectors, and to provide a vehicle for the ongoing pursuit of art excellence in the region.

A high calibre contemporary art gallery in the Bass Coast area had been a long-time vision for many local artists and community members. In 2012 it became a reality with thanks to the far sightedness and can-do attitude of a small team, and the strong support of sponsors and volunteers.

ArtSpace Wonthaggi offers quality artworks by Gippsland artists and includes a Gift Shop stocked with beautiful original textiles, ceramics, jewellery, glassware and woodwork created by Gippsland artisans.

Artwork is hung on a rotation program, artists apply for either a major or minor exhibition via a number of lineal metres. Gift Shop wares are negotiated directly with the curatorial team. Both artworks and Gift Shop items are displayed for the best overall advantage of the gallery, and are regularly re-arranged to generate interest.

The move to the Centennial Centre

During the latter half of 2016 ArtSpace formed an alliance (ABIA) with the Wonthaggi Business and Tourist Association (WBTA) and the Visitor Information Centre Volunteers. All three groups now work together at The Centennial Centre, 1 Bent Street (opposite Aldi). The ArtSpace Gallery first exhibited at the new site in early December 2016 coexisting with the McBride Street gallery for the Christmas and New Year period.

ArtSpace was located at 5 McBride Street from its beginning in 2012 and turn out the lights at that address for the last time on 9^th January 2017.

ArtSpace AIMS

ArtSpace will:

• Provide regional artists producing quality work with an affordable opportunity to exhibit in a professional, curated gallery;
• Provide opportunities for collectors and the wider community to experience the diverse styles of professional work practiced by artists in the regional area;
• Generate awareness of Wonthaggi as a location for art-based tourism and a hub for artists and collectors.

ArtSpace MISSION

ArtSpace Wonthaggi provides the opportunity for the widest possible audience to view and purchase high quality work by artists and artisans.

ArtSpace VISION

ArtSpace Wonthaggi will become the premier gallery in South Gippsland by advancing its reputation for:

• The range and quality of its artworks;
• Professional assistance in the purchasing process;
• Community enrichment;
• Being the epicentre of the arts precinct in Wonthaggi.

ArtSpace Committee of Management

The ArtSpace Gallery is run entirely by volunteers.

ArtSpace is now working closely with the Bass Coast Artists Society (BCAS) and share a joint Committee:

President:
Geoff Ellis

Vice President:
John Mutsaers

Secretary:
Wendy Saphin

Treasurer:
Kaye Hatton (ArtSpace)
Vic Spunner (BCAS)

Also assisting the Committee:
Ursula Theinert
Susan Hall
Liane Arno