SUPPORTING local talent has been key in the development of two of Bendigo’s newest art galleries.
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Gallery 369 in Hargreaves Street and the Arnold Street Gallery in North Bendigo both opened new exhibitions by local artists in the past week.
Homecoming was curated by Gallery 369’s James Dunn and features five central Victorian artists.
The launch on Saturday was well attended with plenty of people showing up to support the artists.
Regional artists Garry Bish, Maree Tonkin Stephen Phillis, Jessica Spalding and Ben Winspear are featured in Homecoming.
“It’s very important for us as a central Victorian gallery to celebrate the diversity and talent that comes from regional artists,” Mr Dunn said.
“I think Bendigo people really connect with the arts and we're lucky to see so many people come out and support the exhibition and local artists.
“It does show that people in central Victoria and Bendigo really celebrate local talent.”
Mr Dunn said selecting just five local artists was a challenge.
“This was a great exhibition to curate, bringing five mid-career, talented full time artists together and representing different mediums like painting, photography and ceramics,” he said.
“The process was to look for full time artists and also looked at artists we felt had good room in the marketplace to show and sell their work.
“As a commercial gallery that’s important. All of these artists can present work that was not only beautiful to look at but something people can see in there own homes.”
Across town at the Arnold Street Gallery, local artist Kain White’s exhibition was launched last Thursday.
Odyssey is filled with astronaut motifs, the exhibition looks at themes of exploration, experimentation and the inspiration of the stars.
Arnold Street Gallery director Susan McMinn said supporting regional artists was a key part of the gallery’s culture.
“There are limited spaces for local artists so we are trying to build a profile as a gallery that supports them,” she said.
“Being able to exhibit also build the artists’ profile as well. We have had about 10 exhibitions now and a majority have featured local artists.”
Ms McMinn plans to feature local artists in the Arnold Street Gallery at Easter and will launch a call out soon.
“We always encourage people to send in expressions of interest and want to give emerging artists a chance to be part of it,” she said.
Odyssey is on at the Arnold Street Gallery, 189 Arnold Street until February 25.
Homecoming is on at Gallery 369 at 369 Hargreaves Street until April 17.