THE Central Goldfields Art Gallery will reopen on Saturday after being closed for more than three months because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The gallery's first exhibition will feature the work of Australian illustrator Terry Denton. The Many Story Treehouse Exhibition will be on display at the gallery from Saturday until August 16.
"It's very exciting to be reopening," Central Goldfields Shire chief administrator Noel Harvey said. "It's been a long road. It has been a challenge.
"Our part of the world has suffered significantly in the down turn. While places like Ballarat and Bendigo have been fairly busy as things reopen, Maryborough is not in the same fortunate position.
"We're hoping this will be the start of rebuilding economic activity around the place."
The exhibition showcases Mr Denton's original illustrations, sketches and layouts from the Treehouse series developed with author, Andy Griffiths.
Children visiting the gallery will be encouraged to draw their own ideas on a giant treehouse mural created by Mr Denton, which will remain in the community.
There will also be free takeaway school holiday activities for children with signed copies of the Treehouse books to be won.
Mr Harvey said the gallery would introduce measures to ensure the safety of staff and visitors.
There would be a limit of 18 people in the gallery at any time, with people encouraged to register ahead of their visit. The gallery would still be free to patrons.
Mr Harvey said there would also be more hand sanitisers available at the gallery, while visitors would need to provide staff with contact details on entry.
Mr Harvey said while Victoria had seen a recent spike in COVID-19 cases, he was confident the gallery's stringent measures would reduce any risk.
"We have dodged a bullet in regional Victoria at this stage," he said. "But it's school holidays and I'm sure people will be travelling in the region.
"That's why we're making these safety restrictions. We're confident we have the right restrictions in place to keep everyone safe."
Mr Harvey said visitors could book their free ticket to the exhibition at events.humanitix.com/the-many-story-treehouse-exhibition
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Tara Cosoleto
Journalist covering courts and general news at the Bendigo Advertiser.
Journalist covering courts and general news at the Bendigo Advertiser.
