The official opening of Fern Street Gallery has added another dimension to Gerringong that is likely to attract even more visitors to the popular seaside town.
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The owners know with an emerging art trail in the Kiama and Berry area that their new gallery and workshop space will further place the area on the map as a destination for art lovers.
The launch last weekend was a huge success with the gallery just a few doors down from Natural Necessity Surf Shop full of enthusiastic visitors and collectors. All were impressed by the professional way the new gallery is laid out and the use of light to help showcase the art displayed on pure white walls.
The new fine art gallery is run by professional artists with a personal touch. And is designed to help break down the barriers between artists and collectors.
It all means Gerringong can add to the fine art experience emerging in the Kiama and Shoalhaven local government areas.
The decision to open Fern Street Gallery came about quickly when Gitte Backhausen, of Gerringong, and Kerry Bruce, of Mt Kembla, learned the ideal site in the main street had become available.
The shop already had a French theme that aligned with the shared vision the two established artists discovered they had when they met.
“We wanted to create a professional gallery for artists to self-represent,” Mrs Bruce said.
“And we wanted to provide art collectors with a fine art experience where they can have direct contact with the artists. There is nothing like it on the South Coast and Gerringong was just the perfect place for it.”
Fern Street Gallery represents a select group of resident artists who will have their work on permanent and continuously changing exhibition.
The artists will man the gallery themselves providing and opportunity for visitors to connect with the creators. There is also a front gallery interested artists can hire to host and showcase their own solo or group exhibitions.
“It was important for us to create a gallery that can benefit not only the artists that are permanently represented by the gallery, but also create opportunities for the broader community of very talented artist we have on the South Coast and around Australia,” Mrs Backhausen said.
“We are looking forward to welcoming both locals and visitors to our beautiful gallery. We welcome expressions of interest from artist that would like to exhibit with us. We have already have bookings from Sydney artists. So we predict our calendar will fill pretty fast with a great variety of artists, mediums and subject matters for everyone to enjoy.”
The studio space for hire to run art workshops is located behind the two galleries and for artists and workshop organisers.
The first exhibition is a group show by the resident artists called ‘In Art Together’ featuring works by Kristal Del Villar, Jon Harris, Kerry Bruce, Holly Pinzone and Gitte Backhausen and runs until 4th November.
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
