For arts sake: Tony Bramwell and Lisa Kelly in the Shearers Arms studio.
By John Van Klaveren
THE SHEARERS Arm sounds more like a tavern than an art gallery, but there’s no doubting the significance of the landmark Geelong West building.
The building, dating back to 1847, was acquired by the Geelong Art Society in 1987 and is now its base.
It contains a large purpose built studio, four gallery display rooms, a well-equipped office and a kitchen.
As the oldest surviving building in Geelong West, it is slowly being renovated, following guidance from the Heritage Society.
But old buildings cost money, as society past-president Alan Langdon knows.
“The renovation relies on grants which are not easy to acquire,” Alan admitted.
“We are slowly modernising the place, making it a bit cheerier and happier, more of a fun place than in days gone by.”
In the meantime, the society gets on with its program of courses, exhibitions, workshops and community support.
Alan said the venerable old society, formed in 1947, was focussed on modernising and remaining contemporary.
“We have artists involved in sculptures, three-dimensional art, botanical art, wood turning, ceramics, and we ran a corporate day for clothing designers.
“It’s a matter of bringing it up to the 21st century. We’ve gone through quite a transition in the last 10 years,” Alan explained.
He said traditional fine arts were still a key part of the society, but it had to go contemporary to be more appealing to younger people.
“We have around 450 students a year, including children, attending courses, plus we have an ever increasing number of workshops,” Alan said.
He said the space was often used by community groups for meetings and activities.
The society also hosts free exhibitions for groups like the Mouth and Foot Painters and the MS Society.
“If we support the community, in lots of ways it gives us a better chance to get grants as a community centre,” Alan said.
“But most importantly we in turn receive support and community awareness.”
The next major activity is a three-week VCE art exhibition with all regional secondary schools invited to participate.
“It is a properly judged and run exhibition giving our young artists an experience they would not get otherwise,” Alan said.
“They are the artists of the future, so we want to encourage them to keep going. Our many professional artist members are happy to share their experience.”
Contact the Geelong Art Society at Shearers Arms Gallery, 202 Aberdeen St, Geelong West, phone 5223 1825 or visit geelongartsociety.com.au.
