On Friday 9th October I had the honour to be asked to open In the Skies, a new art and music business located in the space that once housed Lorne Greens. The business is an exciting family initiative that began with a search for a studio in which Simon Holloway could paint. The concept has grown to become a friendly, culturally inclusive space that includes art and music. Anna, Erin, Marian, Robbie and Simon are to be congratulated for taking this brave step at a time when the business community is uncertain about the future.
The newly designed space has opened with Simon’s first solo show, Behind the Scenery which will run until 10 November and be followed by a line-up of back to back shows by emerging and established artists, with an emphasis on showcasing those working in the region. The innovative, mixed space concept also functions as a direct-to-the-public studio for Simon, who is available to discuss and accept commissioned work and an art and music store where you can purchase professional quality fine art supplies, locally made ceramics and new and second-hand records.
In the Skies is open Thursday-Monday from 10 am until 6pm, with the closing time on Fridays and Saturdays extended until 9pm. They have cleverly designed a space for children and an activity for people to enjoy while waiting for their take-away food from the nearby restaurants. Find them on Facebook at facebook.com/intheskieslorne/ and on Instagram at instagram.com/intheskieslorne/. Website coming soon.
At the opening, I stated that funding for Arts and Cultural Activities will be a high lobbying priority for me at Council when developing the new four-year Council Plan. I was delighted to see that advocating for growth in the arts sector was listed by Rose Hodge in a recent Torquay candidate forum. Traditional arts and cultural programs and the encouragement of new activities will be an important part of our recovery from the Covid lockdown. They help build social connections and can be a vital boost to tourism and business generally.
Opened earlier this year is Plume Gallery (140 Mountjoy Parade) and on exhibit are the art works of Katrina McKeon, the fibre art of Kendra Sloan and the photographs of Bianca Conwell. All three artists are available to undertake commissioned work, but unfortunately because of the lockdown restrictions, the opening hours have been reduced. However, more details can be found at www.plumegallery.com.
Qdos Fine Arts gallery and restaurant will open on the Melbourne Cup weekend and their first exhibition of Sisca Verwoert’s paintings will be launched on Sunday 13th of December. Sisca’s work brings together elements of the Otway Ranges in vibrantly coloured, sensuous paintings in oil and watercolour. The exhibition will close on Sunday 2nd January, for the details of opening hours visit the website qdosarts.com
Lorne Community Connect has been remodelled to primarily display art works from local artists who do not normally exhibit in mainstream galleries. The opening of Bob Sinclair’s “Lockdown Exhibition” planned just before the second round of restrictions, will open when the Shire allows public access to the building. I will publish the dates when they are known, and I encourage the community to support the exhibition as Bob has generously donated all proceeds to the Lorne Historical Society to help finance stage two of the façade project.
Gary Allen
