AFTER being run by volunteers for the last 43 years, Jan Lawler, manager of the Balranald Art Gallery, hopes to get more people interested in arts and culture with a free open night at the gallery on Wednesday night.
“Having a creative outlet is really important in a small town,” Ms Lawler said. “Not everyone likes to participate in football or netball.”
The night will feature guest speaker Jasmine Rose, a young and versatile artist, who plans to travel to remote towns around the country to run workshops.
“She’s a down to earth young woman who is really versatile as an artist, I think she’s got a great future ahead of her,” Ms Lawler said.
Ms Lawler said it’s becoming more difficult for volunteers to run workshops due to a lack of tutors like Ms Rose being available in regional area.
“Our biggest issue at the moment is sourcing tutors because they’re not immediately close to us,” Ms Lawson said.
“And bringing tutors from other places is costly as it is so much to travel and stay.”
The open night is a free as the gallery wants to get as many people involved in creative activities.
“As soon as you speak about art, people immediately start thinking about paintings on a wall, but that’s not what we’re about,” Ms Lawler said.
“We just want to promote creativity in the community, because we have so many opportunities to be creative in Balranald.
“We also try to promote good health and wellbeing through art. Through classes you can have friendships, socialisation as new creative learning experiences.”
The Art Gallery will be hosting the open night on April 24, at 6pm.
Refreshments and nibbles will be provided.
