RECENTLY crowned Balranald Australian of the year and arts lover Jan Lawler is excited to celebrate the town’s gallery this weekend after 40 years of community ownership.
A gala opening of The Gallery’s new Balranald Creative Learning Centre building this Saturday from 4pm will celebrate this legacy and the future that lies ahead for what Ms Lawler describes as the town’s “cultural hub”.
She said the new facility has been supported through funding from a NSW government initiative, stronger country communities, and will be used alongside the original Masonic Hall which is also celebrating a milestone – turning 140 this year.
Built in 1880 and one of the oldest buildings in Balranald, it was the Masonic Lodge until artist Graham Thorley purchased it in the 1970s.
“It’s one of the few heritage buildings in town,” Ms Lawler said.
“And because Graham used it as a studio it has great light, it’s not a normal dark hall.”
Jan Lawler has been involved in the gallery’s journey from the start, having been the first coordinator for the community group and she is excited for the new building that will be used for everything including workshops, meetings and activities.
“Libby Woodhams is coming down from Brisbane and she instigated the purchase of the (old) building for the community in 1980,” Ms Lawler said.
“She will be running a workshop with hand-painted linen tablecloths on Sunday so she will be the first to spill paint in the new building.”
Volunteers operate the stunning gallery seven days a week and it has become a hub for the arts in the region, hosting the Centre for Adult Community Education, TAFE classes and even running a newspaper from the building over the years.
Ms Lawler said these cultural activities have given plenty of opportunities to emerging artists who might otherwise lack a place to sell their work.
“It’s definitely opened a few doors for artists and craftspersons including from Mildura and Moulamein.”
The gallery and the Balranald arts and crafts committee thanked the Balranald Shire Council and South West Arts for their assistance in bringing this latest development to life.
