DRINKERS, diners and assorted revellers heading to venues in Hobsons Bay over the next month should not be surprised to find people staring at the walls.
The interiors of bars, cafes and restaurants across the municipality are set to become art spaces, as part of the Art in Public Places exhibition.
The exhibition will see the work of local artists hung and displayed at 38 businesses and venues in Williamstown, Newport, Altona and Spotswood.
Organiser Tanya Blackwell said the exhibition was originally conceived as a way of overcoming limited gallery space for the local arts scene.
“It was put into place because there is a lack of venues in the West to exhibit art. It is also a networking opportunity and a chance for artists to do a bit of professional development.
“It gives emerging artists a sense of how an exhibition comes together and how they take that next step,” Ms Blackwell said.
Artist Carmel Cosgrove is displaying her work at the Iceberg Bar on Nelson Place in Williamstown, making the most of the chance to show her art to a wider audience.
“It’s great exposure, especially as I like to base my work around what is happening in the local community.
“It gives me a good chance to exhibit locally, which is not always easy.”
Ms Cosgrove’s paintings are images based on aerial photographs of Shark Bay in Western Australia, taken using a small remote operated plane designed by her brother-in-law.
Taking art out of the gallery environment is a liberating experience for many artists but Ms Cosgrove said putting her art in front of the general public – not just art-lovers – was also “a bit nerve racking”.
Iceberg manager Sondra Svenson said she jumped at the chance to become involved in the project and was looking forward to handing over the bar’s ample wall space for the next few weeks.
“I’ve always believed in this type of thing. It’s good for both parties involved in terms of exposure.
“It’s hard for artists to get their work out there, so this type of thing is good for them and for their talent.”
The Art in Public Places exhibition was previously part of the Williamstown Festival, but it will be run in conjunction with the Bayside Festival this year.
Ms Blackwell said the exhibition was growing every year as the community embraced the concept and businesses came to realise that there were benefits to be had by getting involved.
“Its good for the businesses too because potential customers are walking in to see the art.”
For more information about Art in Public Places program, contact Tania Blackwell on 9932 1000 or visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au or www.artinpublicplaces.com.au
