
to clear her mind and slip into a quiet place of art and space.
Photo: Sophie Dieu
By Ellen Hubble
QUIET is something we seek, avoid, or of which we are often unaware. Inside an art gallery we might notice the noise we have just left behind or notice a silence we have just entered. Art can silence the clutter in our minds and slip us into a precious tranquility as we become immersed in the world of creativity.
Even as a child I loved being in galleries where the sense of timelessness I had experienced in art books became three dimensional. In a gallery I was not just in another world but in a space in another world. A world of quiet, a world of contemplation, a world of visual languages descended through the ages. For me, an art gallery is a place of inspiration, passive energy and timelessness. It is a silent place where stories are told, passion is expressed and experiences are communicated.
QUIET is something we seek, avoid, or of which we are often unaware. Inside an art gallery we might notice the noise we have just left behind or notice a silence we have just entered. Art can silence the clutter in our minds and slip us into a precious tranquility as we become immersed in the world of creativity.
Even as a child I loved being in galleries where the sense of timelessness I had experienced in art books became three dimensional. In a gallery I was not just in another world but in a space in another world. A world of quiet, a world of contemplation, a world of visual languages descended through the ages. For me, an art gallery is a place of inspiration, passive energy and timelessness. It is a silent place where stories are told, passion is expressed and experiences are communicated.
When I moved to Wonthaggi five years ago I looked across McBride Avenue and to my joy I saw an art gallery. In the main windows were some stunning art works of the Bass Coast sand dunes. I eagerly entered ArtSpace Gallery for the first time. Although it was only a simple shop, it had the familiar serenity of a gallery and became my new go-to silent space. The variety and diversity of art works was impressive with a broad representation of many local, professional, accomplished and emerging artists. Paintings, textiles, ceramics, sculpture and jewelry were displayed by a talented curatorial team with full aesthetic appreciation. | Help wanted! ArtSpace needs more volunteers. If you can help, please contact ArtSpace Gallery Wonthaggi, The Centennial Centre, 1 Bent Street, Wonthaggi, open daily between 10am-4pm, Ph 5672 5767 or email: [email protected] |
Run by artists and volunteers, this not-for-profit gallery provided a professional gallery space for artists to show and sell their artworks. The benefits were multifold. I volunteered.
As an artist, I was not only warmly welcomed, but pleased to discover that the usual 30 per cent commission collected by the gallery on sales to cover overheads was reduced to 20 per cent for artists who volunteered for a minimum of three hours per week.
In 2017 ArtSpace gallery officially moved to the Centennial Centre where the gallery combined with the information and visitors’ centre and Wonthaggi Business and Tourism Association.
ArtSpace volunteers learned from the information volunteers with their wealth of knowledge and experiences of Wonthaggi, Bass Coast and South Gippsland.
And the information volunteers, some of whom were initially intimidated by art, discovered the world of visual expression to be an interesting and enlightening reflection of our cultures, communities and society at large.
I asked some of our volunteers what they thought about their role and experiences at ArtSpace Gallery Information Centre.
As an artist, I was not only warmly welcomed, but pleased to discover that the usual 30 per cent commission collected by the gallery on sales to cover overheads was reduced to 20 per cent for artists who volunteered for a minimum of three hours per week.
In 2017 ArtSpace gallery officially moved to the Centennial Centre where the gallery combined with the information and visitors’ centre and Wonthaggi Business and Tourism Association.
ArtSpace volunteers learned from the information volunteers with their wealth of knowledge and experiences of Wonthaggi, Bass Coast and South Gippsland.
And the information volunteers, some of whom were initially intimidated by art, discovered the world of visual expression to be an interesting and enlightening reflection of our cultures, communities and society at large.
I asked some of our volunteers what they thought about their role and experiences at ArtSpace Gallery Information Centre.

Rouvea Talty has joined only recently and says it’s been a positive focus for her.
“I thoroughly enjoy volunteering at ArtSpace. The gallery has such a pleasant atmosphere and meeting the artists has been enormously interesting. It’s also been my opportunity to do something locally and develop friendships. I really like being able to talk to the visitors and get to know my local community.”
Janine Isaacs says an art gallery was the last place she wanted to be involved with. “What’s art ever had to do with me? But since I’ve been here I’ve realised what a great environment it is and I’ve learned so much. Everyone is very supportive and I feel a real sense of belonging.”
Then she asks me: “What’s your favourite painting in this current exhibition by Susan Hall and Ken Griffiths?”
We would have to check on council records to see how long Ron Kelly has been a volunteer for Wonthaggi Information Centre.
“I thoroughly enjoy volunteering at ArtSpace. The gallery has such a pleasant atmosphere and meeting the artists has been enormously interesting. It’s also been my opportunity to do something locally and develop friendships. I really like being able to talk to the visitors and get to know my local community.”
Janine Isaacs says an art gallery was the last place she wanted to be involved with. “What’s art ever had to do with me? But since I’ve been here I’ve realised what a great environment it is and I’ve learned so much. Everyone is very supportive and I feel a real sense of belonging.”
Then she asks me: “What’s your favourite painting in this current exhibition by Susan Hall and Ken Griffiths?”
We would have to check on council records to see how long Ron Kelly has been a volunteer for Wonthaggi Information Centre.

“I can’t really remember,” says Ron, “but way over 10 years. It’s my social connection and I learn so much about the geography, history and culture of the area. I enjoy being able to assist our visitors and travelers.”
Ron says he was delighted when the information centre became affiliated with ArtSpace gallery. “It’s always exciting to come in and see what’s on show.”
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Solo and small group exhibitions are changed every six weeks. Everyone is welcome at the openings which feature excellent catering and wines alongside the fine art. It’s a great opportunity to meet not only the artists but also guest speakers, authors, interest groups, musicians and many people in the community who share, appreciate, discuss or debate, purchase and collect artworks.
A great group of friendly volunteers, a safe and clean environment, an inspiring setting, a focus and sense of purpose, opportunities to refine or learn skills, connecting with people and the community, an abundance of maps, information and activities and being immersed in the quiet world of art … these are the reasons I volunteer at ArtSpace Gallery.
It’s my go-to place.
Ellen Hubble is a member of ArtSpace Wonthaggi, as well as a volunteer.
Ron says he was delighted when the information centre became affiliated with ArtSpace gallery. “It’s always exciting to come in and see what’s on show.”
.
Solo and small group exhibitions are changed every six weeks. Everyone is welcome at the openings which feature excellent catering and wines alongside the fine art. It’s a great opportunity to meet not only the artists but also guest speakers, authors, interest groups, musicians and many people in the community who share, appreciate, discuss or debate, purchase and collect artworks.
A great group of friendly volunteers, a safe and clean environment, an inspiring setting, a focus and sense of purpose, opportunities to refine or learn skills, connecting with people and the community, an abundance of maps, information and activities and being immersed in the quiet world of art … these are the reasons I volunteer at ArtSpace Gallery.
It’s my go-to place.
Ellen Hubble is a member of ArtSpace Wonthaggi, as well as a volunteer.