The unspoilt nature of the Great Southern landscape has always been a drawcard for artists and artisans. Inspired by their environs and influenced by thriving creative communities, the works these artists produce are infused with a strong sense of the place.
Denmark’s Riverfront Gallery is one such place where you can wander in and view local artworks. The gallery is located in the main town precinct, opposite the Denmark River, and showcases works from dozens of talented local artists. Their wide range of paintings, scarves and sculptures as well as locally made jewellery and gift cards are all for sale. And, a local artist is always behind the counter and able to help with information about particular art or craft pieces making it an ideal place in which to browse for something special as a gift or memento.
Another gallery worth visiting is Denmark’s Butter Factory Studios located in a lovingly restored and repurposed building. This contemporary gallery, gift shop and studio is run by a group of talented local artists who, as well as featuring their own work, also showcase a large number by other regional creatives.
Spread over three levels, there are paintings, photographs, textiles and jewellery plus functional objects by Denmark ceramicist, Rachel Williams. Sculptures, teapots, jugs and bowls by accomplished potter, Robyn Lees, are also on display.
This gallery hosts numerous exhibitions and is well known as an important part of the Denmark arts community. An added bonus for visitors is that the building also houses one of the town’s most popular daytime eateries, Mrs Jones Café.
Albany’s Blush Gallery is also a favourite amongst visitors and locals. This well-established gallery is yet another that’s located in a beautiful heritage building and while they stock works by nearly two dozen WA artists, the overwhelming majority are by Great Southern creatives.
Within the carefully curated collection are large and small art works featuring flora, landscapes and abstract themes. The clever and unique images by local still life photographer, Nell Parker, are also on show as are pieces from several of Albany’s leading ceramicists.
Petrichor is another highly respected gallery and a genuine favourite amongst Great Southerners. Located on Walpole’s main street, adjacent to South Coast Highway, this gallery takes its name from a unique smell that’s synonymous with the cooler climes and old growth forests of the Walpole Wilderness Area.
Petrichor is the smell of earth after rain and scientist, artist and Petrichor Gallery owner, Dr Elizabeth Edmonds, stocks a collection of objects and artworks that truly celebrate the beauty and diversity of the natural world.
A feature is always the exquisite etched glassworks that glimmer in the gallery’s light-filled space. There are also beautifully printed textiles that showcase slices of local scenery, flora and fauna and intricate artworks made from tiny shells. The wide range of botanically inspired jewellery here is also worth noting as it includes things that may not be found anywhere else.
There’s no doubt that visiting a regional gallery fosters a deeper understanding of the local environment and the community within it. It places the artwork in context and enables people to not only purchase unique, handcrafted items but ones that are embedded with the essence of the land in which they were created.
