The Southern Highlands Artisans Collective (SHAC) is now fully functional for future exhibition openings and events.
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The committee behind the Robertson-based artists and artisan destination has been working hard on a variety of upgrades with a strong focus on providing for more events and improving visitors' experience.
A $15,000 grant recently handed over by Federal Member for Whitlam Stephen Jones has proved a great boost for the not-for-profit initiative.
The SHAC met the amount with a further dollar for dollar contribution, which they agreed would not have been possible without the generous support of sponsorship support from Michael Cawthorn of Di Jones Real Estate, The Robertson Hotel and Robb Roofing and Consulting.
The committe agreed that although the Covid - 19 restrictions was a challenging time for all in the arts, the it was a great vote of confidence for the hardworking SHAC community to receive the grant funding. They added that when many organisations were fighting to stay afloat, The SHAC had continued to grow and shine during the disruptive times.
The SHAC committee continued to run a series of online exhibition to showcase the artistic talents of the community and keep people connected with this creativity.
Steps were also taken to establish more exhibition space and provisions for special events onsite.
The hard work has paid off for the facility which has now re-opened its doors to the public with CovidSafe measures in place.
The recent federal government grant, handed over by Mr Jones, contributed to the improvements which have included remote control cafe blinds for an outdoor function space, reverse cycle heating, kitchen upgrades and hardwood furniture from Mr and Mrs Munro.
Mr Jones said he was amazed by the calibre of local artists and generosity of people who had "got behind the SHAC".
"I've watched this place grow since its inception, it is an important artisan destination and plays an important part of the Highlands tourist trade," he said.
The SHAC is currently presenting three exhibitions. They are:
- Gallery 1 - Spring: featuring works by Theresa Hunt, Lucinda McDonald and Ray Lawrence.
- Gallery 2 - showcasing an installation by young Polish artist Dominik Zarowny.
- Gallery 3 - The Annex, featuring works from emerging artists including: Raewyn Carboni, Kai May, David Golovsky and locals Phoebe Middleton, Britt Stenmans and Kristie Phelan.
Meanwhile, the recent AGM of the SHAC has resulted in some new people taking up roles on the committee. The new committee is:
- Jane Cush - President, Artistic Director
- Gail Miller - Vice President, Galleries Manager
- Ben McAdam - Treasurer
- Chris McCann - Secretary and Public Officer
- Jeremy Perrott - Marketing Director
- Annabel Baxter - Director of Visitor Experience, Volunteer Education
- Alexandra Taylor - Membership Director
- Cat Doyle - Technical Director
- James King - Artists' Representative
- Ric Abel -Artists' Representative
