Exhibitions, jam sessions and creative workshops have been held at the the studio space and the Fundamental gallery in Mittagong for the community to enjoy.

Founder Sergei Netchaef said the goal was to nurture "emerging artists" and increase accessibility to art and music.

Local artists have had the opportunity to showcase their work in solo exhibitions and hire studios to develop their projects and access to different resources.

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"We are putting these sorts of programs and exhibitions on with supporting and emerging artists and presenting them as a serious gallery offering," Mr Netchaef said.

"We encourage people to visit or book an initial session to understand how Mental might help them achieve their idea or engage in the arts."

The spaces and studios can also be accessed via the NDIS.

"We have welcomed our first supported artists into the practice studio at the new space in the last months," the founder said.

"One project is very exciting - we are producing a film with a high school student, based on using a chess game as the narrative and set."

Two more Highlanders have the opportunity to participate and be mentored in the project, and can express their interest here.

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Bringing the community together in a local hub is at the heart of Mental Bowral's mission.

Fundamental art director Marie McCord said as restrictions eased, the aim was to hold more community events, such as a market for local creators, especially younger designers.

"It is something we want to push in the back area," she said.

A local market is due to be held at the space's outdoor laneway garden on December 12.

The director said "emerging local artists putting on own act" was also something Mental Bowral wanted to promote.

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Live drawings with local artists were also potentially on the cards.

Since the spaces reopened after restrictions eased, families and performers have come together for "jam nights", where people can also bring along instruments.

"We're trying to make it more available to families," Mr Netchaef said.

"What's great is mums and dads are coming along to the jam nights and we want to get them involved."

The cinema club is also due to make a comeback, and music performances will be held over summer.

Three local emerging acts will be holding a mini-festival which champions local music and art on December 18 from 5pm at Mental Bowral.

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Residents in the region can take part in a writing workshop with writer and artist Jessica Raschke on December 5 and 12 and can register here.

Former head of design at Sydney's East Sydney Tech Fashion School Nicholas Huxley will exhibit a collection of mixed media works at Fundamental from December 11.

Art lovers can also have a look at regional artist Annabel Nowlan's exhibition in Fundamental, which explores Australia's landscape.

Local creators will also showcase their vintage and designer clothing at Mental Bowral on December 12 from 10am - 4pm.

There will be live music and food at the event.

Mental Bowral was awarded the Southern Tablelands Arts President's Award for Creative Merit in 2020.

Highlanders can learn more about Mental Bowral on the studio and gallery's website, subscribe to the mailing list, and on Facebook and Instagram.

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