Manyung turns it on this Spring The Mornington Peninsula has much to offer those that are travelling the tourist trail. Not only is there an abundance of wineries set amongst beautiful landscapes, the Peninsula has also gained a reputation as a destination brimming with creativity. At the forefront of the local art scene is Manyung Gallery. As one of Australia’s oldest continuously operating commercial galleries and one of Victoria’s largest commercial art spaces, the gallery has become an icon on the peninsula. Between 150 and 200 pieces are exhibited each month on a rotating basis, ensuring visitors to the ten ‘sub galleries’ and sculpture gardens are constantly engaged. “The gallery site has a long local heritage, adding to the charm of the location”, says gallery Director, David Wemyss-Smith. “Settled around the 1840s, the property is thought to have originally housed an old stock hut nestled between Mt Eliza’s Gunyong and Manmangah creeks. By about the 1920s the hut had been developed into a farmhouse, now part of the gallery and still shrouded to this day by the old oak trees planted in the 1850’s.” In early 1968 the property caught the eye of Charles Dorning, General Manager of JC Williamson Theatre Productions. “The house was run down, had broken windows and was hidden behind thickets of blackberry bushes,” continues David. “Seeing potential in the property, a
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group of Mt Eliza locals, lead by Betty Meagher, got together and restored the site, eventually opening it as a gallery with the first exhibition held on December 1st 1968.” At the time Mt Eliza only had a few stores so it was a welcome addition to the small town, yet it was considered to be kitsch and out of place – after all, Tuscan style castles complete with a moat and drawbridge weren’t often seen in Mt Eliza. “That was 43 years ago,” says David. “Since then almost 50,000 artworks have been displayed at the premises and Manyung Gallery’s reputation is now based around its inspiring collection of affordable art.” Each month the entire exhibition is rotated to display new works by artists from around Australia, with selections being made in response to community trends. Throughout October Manyung Gallery will be hosting a “wearable” art exhibition featuring over 100 wearable artworks for men and women. This novel concept will be held to coincide with the Spring racing season and appropriately features work by milliner Felicity Northeast. Those looking for the ideal accompaniment to their race outfit can contact the gallery to arrange a personal appointment with Felicity who will help them select the perfect hat. On display will also be bathers and t-shirts by Emma Sheldrake, men’s pop art shirts by Ralf Kempken, exquisite jewelry by duo
Issue 23 • September, October, November 2011
Jayen Pekel and Lauren Harris in addition to belts, bags, scarves, brooches and umbrellas by local and interstate artists. An exciting addition to the exhibition is the inclusion of work by featured mosaic artist, Julee Latimer. Julee recently won third prize in the People’s Choice category in the annual Mosaic Association exhibition with her piece Arm Candy. This and other pieces of her unique sculptural mosaics will be on display for the month. Feature artist for the month is Simonn Schumacher. On display will be her painting and drawings, inspired from all that she observes. The exhibition will be launched on Friday 7th October will be a bow tie evening, and will run until 30th October. For more information visit manyunggallery.com.au Phone: 9787 2953 or email staff@manyunggallery.com.au www.mtelizavillage.com.au