Leongatha Gallery - Leongatha Art and Craft Society

LEONGATHA ART AND CRAFT SOCIETY, INC

The Leongatha Gallery, in South Gippsland only 2 hours from Melbourne, features a mixture of traditional and contemporary local artworks and crafts, many of which are for sale, as well as changing exhibitions. The Gallery is managed and operated by all volunteer staff of the Leongatha Art and Craft Society (LACS) Incorporated which as a non-profit organisation has supported the local community for nearly 40 years. LACS is very grateful to the Citizen Advice Bureau and the South Gippsland Shire Council without whose assistance the Gallery would not be able to operate. The Gallery is also very appreciative of donations of display stands etc. by local businesses.

The Gallery features:

free admission
a delightful huge range of original hand made gift selections - basket weaving, ceramics, fabric items of many types eg. pin cushions and toys, felted items, glass, greeting cards, handcrafted wood items, jewellery, knitwear, paintings
changing exhibitions
a well lit small intimate space
a friendly atmosphere
located at the historic centre of town
close to eateries for lunch or coffee

Application for LACS membership

Photos of some gallery items for display and for sale (click on the small image to view the photo) - February 2012

Opening hours

MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY - 10am to 5pm

TUESDAY - CLOSED
SATURDAY - 10am to 2pm

SUNDAY - CLOSED

Location - see on the map

The Gallery is located at the main round-about in Leongatha, on the corner of McCartin Street and Michael Place, opposite the Post Office, in the historical building of the former shire offices next to the Citizens Advice Bureau (including tourist information). Main entry is up the steps and through a charming courtyard. Access by a ramp is about 20 metres along Michael Place.

Gallery entrance

Future exhibitions and events calendar

2nd - 27th September 2012 - Artist's Book exhibition at the Meeniyan Art Gallery

LACS 40th Anniversary 2012 - Artist's Books competition

In September 2012 our Leongatha Art and Craft Society celebrates its 40th Anniversary with its ‘Liberated books’ artist’s book competition. This is also a perfect opportunity for new and up-and-coming artists to have a go. The event is an exciting first for our gallery and for South Gippsland. The competition was launched at an event on 5 November 2011. For information see:

MAJOR AWARD $1000
SOUTH GIPPSLAND RESIDENTS AWARD $500
LEONGATHA GALLERY/MEENIYAN ART GALLERY MEMBERS AWARD $250

Competition draws closer

Eileen Thurgood and Dineke McLean will judge our ‘Liberated books’ artist’s book competition.
Eileen Thurgood is Director of the East Gippsland Art Gallery in Bairnsdale, which last year ran the successful ‘Books … beyond words—evolution’, a biennial artist’s book award and exhibition. Eileen was the guest speaker at the launch of ‘Liberated books’ last November where she gave a fascinating insight into the concept of the artist’s book and how it has evolved.
Dineke McLean says: ‘Obsession with the book arts is in my blood.’ Her work can be found in private and public collections and she is a sessional tutor in book arts at adult education centres.
Interest and excitement is building towards the extended closing date of 15 June. After an official opening on 2 September, all eligible and winning entries will be exhibited at Meeniyan Art Gallery (because of space limitations at our own gallery).
The competition is open to all artists, anywhere in Australia and even overseas, not just local people. It is not limited to members of the two galleries.
This is a perfect opportunity not only for established book artists but also for up-and-comers to try something new and showcase their work in a dedicated exhibition. For many of the people entering the competition, this is the first time they’ve created an artist’s book and that’s something we encourage. Have a go!

Be inspired by these fabulous artist’s books created by one of our competition judges, Dineke McLean.

(click on the small image to view the photo)

No 1 - 'Underground in the Round’ pen and ink carousel book by Dineke McLean from her Subterranean series. No 2 & 3 - Miniature book ‘Fishing‘ by Dineke McLean, using hand made paper, paper string, acrylic mediums and found objects. No 4 - 'Where am I?’ artist’s book by Dineke McLean.

Photos of the Artist's Book competition launch (click on the small image to view the photo):

Photos of the Artist's Book workshop (click on the small image to view the photo):

KEY DATES

15 June 2012 - Final date for entry forms/CDs/ photos to be received for pre-selection (NOTE: this was 1 June and was extended by two weeks)
By end-June 2012 - Selected exhibitors advised and further information sent
By 1 August 2012 - Exhibits to be received in Meeniyan
11.00 am Saturday 1 September 2012 - Exhibition opens
2.00 pm Sunday 2 September 2012 - Official opening of exhibition and announcement of winners
27 September 2012 - Exhibition closes
By 15 October 2012 - Exhibits collected or despatched

For more information please email to Leongatha Art and Craft Society at lacs@live.com.au

This project is made possible by the Australian Governments regional arts program, the Regional Arts Fund, which gives all Australians, wherever they live, better access to opportunities to practice and experience the arts. The Regional Arts Fund is administered in Victoria by Regional Arts Victoria.