A New Haven for Creatives
Local art studio and store growing to meet public demand
Art Partners Australia has refreshed its gallery spaces to also include a fine arts supplies retail space for creatives.
Director Jacinta Mirams says the creation of Art/Parts Fine Art Supplies is a logical extension of the Albury CBD business.
“I’d been thinking of stocking art supplies to complement the 35 artists I work with,” Jacinta said.
“When Riot Art Supplies closed down their 72 stores throughout Australia in November, we saw an opportunity to solve local artists’ problem of where to get their supplies.
“There are no retail shopfronts in Albury Wodonga for fine art supplies,” Jacinta explained.
“Yes, there are some craft shops and there are some paints, but no-one is actually doing what we’re doing and there’s a niche market there.”
With many Victorians forced to stay home due to COVID restrictions, it seems their creative sparks have been lit, with painting and drawing proving popular hobbies.
“A growth area has been in our workshops which for the past three years had been targeted more towards practicing artists,” Jacinta said.
“Now we’re looking at beginner water colour classes and drawing classes to cater for those who are in lockdown.”
The Art Partners side of the business still includes a focus on exhibitions in the expansive Gallery 2 at the rear of the premises.
“We’ve just installed a new exhibition, Flower Power oil on canvas floral works by Robert Klein-Boonschate,” Jacinta explained.
“In September Joan Mullarvey, a fantastic print maker from Yarrawonga has a solo exhibition and in October a new artist to the area, retired RMIT lecturer Terry Batt has some fantastic works showcasing his exhibition.”
Art Partners Australia and Art/Parts Fine Art Supplies is at 488 David Street Albury.
Produced by Border Cafe in partnership with AlburyCBD
