Pop-Up Benalla Art Gallery launches three exhibitions

Having temporarily closed in September to undergo major redevelopment, Benalla Art Gallery has now launched a temporary pop-up gallery at 75 Bridge Street East. The venue opened on 14 November with a Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country by Nikki James, and was enthusiastically attended by more than 70 community members. Speaking at the event, Benalla Rural City Council CEO, Peter Keane, said the centrally located space will ensure the community and visitors can continue to experience high-quality exhibitions and engaging public programs throughout the redevelopment period. Mayor of Benalla Rural City, Cr Bernie Hearn, said council was excited that in concert with the major project, there was also the opportunity to bring the gallery experience into the main street for the enjoyment of locals and to support CBD activation. The Pop-Up Benalla Art Gallery has launched with three new exhibitions; Reconfigured, Ruth Howard’s Woven Mantle, and James Stojko’s Under the Open Sky. Benalla Art Gallery Director, Eric Nash, said Reconfigured (showing until 26 January) was the first major exhibition in their temporary home, and fittingly reflects the gallery’s process of transition and renewal. "It brings together artists who explore reuse, reinterpretation, and the reimagining of materials, compositions, and ideas," he said. "A highlight of Reconfigured is Mark Galea’s remarkable work commissioned by his teacher and friend, Robert Jacks. "Made up of 36 panels arranged in a 6 x 6 grid, the piece invites continual transformation. "Visitors are encouraged to curate their own mock-up configuration, embracing Mark’s intention of allowing ongoing reinterpretation and shared authorship. "Selected layouts will be installed throughout the exhibition period, ensuring the work remains alive and responsive to community engagement.” Alongside this interactive experience, the exhibition showcases a rich selection of works from the Benalla Art Gallery Collection, including new acquisitions being shown for the first time, as well as much-loved favourites across drawing, painting, photography, and sculpture. Another highlight of the exhibition is a suite of textile works contributed by members of the Benalla U3A Patchwork and Craft group, whose creativity and generosity enrich our community. In the gallery shop, Ruth Howard’s exhibition Woven Mantle continues the Gallery’s valued partnership with Arts Project Australia, which plays a vital role in supporting and championing neurodivergent artists. Ruth’s intimate ceramics highlight her gift for distilling form, using minimal compositions and organic sculptural structures that feel as though they’ve emerged from earth or sea, and they can be seen until 28 February. The beautiful paintings of local artist James Stojko also form the exhibition Under the Open Sky in the gallery shop, until 29 December. Inspired by the landscapes of North East Victoria and his travels beyond, James began painting early and developed the Impressionistic style that defines his work today. The Benalla Art Gallery pop-up gallery is open from 10am until 5pm daily (except Tuesdays).

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