Recycled materials with special meaning to the Bundaberg Region are featured in the new Gallery Shop which offers unique gift ideas created by local and visiting artists.
Located within the recently reopened Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery, Gallery Director Rebecca McDuff said the shop was no longer a “gift store” but a destination in itself for one-of-a-kind gift ideas.
“We wanted to renovate it to make it a space we thought showcased the products of artists in a more contemporary and exciting way,” Rebecca said.
“The products are created by artists who are from our region or who may have ties to our region.
“The response so far from customers has been incredible with sales on our opening day setting new records.”
The use of recycled and vintage materials was inspired by new exhibition being developed called Handmade Hive and Rebecca said plenty of the items used in the shop had special meaning for the Bundaberg Region.
“The look of the shop tells its own story about Bundaberg’s history,” she said.
“We have shelving on the back wall made from galvanised boxes that were old Council ballot boxes.
“Some of the items were sourced from local families, such as an original display cupboard from Buss & Turner, and others were found at Council’s Waste Management facilities.
“There’s been a huge focus on recycling and as you look around the room, you will see pieces of display furniture and props connected to our local history.”
Rebecca said it was fantastic during the gallery’s closure period to work with other departments within Council to make their vision for Gallery Shop a reality.
“The carpenters built the backing for the iron lettering in the Gallery Shop sign and met the challenge of doing this on a curved wall.
“Our electricians backlit the sign and installed feature lighting that hangs from an old carpenter’s ladder in the centre of the room.
“We also collaborated with the waste and recycling team to identify items that could be salvaged from landfill and upcycled to create a fantastic and authentic atmosphere that you feel as soon as you enter Gallery Shop.”
Following the success of this renovation Rebecca said the team was now looking forward to replicating the concept at Childers Art Space.
- More arts news: FOUND! Studio Dog Exhibition and Art Trail launched
Where the art gallery? Everyone in Bundy assumes that everyone knows where everything is! Some of us are relatively new arrivals.
Looks great BRAG, well done, and Bec looks as attractive as always!! Every success to you all