Our two exhibitions for April, leading into May, were launched on Sunday, 14th April, with a terrific crowd of artists, art-lovers and gallery-supporters.

The exhibitions run until the 12th May and are "Wabi - the quality of voluntary poverty", a solo exhibition by Stuart Cussons and "Perpetual Possibilities", a group show by emerging artists (and good mates), Annique Goldenberg, Leanne Stewart Haugh and Heather Matthew.

Thanks to all you came for the launch. Some of you drove a long, long way!

Fiona McConnachie took some great photos which have been compiled into a slideshow - click on the link below. Thanks for the pics, Fiona and all of the help you gave us in setting up the exhibitions (Maree, too).

Two very special exhibitions are coming up in April. A preview is available on the 12th and 13th April, with the launch to be held on Sunday, 14th April, starting at 3.00pm. Details are on the flyer (link) below.

Our exhibitions are "Wabi - the quality of voluntary poverty", a solo exhibition by Stuart Cussons and "Perpetual Possibilities", a group show by emerging artists (and good mates), Annique Goldenberg, Leanne Stewart Haugh and Heather Matthew.

In his solo show, Stuart Cussons explores the 'philosophy' of Wabi which values a simple and austere beauty. This concept has underpinned Stuart's work for some time and is manifested in his deceptively simple 2D and 3D works.

More information on Stuart's exhibition is available on our Exhibition pages, here.

Our group show, "Perpetual Possibilities" brings together works by Annique Goldenberg, Leanne Stewart Haugh and Heather Matthew who explore shared memory (between artist and viewer) and shared perceptions (again between artist and viewer) of their individual subjects - landscape, water, environment, time and the universe, and the way we access them, 'read' them and come to understand them.

More information on 'Perpetual Possibilities' is available on our Exhibitions page, here.

We had a great turnout on the 24th March for our Meet the Artists session for our current exhibitions - Steven Perrin's, "A Study of Being … Orange" and our group show featuring Imbi Davidson and Tony Leitch, "Artists + Landscape … different views".

While it was perhaps the hottest day we had had since the height of summer, it was a very relaxed atmosphere, with people spilling out of the gallery onto the footpath as well as viewing the work inside and chatting to Steven, Imbi and Tony.

We were thrilled to have other exhibiting artists there as well, including Stuart Cussons, Susan Gourley, Shaun C Murphy, Paul Raguszka, Matthew Shepherd and Anne Wheeler and sometimes exhibitor, Scott Harrower. It was also great to have the company of Mayor, Jenny Dowell plus so many familiar faces.

Thanks to all who attended! Special thanks to those who bought some art too!!

Some photos taken at the event are at the link below. Photographs by David Corazza and Fiona McConnachie.

On Sunday, 24th March, there is an opportunity for an informal introduction and chat with artists Steven Perrin, Imbi Davidson and Tony Leitch.

Steven's work is currently exhibiting in "A Study of Being … Orange", while Imbi and Tony have work in a group show in which they feature, "Artists + Landscape … different views".

The afternoon is going to be speech-free for a change, with all new works to look at, plus the usual drink and nibblies.

Things kick off around 3.00 and run until 5.00 ish.

RSVP is appreciated so that we can (try to) get the catering right. Send us an email or give us a ring on 02 6688 6322.

Imbi Davidson has recently joined us as an emerging artist of some note. 

Fresh, earnest and engaging, (as is her art), Imbi has made quite an impression upon us, as has her work upon our visitors and patrons.

Our first encounter with this talented artist occurred late last year at her Masters graduation show at SCU , entitled “The Casuarina Tree”. Some of you may recall our reaction to this show by our rather glowing Facebook post at the time! We became more intrigued and excited as we discovered more about her and her beguiling work. A glowing review in the arts section of The Australian newspaper, (link is here) confirmed what we had instinctively felt as we first experienced her work. Imbi enjoyed a solo show with Raft Artspace in Darwin in 2009, where a Sydney collector swept in and purchased the entire exhibition; we are hardly surprised to understand why, but what makes this even more spectacular is that this occurred in the current art market climate: i.e. depressed!

Only two weeks passed since Imbi had left us five of her small works, when an astute Brisbane collector wisely procured the lot . Bliss for Imbi, bliss for the collector, bliss for us. Not so much bliss for a couple of domestic and overseas clients of ours who, too late, wanted to purchase them. (BTW, we’ve just received more, so please, if you are interested, let us know. He who hesitates and all that …). Imbi’s current work is truly wonderful, and sadly, she has indicated that she will move on and evolve in a slightly different, yet related direction. Thus, the pieces we have now will be the last of this iconic stage of her work. Please see it whilst you can! No doubt, we will be watching where Imbi's work takes her next.

Imbi Davidson, "Studies for Country - Darwin Threads III & IV", 53 x 42.5cm



Imbi Davidson, "Studies for Country - White Seed" and "Studies for Country - Red Patch", 53 x 42.5cm

Currently, Imbi’s work is also part of a show at Poimena Galley in Launceston, (see our Facebook page for details). In March, we will be showing her work alongside great new work from Tony Leitch, and Steven Perrin. Starting March 8, with an artist meet and greet to be held shortly after. More news on this soon. Stay tuned for updates on our Facebook page too!

A quick video that looks back at past exhibitions and gives people who haven't been here an idea of the spaces that comprise our gallery.

We thought it timely as we are increasingly called upon to make the odd presentation to tourism delegates, plus it shows new artists what to expect before they land here. We have a few of the latter on our books who haven't ventured out this way yet!

Hopefully it also demonstrates that while we may be a small country gallery in the 'middle of nowhere' (a perception of some), we are also perhaps a destination for viewing quality work from local artists and an adjunct and support to the significance of the Northern Rivers as a place of great creative diversity and interest.

It's probably best viewed in YouTube so that you can make the screen a bit bigger.

2012 Ended with a bang for our gallery and has continued into 2013 with great visitor numbers and sales. It might be a tad vulgar bringing up the commerce side of things, but for any gallery and its artists, it's critical!

Our current exhibition of diverse works from over 25 artists continues to impress, although has been reworked and partially rehung a few times now to fill the gaps from sales. All of Imbi Davidson's works on paper have exited the gallery to a collector in Brisbane, as have all of Greg Mallyon's new paintings to Byron and China. B. T. Moore's enigmatic self-portrait struck a chord with a Brisbane collector and two of Dawn Thirlaway's beautiful neriage porcelain pieces are winging their way to Sydney. Marika Bryant and Richard Cox have also seen sales in a number of their works for destinations locally and north and south, while Matthew Shepherd photographs continue to attract orders from near and very far.

From top left, works by Imbi Davidson, Greg Mallyon, B. T. Moore, Dawn Thirlaway, Marika Bryant, Richard Cox and Matthew Shepherd.

There's no greater pleasure than contacting artists with news of their sales and following up with bank transfers and accompanying remittences. It keeps them and us going, at least for a little while!

We were also very privileged to be involved with The Byron Arts Classic earlier this month, where we selected artists for the Gallery Representation Award. This was really tough as there were a lot of artists whose work we admired, but we ended up giving the award to three artists, Julie Corbet, Rachael Hegh and Marie-Lise Laviolette. We really look forward to exhibiting their work as soon as possible and offering whatever assistance we can to realise their potential locally and elsewhere.

Other exhibitions coming up this year include solo shows by Stuart Cussons (new works) and AñA Wojak (review), with shows by Dave Kill, Susan Gourley and others to be confirmed. There will be a number of group shows as well which will feature new artists to the gallery, such as Heather Matthew, Annique Goldenberg, Leanne Stewart Haugh and French artist, Sylvian (The Fish Man) Preziosa.

Somewhere in the year we will be closing for a week or two to catch up on some repainting and other maintenance work, plus maybe squeeze in a brief holiday. It mightn't seem like we do much, but there is actually a huge amount of work that goes into the behind the scenes 'stuff'. Unless you’ve actually been involved with running a gallery, you have no idea how much “backroom” activity is required!

More news on exhibitions and our annual programme will follow once we catch our collective breath!

Keep an eye out for other wonderful things happening with the visual arts in this region. The Arts Northern Rivers and Lismore & Nimbin Tourism websites are a great source of up-to-date information. We also keep an eye out for exhibitions happening at Art Piece Gallery at Mullumbimby, the Nimbin Artists Gallery and the Lismore Regional Gallery, and news associated with the Lennox Arts Board, Byron Arts Classic, Serpentine Community Gallery and Arts Northern Rivers via their Facebook pages, as they all contribute much to the promotion of local artists and the local arts scene.

You can follow us on Facebook too!

This is a great time of the year for gallery visitors - all over Northern Rivers and the coast. We've had a lot of repeat visitors from the local area and from much farther afield (Brisbane - Sydney - Melbourne); others coming on the basis of recommendation, others via our Facebook followers and that of our website, and some just passing through.

The wonderful thing is that the majority spend half an hour to an hour wondering around and really looking at the art, and many asking questions about particular works or artists. Some even angst over which works to buy - not often, but it's happened a few times over the last couple of weeks.

Then there are a very few who take about a minute to walk through the entire gallery - literally! We don't even know what they thought or were looking for as they rarely engage in conversation. One truly wonders what their expectations were, but it certainly wasn't fine art of any genre - even works more at the craft-end of the spectrum. It certainly wasn't pricing, as we haven't been able to keep up with labeling due to turnover. The lack of communication, even when pressed, makes it hard to recommend another venue that may offer them something more to their liking, although the majority of places that are galleries in this region probably wouldn't appeal much either because they actually stock a lot of contemporary/traditional, quality art!

It is so tempting to put a sign out the front that warns people that there is some real art should they venture further. It might deter the few looking for what; we don't know!

Then again, that's not who we are, although some days, it would be tempting to be!! Other gallery owners/workers out there must feel the same thing at some stage.

So we remain somewhat flummoxed, but gratified that at least the majority of people who flow through here appreciate art. They may have their likes and dislikes - as do we all - but the ability to engage and look that little bit closer - to understand maybe a little bit more - is both an inspiring and gratifying-to-observe quality of (most) human beings.

To other galleries in the Northern Rivers - permanent, community, commercial, public or temporary/pop-up, you have our respect. Keep up whatever it is you are doing, including supporting and advocating the arts in this region, and local artists, in particular. It sometimes is a struggle to reach an audience, but then there are so many who 'get it'. We can only be thankful for the latter, but it would be so nice to have an opportunity to engage with those who don't - for whatever reason.

We had a terrific turnout for the launch of our two final solo exhibitions for the year - Katherine Perrott's "An Unexpected Embrace of an Unknown Place" and Matthew Shepherd's "Beneath the Surface". Both exhibitions found a very appreciative audience and many thanks to all those who attended and the discerning people who purchased works at the opening.

It was welcome to see lots of new faces, as well as local artists, friends and supporters of the gallery - and the Arts in this region.

Some snaps from the launch are in a slideshow (click on the image below). Photographs not cited were taken by David or Peter from the gallery. Other contributors were:
Marie Cameron: A Woman with a Camera (contact: awomanwithacamera@gmail.com)
Matthew Shepherd (exhibiting artist)



Visit the Stock Room to see all of Katherine's and Matthew's available works or our Exhibition pages to learn more about each of the exhibitions.

On Friday the 12th of October, The Channon Gallery had one of its most successful shows ever - Organic Rhythm by Soren Carlbergg.

With over 40 of Soren’s amazing pieces on show, attendees revelled in the diversity of size, form and mood apparent in Soren’s work. Many new faces were there and some long time supporters of the gallery were also in attendance - thanks to you all!

Marika Bryant, artist/writer opened the show in great form and our dear friends, Deb and Shane from Richmond Hill Sauces were on hand for great stories, as well as offering a taste of their delicious sauces and other condiments.

Many people approached us during the evening and commented positively on Soren's art and its presentation; comments that were genuine, as we sold seven pieces that evening. Again, thanks to you all for supporting our artists.

The show has caused quite a buzz in this very early stage, and we urge you all to come and see Soren’s beguiling work. It’s not your usual show; his pieces vary in size and are modestly priced. If you are considering acquiring a wonderful original artwork or just want a great visual experience, this is probably a good show to catch up on.

We have posted an interview with Soren Carlbergg on YouTube to coincide with his new exhibition, "Organic Rhythm".

It's fairly brief and gives some insights into his work and his practice. Watch below or in YouTube.



There are other artist interviews on the gallery's YouTube channel too. It's really interesting to hear how each approaches the 'making' of art, their inspirations and a little of their own creative processes.

Visit the gallery's YouTube channel … here.

Sunday, 2nd September saw a great crowd for the launch of Peter Derrett's solo exhibition. Admirers came from near and far to share in the event and peruse Peter's exhibition, entitled "Venice - Seen & Unseen".

It was great to see people with a long connection to art and The Channon, like Bette and Michael Taylor - Michael, himself a renowned painter. Lovely to see so many friends of the gallery too, including notable local artists Lindsay Hunt, Shirley Miller, Dawn Thirlaway, and Sue Adler, a lady with an international reputation for her own photographic artwork.

Peter attracted a host of notable people associated with the arts, music and his days in theatre, and those with just an interest and affection for photography. The subject matter was also of great interest and many were truly amazed by the artist's "eye" and the technical dexterity it took to render the images presented in the exhibition. It was worth noting in introducing this exhibition that none of the images were "touched up" or manipulated on a computer. We will continue to do so!

Our exhibition for August is a group show of works by Northern Rivers artists and others from further afield.

It's loosely curated to show diverse, new and not-so-new works from our artists and showcase the wealth of talent we are so lucky to represent.

For more information, click on the image below.

A great bunch of people converged on the gallery to help us celebrate the gallery's first anniversary.

This coincided with the launch of two exhibitions, a solo show by Stuart Cussons, entitled "Studies in Harmony and Tension" and a group show of a collection of large-scale Aboriginal art works by painters from the central and western desert regions of Australia. Both shows were very well-received and it was great to see people taking the time to study the work.

Stuart's exhibition created a sublime and zen-like feel to the front of the gallery, with works of refined simplicity and considered nuance. Each of his works, including sculpture, commands lingering observation to 'read' both compositional whole and individual parts. Unfortunately photographs only tell part of the story and personal viewing is really required to appreciate Stuart's deft execution of his work.

In complete contrast, "The Dreaming" showcased a variety of works by a number of venerable Aboriginal artists from the Utopia region of central Australia and the Kimberleys in WA. Works by artists Barbara Weir, the late Minnie Pwerle, Lily Kelly Napangardi, Madigan Thomas and the late Jack Britten, amongst others, are included in this exhibition.

We are very grateful to all of our guests for coming along and helping us celebrate our first year - artists, local friends, collectors, art lovers and our gallery friends, including Mayor Jenny Dowell and Cr David Yarnall, Lismore and Nimbin Regional Tourism's, Lisa and Andrew plus local art identities, Peter Wood from Arts Northern Rivers, Julie Barratt from Accessible Arts and Susie Muddiman from the Tweed River Art Gallery.

Thanks lastly - but not leastly - to the wonderful young people who helped us out on the door and the bar - Jessica, Georgia and Ruben. You did great!

Some photos from the launch event are at the link below. Thanks to all those with cameras - Kirra Pendergast, Phil Rorke and Fiona McConnachie! There is also a walk-through our two current exhibitions, "Studies in Harmony and tension" and "The Dreaming" - photography by David Corazza.

On the eve of his exhibition, “Studies in Harmony and Tension”, Stuart Cussons is interviewed about his work by gallery Director, David Corazza.

Another ‘word’ from the Company Secretary.
(Image: “The Company Secretary”, Lindsay Hunt)

Almost one...

Gentle reader! Thank you for reading this.

As we approach our first birthday, I sit here somewhat amazed that we have come so far, with so many wonderful people; both artists and people who appreciate them.
Much water has flowed under the metaphoric bridge since we officially opened in July of last year and we look back in happy amazement at where we started, and how far we have come.

At our start, we were focussed on providing a venue where excellent artists could exhibit, and where their admirers could find their work. We still adamantly are!

In a less than guaranteed economic and political environment, many folk (I’m sure), viewed our venture as quixotic at best. The first few months were characterised by irrepressible enthusiasm in the face of less than ideal circumstances; some say it still is!

We have been utterly privileged to meet an astonishing array of diverse folk; both artists and people who love their work; THANK YOU! It is this very thing that gives us succor and the strength to continue.

Thanks are due as well to those of you who have taken the time to comment and constructively criticise us and offer input ... we are all learning to improve, no?

So, in order to celebrate our mutual adventures, we sincerely invite all of you to join us and our astonishing artists on Sunday July 8, at 3pm, to share our first birthday!
Please respond by RSVPing to:

Info@thechannongallery.com

To secure your place at this happy event.

Allow me to thank you all and our artists, for without you, we are nothing...

Live long & prosper!

The Channon Gallery has been going for almost one year and we will be having a small celebration on the 8th July at the gallery.

This will coincide with the launch of two exhibitions - a solo exhibition of Stuart Cusson’s work, including a plethora of works not seen in the gallery previously and a group show comprising our collection of paintings by Aboriginal artists. Some of the latter have been constants in our rear hanging space due to their size (and our limited storage space), but we have a few others to add which have not appeared here before. We will be trying something different in regard to presenting the works, which is probably more akin to ‘installation’ and playing with the large volume we have out the back of the gallery.

Click on the invitation below to see it a little larger and we look forward to seeing you on the 8th!

We’ve been blessed with impromptu visits by some of our artists this week. Sue Adler, Lindsay Hunt, AñA Wojak and Marika Bryant have all popped in for a coffee or something a little stronger - plus a chat. Wonderful to have them.

Even more wonderful is the news that Marika and AñA left some new work for us to exhibit. AñA’s work isn’t exactly new, but hasn’t been exhibited in these parts before. We can’t wait to get them hanging! Luckily we’ve had a couple of recent sales to give us some hanging room in the current exhibition - Fresh Works.

Pics below, but as always, best in person!


AñA Wojak, Infinity No VII, oil on recycled steel, 99.5 x 118.5cm


Marika Bryant, Alchemy I, mixed media, 80 x 80cm


Marika Bryant, Alchemy II, mixed media, 80 x 80cm

There was a great turn-out for the launch of The Bride as Banquet by Denise N. Rall.

Denise’s installation includes a series of opulent costumed mannequins in an equally opulent setting. Denise’s costumes are sculptural pieces in their own right, with some also being wearable art. Works by Caspah Batchelor and selected works of embroidery by members of the Lismore Group, Embroiderers Guild of NSW contribute greatly to this setting and its dark subtexts.

Denise’s exhibition was launched in style by Lismore Mayor, Jenny Dowell and Adele Wessel from Southern Cross University to a fairly packed audience. It was quite a warm room - in every sense of the word!

Some photographs from the launch are below. All photographs were taken by Kirra Pendergast and we are very grateful to her for sharing her images.

Over the next two months, we are presenting 2 quite different and challenging exhibitions, alongside our regular artists’ work.

Ross McMasters’ show is upfront and confronting; a visual and cerebral “slap in the face” if you will. His imagery and contexts range from being politically contentious, achingly human, and mildly amusing; sometimes all at once! Judge his work as you will, (and you will), but it can never be accused as boring. Large scale pieces blend with more intimate works to showcase Ross’s raw power and skill.

Just after we have all caught our breath with this show, we will present a visual orgy at the end of February, running through March. Denise N. Rall will be taking over the rear room to present a retro-roccoco-deluxo romp - a pageant of visual splendour with a menacing undercurrent that speaks to gender, power and class (my! How unfashionable these days!!). “The Bride as Banquet” will be more that the eye initially perceives, and more than your preconceptions may allow. Like Ross’s work, it will address issues that are mostly unspoken, and will pose more questions than provide answers. In our opinion; good art does exactly that. More details on Denise’s exhibition will be forthcoming soon.

The launch event for Ross’ exhibition will be on Sunday afternoon, 5th February, 2102. Please click on the invitation image for a closer look and further details. Please RSVP, if possible, so that we can get the catering right!

We would love to see you there.

"In an increasingly infantilised world where so much seems to be split into good or bad, correct or incorrect, acceptable or unacceptable,

where complex ideas are chopped up for public consumption like food chopped up for a child,

where so much is hygienic, attainable, safe, sugared, assimilable, digestible, pasteurised, homogenised and sanitised,

in such a world our appetite has never been greater for the complex, the ambiguous, the challenging, the untamed, the sharp, the peculiar, the surprising, the dangerous, the dirty, the difficult, the untameable, the elusive, the unsafe and the unknowable.

In other words, for art.

And to confront it, all we need do is to forget ourselves and our embarrassments and find a way to engage face to face.

When we are in the galleries, we can all be Oscar (Wilde), we can all raise our eyes to a canvas and encounter it fearlessly, with humour and grace and zest and not a trace of embarrassment.

It is the adventure of a lifetime and there are few better places in the world in which to embark on such an adventure than here, where art and artists rule."

Stephen Fry, Speech given at the a dinner for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, 8th June, 2010.