The 'Reconfigured' exhibition is currently on display at the pop-up Benalla Art Gallery, located at 75 Bridge St East.
Having temporarily closed on September 29 to undergo major redevelopment, Benalla Art Gallery has launched a temporary pop-up gallery.
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Located at 75 Bridge St East, the venue opened on November 14 with a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country by Benalla’s Nikki James, and was enthusiastically attended by more than 70 community members.
Speaking at the event, Benalla Rural City Council chief executive Peter Keane said the centrally located space would ensure our community and visitors could continue to experience high-quality exhibitions and engaging public programs throughout the redevelopment period.
Mayor Bernie Hearn said the launch of the pop-up was an important milestone on a journey towards redeveloping the gallery.
“We’re excited ... (to) have the opportunity to bring the gallery experience into the main street for the enjoyment of locals and to support CBD activation,” she said.
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.
Ruth Howard’s 'Untitled', 2023.
Benalla Art Gallery director Eric Nash said Reconfigured was the first major exhibition in the temporary home, and fittingly reflected the gallery’s process of transition and renewal.
“It brings together artists who explore reuse, reinterpretation and 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 the 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.
James Stojko’s 'Benalla Street Swamp Gum', 2021.
Her textured, glazed surfaces invite contemplation and quiet connection.
Since joining the Arts Project Australia studio in 1998, Ruth has exhibited widely, including internationally, and continues to expand her unique visual language.
The beautiful paintings of local artist James Stojko also form the exhibition Under the Open Sky in the Gallery Shop.
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.
Since opening his private studio in 2020 and working under the mentorship of artist Kasey Sealy, James has deepened his commitment to capturing Australia’s diverse landscapes.
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