Benalla Art Gallery will present a new Gallery Shop exhibition throughout March.
Local artist Maggie Hollins’ Fallen Leaf/Foraged Images includes a suite of cyanotype and eco dye printed artworks, scarves, textiles and gift cards.
The works evoke the gallery’s beautiful surrounds, with Ms Hollins collecting plants, leaves, flowers and other natural objects on bushwalks around Lake Benalla and other parts of north-east Victoria to create her compositions.
Ms Hollins said long bush walks allowed her to connect with the magnificent trees in the region.
“If you look at my prints closely you might even notice free-fall leaves that I have collected while walking around Lake Benalla,” she said.
“I am drawn to natural and experimental print processes such as cyanotype and eco dye printing, where I can compose images from the shapes of natural objects I collect, and also release the dye found naturally inside some of these plants.”
Benalla Art Gallery director Eric Nash said he was excited for the works to greet all visitors to Benalla Art Gallery within the Gallery Shop space.
“Ms Hollins’ works are beautiful, unique, handmade pieces, and evidence of her connection to place,” Mr Nash said.
In January, Benalla Art Gallery announced a process for artists of the region to apply for rotational, monthly exhibitions in the Gallery Shop glass cabinets.
The new program is designed to better promote and support local and regional creative practices.
Benefits for selected artists include the opportunity to earn revenue from sales, and promotion through the Benalla Art Gallery website, monthly e-news, dedicated media releases and social media channels.
If you would like to see your art displayed you can download an application form at: benallaartgallery.com.au/exhibitions