Mayor to open art in the heart

Mayor Val Schier will open Council’s Community Partnership program tomorrow. Beautiful Art Spaces will showcase local talented emerging artists and revitalise the city centre.

Councillor Schier said Council’s Community Partnership program, Beautiful Art Spaces adds vibrancy to previous empty retail space in the City Centre.

This global program addresses issues of what to do with empty retail space, on a regional level.

“Council is supporting this dynamic partnership between the arts and property owners to boost the vitality of the City Centre in temporary studio space for artists and arts cultural workers in our busiest precinct,” Councillor Schier said.

“Cairns is now a showcase for local artists here in the heart of the city. Businesses can remain confident that we have some colour and movement in an otherwise empty shopfront as we recover from the global economic downturn.”

Passers-by can view artists working on their art during business hours in our busiest precinct. With the experience and daily critique these artists can gain crucial business knowledge to suit objectives.

The three shops on display during this evening’s opening include Gabriella Ehrmann’s studio shop Kings, Queens and Vagabonds. The exquisite wearable art and wall hangings on offer are hand painted marine-scapes painted with gold leaf on silk.

Clothing designer, Angela Arena at 33 Lakes Street is already taking orders for her unique wearable art in textiles to suit our tropical climate.

Ozi Chalk Art at 31 Lake Street, is run by sisters Maree Gordon-Cooke and Christine Gallagher who have moved from their home garage to the city shop front. The Chalk Art graphics have a luminous quality for menus and the artists hold classes in Chinese brush painting.