Just how much people value art as a social connector was on show at Tank’s gallery a week ago when more than 250 people crammed into the small space on Corio St, making it seem even smaller.
Inspired by Shepparton Art Museum’s hosting of the Archibald Prize, Tank and his army of artists came up with the smart idea of presenting portraits of local people painted by local artists.
This proved such a massive drawcard for anyone who wanted to see their friends on a gallery wall that the room very quickly became crowded to the point of personal space becoming more valuable than gold.
Tank has been an arts icon of Shepparton for more than 30 years with his prints and paintings in Shepparton homes, murals on school walls, on the side of city buildings, and more lately, bird sculptures in paddocks and wineries.
He has done a remarkable job in keeping his art visible and appealing to collectors and fellow artists.
A lifelong dream to have his own gallery finally became a reality early last year when he opened his own space on Corio St.
And of course, because Tank is a man of many community connections, his gallery quickly became a hub for artists and appreciators.
People formed a habit of dropping in either to see the artist at work, or just for a chat.
That’s how communities grow — from the roots up.
As well as the physical space, there is now a growing social media community where ideas, energy and plans are harnessed for the wider discussion about the importance of art in our community.
However, at last week’s opening of the SheppArchies, it became uncomfortably obvious that Tank’s gallery has outgrown its Corio St space as an arts hub of the town.
What Tank has done is demonstrate the need in Shepparton for a space where like-minded people can meet and chat, practice their art, and invite the town to exhibitions and events without feeling like a sardine.
An arts hub is not necessarily attached to an already established gallery; it can be an autonomous space run by artists for artists.
Echuca’s wonderful Foundry Arts Space has become a real community asset run by volunteers.
Equally, Nathalia’s Grain Store is a thriving space for art, music, performance and workshops.
Kyabram has its Town Hall Gallery which has become a revolving door of exhibitions for local and regional artists.
What these locations have in common is a dedicated space, big enough to accommodate arts practice and exhibitions with large crowds attending.
I don’t believe Shepparton has a shortage of possible spaces; what it has lacked is commitment and energy.
But that is changing, with a nexus of artists and others gathering around Tank’s Art Gallery.
Perhaps artists are not the slickest business operators, but with the dynamic duo of Tank and Meg Pethybridge driving this push for a Shepparton arts hub, there is a real chance of it happening.
John Lewis is a former reporter at The News.
