Between 2014-2018 I created a series of temporary art & exhibition spaces in MORWELL and Traralgon which I called “COALounges”. This one in Tarwin st was one of them. Another one was in 208 Commercial Rd, Morwell (the old Optus shop). Occupying these derelict shops afforded me a place to stay and to exhibit my coal artworks, conduct my research and interact with the community on an ongoing basis
These pop-up COALounges were offered to the community as a new alternative, albeit temporary exhibition venue for contemporary art and my exploration of brown coal as an art material. Set up like a funky living room with a Danish retro couch and lounge chairs i create a welcoming space for folks to come in and have a chat about coal, art and life in the Valley. After studying (MA at Monash in Churchill) and making art works with brown coal in the Latrobe Valley over the last 5 years I had made the move to live in the Latrobe Valley to set up these pop-up galleries in empty shopfronts. It also meant that I was able vote here in the Federal election – something important to me as I feel passionate about local issues and the challenges facing the community. Ps.: after the closure of the Hazelwood Mine in 2018 I moved back to set up a new permanent art studio & exhibition space called Stanley Ave Studio in 61 Stanley Ave, Mt Waverley. Find “ Stanley Ave Studio” on FB and Instagram
