Merv Beamish enjoys taking workshops and during his time at NEA has presented workshops on favourite topics including abstract painting and making and using oil pastels. 

Over the years Merv spoke of his dream of providing mentoring support, along with other artisans, at 'drop in' workshops  to be held at NEA in which people would bring their own projects.   

Merv's dream became a reality over the past year when he and Irina developed  a studio behind their home and made it available as an 'Open Studio' on Tuesdays for mentoring support.  Whether arriving to actively work on projects or just call in to mull over matters artistic, a number of NEA and community members have enjoyed the chance to use the studio space and be gently guided by Merv and Irina.   

​For a number of reasons Merv and Irina need to take a break from offering their 'Open Studio' for the moment.  Thank you so much for developing and offering your 'drop in' mentoring concept  to NEA members and broader community, Merv!

An occasional BLog.

'Upstairs, Downstairs' exhibition, NEA Exhibitions Gallery,  12 January  to  7 March 2020 

A Date for your Diary!  Tim McMillan and Rachel Snow play The Gallery Gigs, Saturday 7 March, 630pm.   Tix Try Booking - https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=594489&

In 2019 the 'Lessen the Pollution, Better Their Lives'; 'Identity', 'Postcards from New York's Hudson Valley', 'Postcards to New York' and 'Creativity Untamed' exhibitions all resulted from applications to exhibit at  NEA. 

We would like to invite artists or groups from NEA or the community to showcase work in our large Exhibition Gallery space in 2020.  There is a very reasonable weekly room hire fee; Curating and organising all aspects of the exhibition are the responsibility of the artist/s or group, with mentoring provided if required by NEA's Exhibitions Coordinator, Simon Klose. 

The NEA exhibitions for the year have not been finalised - quite a few months are still free. Applications will be considered based on availability.

Please refer to the Exhibitions Application below for details.

If anyone has any requests or theme ideas for NEA exhibitions this year,  please contact  Simon Klose 0412 545 656

Swamp-Hen Vignette  demonstrates Killer Pig Productions' ongoing development as film producers.    Jake and Sam Bowtell continue to challenge themselves, writing, directing and producing short films such as 'Swamp Hen Vignette' on shoe string budgets.   Swamp Hen Vignette  features  only three actors (Sam Bowtell, John Larkin and Owen Maclaughlan) and the old SEC building's corridors and windows,  The editing and use of music is skillful; the scene shot through the windows of an adjoining building particularly memorable and the use of graphics in the closing credits impressive.. 
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Swamp-Hen Vignette is fast moving; skillfully edited and makes compelling viewing.

​The corridors and stair wells at NEA will never feel quite the same again! ​

(An occasional BLog)

North East Artisans is a community art space in the heart of Benalla at 122 Bridge Street.

NEA provides a gallery shop space for the artisans of North East Victoria to display their stunning creations; an opportunity for the community to shop locally; studio space for artisans; an array of special exhibitions throughout the year; regular gallery gigs; various art and craft workshops; and space for community groups to meet.

We encourage visitors to NEA to come in and enjoy the space, browse the art, relax and chat to the artisans and to get involved in special events and activities.
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Opening Hours:

Our GALLERY SHOP opening hours are subject to volunteer availability. The shop is open Tuesday to Friday 10am-4pm & Sat 10am-2pm. We open on Sundays and Mondays for special events. For visiting groups, gallery shop/NEA tours may be arranged by appointment.

​The RED ROAD CAFE at NEA is open from 9am to 4pm Tuesday to Friday and 9am to 2pm Saturday (closed Sunday). Whilst the cafe is open, visitors may still have access to open studios and the exhibition space. If the gallery shop is closed, the friendly cafe staff may be able to assist you with any enquiries.

The EXHIBITION GALLERY is open during NEA opening hours however may be unavailable if a new exhibition is being installed.

STUDIOS are open during NEA opening hours.. Artists may at times be found at work in their studios and are happy to chat to visitors.

Workshops at North East Artisans are offered throughout the year by local artisans who are either exhibiting in the NEA Gallery or are involved in NEA in other ways. To book into or discuss an advertised workshop, please contact the artisan directly. If you are unable to contact the artist, please contact our workshops coordinator Anne Longmuir via email jalongmuir@bigpond.com.au or via our facebook/website. If you are an artisan who wishes to offer a workshop at NEA, please organise this with Anne.

Please note:

• If there are not enough participants workshops may be cancelled at the Artisans discretion
• Participants (or guardians) need to sign a liability waiver prior to participating in NE.A workshops.
• B.Y.O snacks and drinks (or pop into one of the many great local bakeries & cafés).

Our core values include people, art, community, connectedness, sustainability, transparency, quality and inclusiveness.
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All are welcome at NEA!

"It's not easy being green" - Tim Bowtell reclaiming Greta - 2 January 2020