Following the recent disbanding of North East Artists, a group of members is now exhibiting as a loose collective of independent artisans at the EdSpace Cafe, 22a Carrier Street, Benalla.  Tentatively named 'Locally Made Art - The Heart of Art in Benalla', the new collective includes DeSales Turner, Tony Levy and Annie Longmuir.   Artisans will exhibit their work in the cafe and, in exchange for the opportunity to continue to display and sell their work, will share their expertise by running workshops for  EdSpace students.  

To find out more about the new partnership - check out Simon Ruppert's article 'Edspace, NEA join forces' in the Ensign, Wednesday September 7th, p5; or visit Ed Space on Facebook - @EdSpace I.T. Cafe.

On August 31, the Gallery Shop at 28C Carrier street closed for business.  A sad day,  however at the same time, a time to reflect upon and celebrate the role NEA has played in the Benalla community and in the lives of artisans from the North East since first 'popping up; on the corner of Bridge and Carrier Street (where the bottle shop now stands) in late 2014.

At this stage, it is most likely that NEA will be wound up as an incorporated organization at an AGM to be held over the coming months.   

Over time, many members have moved on to pursue their dreams, whether renting studios individually at Bridge Street or elsewhere, exhibiting in cooperative spaces such as 'Gallery on Ovens', working on large scale mural projects, running or exhibiting in gallery shops such as Deb Dodds' 'Meet the Maker' in Stanhope, and more.  Only this week current exhibitors were given the opportunity of exhibiting their work at the Ed Space cafe in a partnership with Edspace.

The plan is for the website to continue as a 'virtual archive' celebrating the 'life and times' of NEA until the subscription ceases, then  to continue in an abridged form as a free subscription.  We hope you will find it interesting to browse!

Artisans listed on the 'Artisans' page - please contact me via the Contact page if you would like to make changes to your page/entry.  

Beverley Lee
​Web Manager  

Sadly, NEA will be closing the 28B and C Carrier Street shopfronts and going into recess,  if not ceasing operations altogether, today.

This website, which has scaled down over recent years, will gradually be reshaped as a NEA archives website, then scaled down further when the current subscription ends.

Thank you so much for visiting this website and for supporting North East Artisans over the years.  

Beverley Lee
Website Manager

The highly acclaimed work of Artist Leon Pappas will be on display at North East Artisans (NEA) throughout July.

Oil and acrylic paintings presented by Leon span the last 50 years, and showcase his creative flair. They feature Classic Bucolic Australian Landscapes; Harlequin Post-Impressionist Art; Floral Arrangements and Sea Scapes.

Leon  studied at Monash University, completing a course of advanced art. He has exhibited his work and won numerous awards in shows presented by galleries throughout Victoria, including the Kew, Toorak, St Kilda, Warburton, and Alexandra galleries to name a few.

Leon will be present on opening day to meet members of the public, and on other days on an appointment basis.

(Content: Benalla Visitor Information Centre)

Spokesperson DeSales Turner said members had had to make a lot of hard and courageous decisions along the way.

“Let’s face it, the decision to continue trading as a 100 per cent volunteer-run organisation after an auspicious start as a pop-up shop was gutsy,“ Dr Turner said. “(It’s) a testimony to the many people who have served hard, with an indomitable will to stay alive.”

NEA leaves with a proud track record of service to the community.

“We cannot adequately express how grateful we are to the many people who made NEA possible,” Dr Turner said. “The list of those to whom we extend our thanks include the visionary management team who first brought NEA into existence; our board and committee of management; our volunteers; and members of the community who frequented our shop and events.

“Additionally, we include in our thanks gratitude to various businesses throughout Benalla who supported us in fundraising events, and Benalla (Rural City) Council, with whom are working to develop a new business plan and to locate a new premises from which to trade.

“When I think back on all we achieved I am in awe — we renovated and refurbished three disused buildings and in the process created safe spaces for artists to work.

“We ran music gigs and iconic exhibitions; we participated in numerous community events and initiatives — really, we gave it our all. Not a bad effort.

“Throughout all of our experiences and adventures we have learned much and we will now put our efforts and energy into regrouping.”

That will include developing a new business plan; engaging in fundraising; securing sponsorship; and locating a viable and affordable trading place.

One way the community can support NEA until it closes is by visiting NEA in the months of June, July and August to view the art exhibitions of Leon Pappas and Merv Beamish.

NEA will still have many works of art available in the shop for purchase, until volunteers start clearing out in September.

So it might be a good time to secure that special one-of-a-kind gift that would be perfect for Christmas.

“There will be a donation box in the shop for those who would like to make an offering to help NEA in their desire to move forward,” Dr Turner said.
​
“Thank you Benalla for helping NEA to realise the dream and we look forward to experiencing what the future holds.” 

Link: 
​https://www.benallaensign.com.au/news/north-east-artisans-to-close-while-searching-for-new-home/

​We are again planning for a yarn bombing event for 2022.  The last two years have been difficult between shutdowns and restrictions. Still, a small group of us managed to bring some smiles to the community during the difficult times. We hope this year we will be able to achieve another colourful display with the theme of “Whimsy” to brighten the town at the end of winter. Our aim is to have enough articles to cover Bridge Street from the corner of Smythe St to the Monash Bridge.  If we have enough items, we will also cover parts of Carrier, Nunn and Mair Streets.
 
Our dates for 2022 are from 30 July until 4 September.
 
We invite all interested community members to participate in the event by completing articles for display. All articles need to be made from acrylic yarn as that survives the elements the best. We would like:
•             fancy tea cosies (with the slits closed) or fancy beanies to fit 50cm ball,
•             long strips of knitting or crochet 25cm (around 10 inches) wide,
•             strips that are around 10 cm (around 3 inches) wide,
 
Your contributions need to be completed by 5 July 2022. You can ring Joy on 0417 065 351 or Elaine on 0407 438 099 and we will arrange either a pickup or drop off point.  We do have some yarn available for you to use – call Susan on 0468 619 198. Or if you have some bright coloured acrylic yarn to donate, call one of the listed numbers and we can arrange collection.
 
We know that things change from year to year and you may not be able to assist this year.  But if you know someone who may be interested, please pass on the information.  And if you want to be removed from our list of contact from previous years, please let me know.
 
Happy knitting and crochet
 
Joy,  for
Benalla Yarn Bombers Group

Entries are now open for the next GANEAA exhibition
​at Wangaratta's Cafe Martini, on the theme of

'SELF PORTRAIT IN ISO'. 

21 March - 21 June 2022. 

​Wednesday 2 February is World Wetlands Day.  These beautiful embroideries by Carol Sonogan capturing Winton Wetlands  were exhibited at NEA several years ago

Simon Ruppert, Benalla Ensign, January 20, 2022

​"Are you a local north-east Victorian artist who would like an opportunity to have your work exhibited in a nationally renowned gallery?

Benalla Art Gallery is calling for applications from north-east Victorian artists and craftspeople to exhibit in its gallery shop.

The gallery shop exhibitions are a new initiative, having commenced in December 2021 with Pauline Fraser’s Land and Sky Collection, which has coincided with the local artist’s major Simpson Gallery show, Contemplating Nature.

The monthly gallery shop exhibitions will be displayed in two glass display cabinets prominently positioned at reception, and will be programmed from applications received.
​
Benalla Art Gallery director Eric Nash said the gallery had seen a tremendous response to Pauline Fraser’s current gallery shop exhibition.

“We’ve found visitors have responded really positively to this new initiative, and many have enthusiastically taken the opportunity to ‘collect a piece of Benalla’ during their visit,” Mr Nash said.

Mr Nash also confirmed the gallery would prioritise gallery shop exhibition applications “by artists and craftspeople hailing from or residing in north-east Victoria in order to further promote and support local and regional creative practices.”

“There are a number of benefits to exhibiting in the gallery shop for local and regional artists, including the opportunity to earn revenue from sales, and promotion through the Benalla Art Gallery website, monthly e-news, dedicated media release, and social media channels,” he continued.

The display cabinet space is most suited to small wares, including jewellery, ceramics, small sculpture, textiles and prints.

Application forms can be downloaded from the ‘exhibitions’ section of the Benalla Art Gallery website.

Applications will be assessed on quality, price, demographic appeal and value to wider Benalla Art Gallery programming, with applicants notified by email as to the outcome of the review process and the month their works would be displayed in the gallery shop."

The Coming Together exhibition at Cafe Martini in Wangaratta to February 13th celebrates the coming-together of Northeast Artisans and GANEAA. Two paintings from Cathy Pianta's ‘Cafe’ Series on exhibit and for sale. You will also find artworks from many of NEA artists in various media. Call in and don’t miss out on checking out local art.

Hi members,
Just a reminder of our upcoming exhibition at Cafe Martini
13 DECEMBER 21 - 13 FEBRUARY 22
​celebrating our new members from Benalla (NEA).
Submissions close THURSDAY 9TH DECEMBER. 
Delivery of Art MONDAY 13TH DECEMBER AT 10AM 
Attached is the submission form and details.
Regards Paddy
0407 311 899
​______________________________________________________________________________

Dear valued members,
 
At the recent AGM of Goulburn and North East Arts Alliance (GANEAA) they confirmed their decision to amalgamate with North East Artisans (NEA) of which you are currently a member.
 
NEA voted for this amalgamation at a recent Special General Meeting.
 
What this currently means for you is that you are now a member of GANEAA. The membership fee ($25) has been waived until the 2022 AGM.
 
In the short term you may receive correspondence from both organisations as we bring our operations together. If you do not wish to receive Arts information from either organisation, please let us know as soon as possible as our mailing lists will be merged.
 
This merger will provide greater opportunities for artists and artisans of the North East through access to a wider range of services.
 
Operations at the NEA premises will proceed with a wider range of artists exhibiting and more diverse activities.
 
Don’t forget that the Christmas Party is on 18th December, the $50 exhibition is up and running and open to all members and our brilliant fund-raising exhibition raffle is open until the 17th December and is a lot of fun!
 
Warm regards,
Sally
(on behalf of NEA)

NE. Artisans Inc A0090960Y
28 B&C Carrier Street, Benalla, Victoria 3672
www.northeastartisans.org   
www.facebook.com/NE.Artisans

“Hi  Everyone,

As you know the holiday season is upon us once again. It’s been a huge year at NEA with lots of ideas and developments and changes happening!

To celebrate both the holidays and the achievements of our wonderful organisation we’d love for you to join us at 28c Carrier Street on Saturday December 18th.

From 10am deSales & her assistants will be drawing the prizes for the huge 'Up Your Arts' exhibition that has been running since mid-November.  We’'ll also begin notifying winners then!

Don’t forget that you can still get tickets right up until December 17th. Tickets are $5 for 20 and you can then choose which of the 90+ prizes you want to go in the draw to win!

As the day goes on we’ll be moving to the back garden, which has had a bit of a make over recently, where we will spend the rest of the day celebrating!  Please BYO drinks for yourselves and a plate to share.  The BBQ will be available for use if you feel so inclined.  We have several members with various dietary requirements so rest assured that there will be plenty of options for everyone.

Our new members from GANEAA are very welcome.

Double vaccination is essential.

Please RSVP by 12th December .

We aim to wrap up celebrations by about 5pm so feel free to come all day or just drop in for a short while if you prefer. We’d love to see you all there at some point during the day though!

Kind regards
Jarita Stubbs
Treasurer
Exhibitions & Events Coordinator
North East Artisans Inc.”

A great opportunity for artists to clear some studio space for new work and for art lovers to buy presents for friends and family at Christmas time.  

Artists keen to enter, call in to NEA for further information.

​Window to Window is back in 2021!

Artists will be painting shop front windows in the retail precinct of Benalla on Friday November 26, 2021..

If you would like to take part in the Window to Window 2021 festival on Friday 26th November, please send a message on Window to Window on Facebook and you will be contacted  in touch with you and set you up with a window to paint!

Stay tuned to Window to Window on Facebook for more details!

Attention:  NEA Members

The AGM of  GANEAA (Goulburn and North East Arts Alliance)  will be held on Thursday 21st November at "The Northo" in Wangaratta.   

As our two organisations move closer together, this is a good opportunity to become involved.

We warmly encourage you to attend. 

Sally Wallace

The 'Up Your Arts' exhibition/event features works of art made by Local Artisans, and is additionally supported through generous donations of goods from local Benalla merchants.  The items on display are not for sale.  However, they will be won by some very lucky people who purchased a page (or more) pf 20 tickets for $5, which the purchaser then distributes into the numbered ticket box(es) that match the number of the prize they want to win.  It's that simple.  Prizes will be drawn on December 17th and the winner notified using details provided when purchasing a page of tickets.   

​We look forward to sharing your company.

​Allan Jack 
'Not Another Lockdown'
​
'The physiological affects on children of repeated 'COVID lockdowns is an unknown quantity at this stage.  Hopefully the resilience of youth will prevail, and the experience put down to mere character building"

​Graphite Pencil on water colour paper   
$300

​A recent exhibitor, Anne works in oil, acrylics.  Anne also decorates chairs and furniture which can be found at NEA.

Our bienniall Portrait Prize Exhibition 'In Your Face' will open at 12:30pm on Saturday August 14th, 2021. at 28b Carrier Street in Benalla.

We have many wonderful, varied and interesting works to share and look forward to seeing you there!