For information about Exhibitions at Gallery 23 click here
GALLERY 23 NOW OFFICIALLY OPENED TO PUBLIC GAZE
Karen Oberg has now opened her Gallery 23 to the public following a week of celebratory events. Having lived and worked in the Ipswich area for the past 18 years Karen believes there is a need for many more artist owned and run Studio / Galleries to showcase local artists work. “I see a huge opportunity for other artists in our region to open their studios once a month to create a vibrant artist trail in the Ipswich region,” commented Oberg. After traveling to other regions of Australia and New Zealand to view and research operational Arts Trails, Karen and husband Rob took on a twelve month plan to construct Ipswich’s first, open to the public Artist’s Studio/Gallery in the grounds of their historic Queenslander, Sadliers Glen.
It was no surprise to Karen that the first of the public to view Gallery 23 on the weekend were tourists from Sydney and followed by a couple who had driven from Brisbane specifically to see the Gallery. Karen said “Ipswich is in a unique position where we as artists can capitalize on the South East Qld drive market. Over the weekend in addition to locals we have had tourists from New South Wales, Tasmania as well as visitors from Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Brisbane. All we need to do is invite them to come to our city to view our art and they will come”.
Karen’s vision for an artist’s trail in Ipswich is backed by both Mayor Paul Pisasale and local State Member for Ipswich Rachel Nolan. Both spoke at a VIP event on Wednesday night to officially open Gallery 23 stating that Ipswich was primed for new cultural tourism destinations. Rachel Nolan MP commented “Art touches us all, both our soul and our intellect and that’s why the arts are important to a city. People should be able to go on an arts trail where they can find their own inspiration and fulfillment through the Ipswich Art Gallery, The Old Court House where a range of community arts are available and in future Artist Studio’s and Galleries like this Karen has created. This first step on the arts trail is an important step for Ipswich to take; it is a really lovely gallery”.
Mayor Paul Pisasale said that “When you make a city you have to look at all the components of a city, the economic drive, managing the environment is all important but developing the arts is second to none. It’s the heart and soul of a city and Ipswich wants to be an artist friendly city. We want to encourage artists to open and develop the arts in Ipswich”.
To assist in creating the bold vision for the new gallery, Karen recently received
a grant from the Regional Arts Development Fund to assist in the marketing of the
Gallery opening. The Regional Arts Development Fund is a Queensland Government and
Ipswich City Council partnership to support local arts and culture. Coordinated by
Ipswich City Council in partnership with Arts Queensland, the RADF provides professional
arts and cultural workers funding for one-
Gallery 23 is a working studio / gallery. Located at 23 Burnett Street, Sadliers Crossing in central Ipswich, Gallery 23 is open for public viewing on the last Sunday of each month from 10am to 4pm. Visitors will meet Karen in her creative environment and view a wide range of original works in oils, pastels, watercolours, mixed media and charcoal. Limited edition prints are also available.
Gallery 23 can be visited at other times simply by phoning Karen to arrange an appointment.
Don’t be shy -