Artists given a chance to shine

Cara Nash

Frustrated artists Stephen Mills and Gino Chiodo now have somewhere to showcase artwork after experiencing difficulties finding galleries to display relatively unknown artists.

“Many of the larger galleries only show known artists,” Mr Miller said.

“We wanted to set up a gallery to provide space for emerging artists to showcase their work.”

The new gallery, Artinport, in Wentworth Street, Port Kembla, opened in late 2007 and features a variety of styles ranging from painting and watercolour to mix media and sculpture.

Mr Miller said the project had a “massive potential for growth” and believed Port Kembla could become a cultural hub for artists.

“We are working with Wollongong City Council Cultural Services to find ways to bring artists into the area,” he said.

“We hope to hold monthly art markets in Port Kembla in the future.”

Mr Miller and Mr Chiodo, who took up art in retirement, will hold evening and weekend art classes for beginners from February.

Classes topics include watercolour, oil, acrylic, mixed media, sculpture, ceramics and papermaking.

“We encourage anyone interested to come along regardless of age or skill,” Mr Miller said.

“You learn as you go. It’s never too late.”

Artists can apply to have their work displayed and on sale in the gallery.

Enquiries can be made by visiting www.artinport.com or calling 0423 473 145.