Collie Art Gallery showcases local talent

The wall puts a spotlight on emerging artists and can be a starting point for other artists who have never held an exhibition of their own before.

Collie Art Gallery coordinator Payam Parishanzadeh said the artworks can be hung for up to four weeks at no charge.

"The feature wall initiative will put a spotlight on emerging artists, people who want to display a small number of works and may not be confident enough to hire the main gallery," he said.

"It can be a starting point for some but further exposure for others."

The wall was suggested by Collie Art Gallery committee member Bob Turner to give local artists an opportunity to show their skills to the public.

"I thought the wall could be utilised to showcase local artists with paintings hanging, or sculptures, or they could even bring in their easels to give an idea of how an artist works," he said.

Local artist Elisha McGurkin was the first artist to showcase her work on the feature wall.

"It's really hard trying to get your art work into a gallery space, it costs money, and usually a lot of gallery spaces are booked out well in advance," she said.

"At this stage I don't have a huge collection.

"So it's a bit of a confidence booster and an opportunity to think about doing my own exhibition."

Her bold and bright beer can paintings have been on the wall for two weeks and will stay up for another two.

"I work from life, so I set up my still life in front of me and I draw what I see in front of me," she said.

"I have always painted what's been around me, everyday objects."

She said she would encourage other artists to exhibit their work on the wall as it was great exposure.

"This really has motivated me. I was painting pretty prolifically leading up to this," she said.

For more information you can contact the Collie Art Gallery on 9734 2921 or go to www.collieartgallery.org.au.