A formerly empty building in Orbost has been given a new lease on life, with Irene Baker and Stephen Northey swinging open the doors to an art gallery.
The gallery, Place Far East, is located between the Orbost Emporium and Snowy River Mail office and is currently exhibiting With a Beady Eye and a Glassy Stare by Wairewa artist Elizabeth Blakeman documents her experience of her farm being burnt out during the Black Summer Bushfires, and the resurrection of life over the next four years.
The works are made from woven Chinese glass beads, a skill Elizabeth acquired when she was seven years old.
The exhibition will be on show until January 31.
Irene and Stephen officially opened the gallery on New Year’s Day, welcoming around 30 guests to an event that’s been in the making for the past four years.
Stephen, who is a former Orbost local, bought the building around four years ago, and during that time decided to make it into an art gallery.
Since opening, the pair have welcomed visitors from Tasmania and Melbourne, as well as locally.
“It’s nice having the different conversations people bring with them,” Irene said.
Place Far East will be hosting a Sip and Savour event on Saturday, January 25, where Elizabeth will speak about her exhibition from 2pm.
