For almost 13 years, Art on Imlay has graced the main street of Eden, offering a space for local artisans to exhibit and sell their wares.
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The not-for-profit gallery has been more than an exhibition space for many locals, bringing people together through shared purpose, highlighting a true sense of community.
It is with sadness and disappointment that the three women who coordinate Art on Imlay have announced the large space in which 42 locals are currently exhibiting their work will close at the end of June.
Prior to Art on Imlay coming together in 2008, the double shopfront was vacant for many years. An effort to display artworks across an Eden Whale Festival weekend was so well received by the community that discussions commenced about utilising the space over the following summer holidays as well.
Di Swane and Helen Hillier invited Daphne Lister of Art and Craft by the Sea to get involved and overnight 22 artists expressed their interest in exhibiting.
The success of the community gallery over the summer period led to the landlord at the time offering the space for 'peppercorn' or nominal rent, making it approachable for the collaborative to be formed.
Artists were to pay a modest monthly fee and have willingness to join a roster to work in the space, an arrangement which successfully sustained the gallery, with rent, electricity and insurance being covered.
Coordinator Daphne Lister said the landlords had been so generous over the years and the real estate agent had also been very supportive.
"We have had a couple of hundred artists in total showcased over the years and have always had a waiting list for others wishing to join," Daphne said.
The three women established guidelines for exhibiting and managed displaying artworks of many mediums, changing the format of the space regularly.
The current landlord has decided to bring rent up to the current market value, something the coordinators knew would happen eventually.
Di said Art on Imlay has been a tremendous community hub.
"Who would have thought we would be here for so long? So many friendships were formed, we have met so lovely people over the years," she said.
Daphne reflected on the fact that for a lot of older people, the gallery has offered connection.
"It's been a lifeline for me, I live on my own and have painted for many years, the friendships I have made are so important," she said.
"I never dreamt I would be running an art gallery and I am dreading it closing, this is where I have spent my time," Daphne said.
Helen said the women have considered their options but don't believe there is any plausible way of meeting the requested rent and keeping the gallery open.
"We have thought of absolutely everything we possibly can. But a smaller space with less artists means less money for running costs and there's nothing affordable or vacant," Helen said.
"We knew this day was going to come, but when it did it was a shock."
The 'Giving Tree' in the gallery has provided an avenue to support people in need locally, with hundreds of donations from both Art on Imlay and the broader community passed on through St Vincent de Paul each festive season.
Helen said the cruise ship visits were an enormous amount of work but were amazing and a real bonus, with people returning to peruse the gallery space each year.
Eden Men's Shed have showcased their work at Art on Imlay for a long time, and founding member Jack Dickenson said the closure will be a big loss to the town.
"It's a great tourist attraction and has been our number one fundraiser. We are looking for other outlets," Jack said.
"It has also been the main form of social contact for many involved."
Exhibiting artists have been notified stock will need to be out of the building by June 30 with many reducing their prices.
Daphne said there are lots of happy memories to treasure.
"We are not bitter, we understand this is business and there are no hard feelings," she said.
According to Helen, the social contact with like-minded community members is what will be missed most.
"That's what it is, it's the connection," Di agreed.
"It's been fun and very rewarding. We're all so different and yet it's worked!"
"We are disappointed, but very grateful for all the years we have had support," Di said.
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Leah Szanto
Regional journalist covering the Far South Coast of NSW.
Regional journalist covering the Far South Coast of NSW.
