Artists take over St George’s Terrace Parramatta with Guerrilla Gallery

An abandoned terrace slated for demolition to make way for the Parramatta Powerhouse has been taken over by artists determined to show the government how the heritage-listed site could be used.

Alec Zammitt and Richie May in front of their art gallery at St George’s Terrace. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

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The abandoned St George’s Terrace at Parramatta has been taken over by a group of artists determined to show the government how the heritage-listed site could be used.

St George’s Terrace, a row of two-storey terraces built in 1881, could be bulldozed to make way for the Parramatta Museum of Arts and Applied Sciences (the Powerhouse Museum), while the Italianate 1870s property Willow Grove, a former maternity hospital, could also be demolished.

Before the government determines the landmarks’ fate, artists, gardeners and knitters have staged a peaceful protest by transforming the Phillip St row into the Guerrillas Gallery, a makeshift but vibrant exhibition featuring seven artworks and a revamped garden display.

Richie May and Alec Zammitt let their art do the talking with a gallery occupying St George’s Terrace, which is under threat of demolition if the Powerhouse Museum is built. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

Alec Zammitt’s art implores the government to save Willow Grove and St Georges’s Terrace. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

Curator and Greystanes artist Alec Zammitt wants the government to see how the decaying site could be occupied.

“The State Government is in control and they have left it to rot knowing they have less of a fight on their hands if it’s uninhabitable,’’ he said.

“This is showing what it could be.’’

Artists Konig, Skae, Kristi McLellan, Craze, Mwaniki Wa-Gichia Zezey, and Jenny Chiu Hwa May’s work depicts the significance of the heritage buildings.

One of the exhibits is the Knitters of MAAS Decoration, which have “bombed” the site with yarns.

Artist Skae’s teddy bear image portrays the area’s innocence with a rough undertone while the bolts represent bringing the community back to life.

McLellan’s portrait was inspired by western Sydney author Luke Carman’s Intimate Antipathies.

“I had pulled fragments of it that resonated with my personal journey,’’ she said.

“This piece resembles my intimate connection to growth, hardship and my community in western Sydney.’’

Kristi McLellan’s artwork adorns the window. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

Inspiration for the garden display is credited to The Guerrilla Gardeners, a TV series about a team of gardeners and artists who transform neglected urban areas into thriving greens paces with an artistic twist.

An example of the yard bombing. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

Knitted work hugs a tree. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

North Parramatta Residents’ Action Group, which has lobbied the government to retain Willow Grove and St George’s Terrace, have welcomed some creativity to the CBD.

“NPRAG was not surprised but thrilled to hear western Sydney artists community is embracing the heritage terraces,’’ spokeswoman Suzette Meade said.

“It’s a great idea showing the depth of community affection for St George’s Terrace in Parramatta.’’

The display will be exhibited for free until the government makes a decision on the heritage buildings’s future.