Art gallery Kent St Studio opens in Maryborough

A new art gallery has opened its doors in Maryborough, with its owner selling a property to make the CBD space a reality.

The opening of the new gallery, Kent St Studio, in Maryborough.

It’s a new space in Maryborough that will bring people together, showcasing artists as well as holding classes and doing yoga.

Lee-Ann Handley’s Kent St Studio officially opened on Friday night, with artists from across the Fraser Coast coming together for the event.

Also in attendance were Mayor George Seymour and several of the region’s councillors.

Ms Handley moved to Maryborough about a year ago to teach art at Riverside Christian College on a maternity contract.

She enjoyed working with the teachers and students, Ms Handley said.

But at the end of the contract, it was time to find something new, and she had always dreamt of opening an art gallery.

Deciding to chase her dream, Ms Handley sold her investment property and bought a shopfront in Kent St.

The opening of the new gallery, Kent St Studio, in Maryborough.

As well as being a space to showcase national and international artists, it will also be a place to host classes and a place for yoga workshops.

Currently the creations of Hervey Bay artist Lauren Goodall are on display at the gallery, with eight selling during the opening of the exhibition on Friday night.

That means already half of the collection has sold, Ms Handley said.

Fraser Coast councillor Daniel Sanderson said it was a much-needed business for Maryborough.

“It’s exciting to see Maryborough’s arts culture growing, helping add to the vibrancy of the city centre moving forward,” he said.

“Our city and region has so much potential and investment like this helps it go from strength to strength now and into the future.

The opening of the new gallery, Kent St Studio, in Maryborough.

“It’s great to see our community supporting exciting ventures like this too.”

Councillor Paul Truscott agreed, saying the gallery was an important new space for the region.

“The opening of Kent Street Studio is another exciting addition to our CBD, bringing a fresh and vibrant creative space to the heart of our community,” he said.

“It’s wonderful to see another place dedicated to artistic expression, collaboration, and innovation.

“Spaces like this not only support local artists but also add to the cultural and economic vibrancy of our city.

“Congratulations to Lee-Ann and everyone involved in bringing this vision to life.”

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Originally published as Art gallery Kent St Studio opens in Maryborough