Nestled amidst the beauty of the Dandenong Ranges, a haven of artistic expression awaits with a range of art galleries across the region. This lush and tranquil microclimate, located just outside Melbourne serves as a captivating backdrop for a diverse array of artistic endeavours. Here, amidst towering ferns, misty vistas, and verdant landscapes, a collection of galleries showcase creativity. They showcase pieces ranging from contemporary masterpieces to traditional craftsmanship. Each gallery has a unique charm, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the intricate tapestry of local and international art.
1. Ticker Art Studio
1-5 Bayview Road, Belgrave
Open 10am-5pm, closed on Mondays and Wednesdays
Ticker Art Studio is the newest kid on the Dandenongs art scene, having just opened in July, 2023. Ticker’s mission is to foster a dynamic community of local makers and artists. One way they do this by having resident artists working on site in their own studios. Ticker also has a large workshop space to bring even further connection to the community in which they are based.
Ticker is about all things quirky and unique with their tagline being “Stay weird Belgrave”. They pride themselves on supporting emerging artists. After you’ve checked out Ticker be sure to walk over the bridge that crosses the railway line and check out more edgy art with the Belgrave Street Art Project which is located along Blacksmiths Lane.
2. Up Gallery
2/361 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Sassafras
Open 11am-5pm, closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Up Gallery is new too, having also opened in 2023 in the building previously occupied by Proserpina Bakehouse in the heart of Sassafras. It is the passion project of local artist Jacqui Christians. She leads a group of 35 local artists who operate the space. Up Gallery has come after years of lockdowns, storms and other challenges and has a real energy of hope and renewal in this post-pandemic time.
Up Gallery host monthly exhibits so will always have something new on display. In addition to the gallery space they have a gift store of locally made items. Up is definitely worth visiting periodically and after you have be sure to also check out the artists pods located in the shipping containers surrounding the main building. Once you’ve done that duck into one of my other local favourites, Tealeaves, which is directly opposite the gallery.
3. Kapi Art Space
1282 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Kalorama
Open 11am-5pm Friday to Monday
Kapi Art Space runs under the motto “everyone deserves an opportunity to to discover their creative dreams”. Kapi is managed by local artist Heather Bradbury who prides herself on the creative oasis she has established.
Kapi is the Pitjantjatjara word for water and it seems a fitting name given it started as Bradbury’s home studio and has developed into something so much more. It aims to be a place that that refreshes and refuels those that walk through its doors.
Other Hills Art Galleries
- Burrinja Cultural Centre – 351 Glenfern Road, Upwey
- Sherbrooke Art Gallery – 62 Monbulk Road, Belgrave
- Leaf Studios – 77 Monbulk Road, Kallista
- William Holt Gallery – 83A Monbulk Road, Kallista
- Emma Jennings – 3/540 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Olinda
- Sue Jarvis Gallery Garden – 24 Blackwood Lane, Gembrook
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