On the Local Arts Trail in September 2026
— with Alison Desmond —
Over the winter months Moorabool’s inspiring artists have been diligently working, honing their crafts to present fabulous new artworks for spring.
Flack Post and Telegraph Office
At Flack PTO, Danielle Briglia brings together contemporary photography and other art forms in an historic building passed down through generations of her family.
With charming original features retained throughout the space and an ever-changing program of exhibitions there is always something new to see.
The gallery has just opened its Spring Exhibition, spotlighting works by Karen Kirby, Nichola Roberts, Deanna Neville, Trish O’Callaghan, Damien Lewis (National Cash Register, pictured), Danni Jade, and Leanne Brown. Get in quick, the exhibition closes September 27.
Flack also has a giftshop full of rarities, new and vintage, as well as photography studios for hire.
Flack PTO is open 11am to 2pm Friday and Sunday, and from 10am to 3pm on Saturdays
Ballan Art Space
Ballan Arts Space opened its latest exhibition, Silent Geometry in mid August, and you can still catch it before it closes on September September 20.
Pictured is one of the show’s several sculptures, Helen Hammond’s The Flying Ghost.
Affordable giftshop items are also displayed throughout the space and there is something for everyone.
Ballan Art Space also has a dedicated sculpture garden at the side of the building with lots to see.
Ballan Art Space is open 10am to 3pm Thursday to Sunday
Oak Grove Gallery, Ballan
Ballan artist, Marty Cleal has renovated the old Ballan News building to make his home studio, Oak Grove Gallery.
He goes out on site to sketch landscapes and take notes on colour, then heads back to his studio where he paints in acrylic, watercolour and oil from small to large scale.
Marty paints in the tradition of the Australian Impressionists.
Gordon Bar Room Gallery
Gordon is bursting with creative makers, making the Bar Room Gallery perfect if you’re looking for a gift, souvenir or just a little something for yourself.
From a range of fine ceramics, to prints, textiles, jewellery, paintings and giftcards, the collection is high on quality and very affordably priced.
Some artists also accept commissions.
Pictured is one of several “illuminated letters” on show by local artist, Quilby, inspired by medieval manuscripts, particularly those created in the 14th, through 16th centuries in the gothic style.
The bar room gallery is adjacent to Gordon’s on Gordon cafe/restaurant.
Bacchus Marsh Art Collective (BMAC)
The BMAC crew has been busy with a workshop by Book Artist, Kerrie Maloney last month, and will be displaying their works (such as the example pictured) at their exhibition space at Lerderderg Library throughout September.
BMAC has all kinds of monthly workshops for a small fee, with some fantastic results and enjoy working together to exhibit so we can see different interpretations.
New members are welcome, if interested contact the group on Instagram.
MAPP Up in Lights, Bacchus Marsh
There is always something to see with these outdoor galleries and it’s a place for emerging artists to put on a full exhibition for an extended period of time.
As part of this year’s NAIDOC week, we are lucky to have Dr Deanne Gilson showing a series of paintings that culminated in her commissioned work for the new Ballan Library and Community Hub.
The series, Yin Yin Yonbarra, Moorroobull Wadawurrung Dja, Songbirds of the Moorabool and Wadawurrung Country, is inspired by the Bunjil creation story and the artist’s childhood memories of growing up in Gordon.
All kinds of native birds are depicted as well as the water people who lived around Moorabool River, Bostock Resevoir and Lal Lal Falls.
Public and Community Arts
Moorabool Shire has a fantastic range of public and community art, from markers of place in bush settings, to the cosily yarn-bombed Inglis Street, to eye-catching paste-ups on shop buildings.
You can find out more about Moorabool’s public art pieces at the Moorbool Shire website
About On the Local Arts Trail
The Local Arts Trail column is released through our monthly eNewsletter and on this website at the start of each month.
If you have an arts-related exhibition or event you’d like to let us know about, you can use our Submit an Event form.
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