By Parker McKenzie
Works by the members of the Ferntree Gully Art Society are the newest art to be featured in the light boxes at Horologist Lane, as a part of a series of art displays funded by Knox City Council.
Through the Ferntree Gully Creative Placemaking Plan, the council is installing new public art throughout the area, including the light boxes, in a $240,000 project.
Ferntree Gully Art Society President Heather King said art featured in a previous public exhibition during lockdowns was chosen to be used in the light boxes.
“We’re very grateful to the council for all the help that they give us because we are an entirely self-funded society,” she said.
“It’s a good initiative on the point part of Knox Council to try and make the area more attractive and better lit.”
The project is funded through $130,000 contributed by the council and $110,000 from the Victorian Government’s Living Local Fund suburban grant stream.
Artist Olga Megele, whose work is featured in Horologist Lane, said it’s a great opportunity to get members’ artwork out there and promote the Art Society.
“We’re so close to the area, we’re just over the railway line, so it’s very close and it’s great for the community because they get to see what we do,” she said.
“The quality of the work is great at the society, but also it’s a two-way street. They get to know about us, and we get to display our work and hopefully we get more people through the door, new members and more people interested in making their own art.”
The first artwork to be displayed in the light boxes was a collaboration between local school children and artist Joanne Mott, depicting native flora and fauna.
the Ferntree Gully Art Society holds 10 exhibitions a year and is currently running the Her exhibition until Sunday 26 March.
Based at The Hut Gallery, located at 157 Underwood Road Ferntree Gully, the Art Society also hosts workshops and classes throughout the week.
For more information, visit thehutgallery.com.au
