Gallery an enterprising addition to Yandina’s thriving art scene

Gallery Directors  Alicia Mireille and Toni Eggleston ... “Art has the extraordinary power to create connections, enrich lives and inspire change.”

The doors of the Stevens Street Gallery in Yandina have been open for 12 months now and the space has played host to, and supported over 120 local artists, and generated $150,000 in sales in its inaugural year. 

This has been achieved through a busy calendar of exhibitions, an artisan store, workshops and gallery events, according to Gallery Directors Toni Eggleston & Alicia Mireille.

“By collaborating with our artist community we have been challenged to dream up ideas that provide opportunities to showcase the incredible talent we have in our region. The gallery is all about supporting artists, creatives & designers to build and maintain not only sustainable but thriving careers,” said  Toni.

Blank Canvas is an entity that has been designed to further support and promote artists. Toni & Alicia are excited about seeing these ideas unfold over the next 12 months.“There is so much possibility in a blank canvas, so it seemed a fitting name for our new venture,” Alicia said. 

“Blank Canvas will be generating and creating new and exciting platforms and events to provide much needed exposure and attention for the visual arts community. We want to facilitate the growth and wealth of our artists and also inspire artists in our region.

“Art has the extraordinary power to create connections, enrich lives and inspire change,” said Toni. “And these fundamental beliefs underpin the operations of Blank Canvas.

“Buying local art supports the economy that supports all of us. It sustains the creative and cultural fabric of the Sunshine Coast,” said Alicia. 

“Advocating for artists and the community to come together ensures the arts are part of everyday life. By delivering innovative spaces, initiating engaging arts programs, events and an arts advisory service, we work across the region with over 150 artists in all media and are here to connect them with both the business and local communities.”

Of particular note is the Blank Canvas Arts Advisory Service.

“Our Arts Advisory Service for corporate businesses and pop-up exhibitions has already been launched,” Toni said. “It is the most amazing win-win-win concept which brings in the corporate sector to display original art. This not only supports local artists, but it also creates more beautiful spaces for staff & customers in client based & corporate spaces.”

Blank Canvas also has plans for arts based events, programs and initiatives in the coming 12 months. “Through mutual benefit we can continue to grow and raise the local art sector in a collaborative and collective way.”

To learn more about the Stevens Street Gallery or Blank Canvas, visit www.stevensstreetgallery.com.au.