General News
3 September, 2025
Brushstroke of support
A new creative outlet has opened up in Avoca, with local resident Maree Saleh establishing a community art group to bring local talent together.
The group meets every Tuesday from 1pm at Gallery 127 at the Avoca Railway Station offering residents a chance to explore both art and craft in a welcoming environment.
Maree, who has long travelled to Ararat to take part in the Stanley Art Group, said the idea was sparked when fellow members questioned why she was commuting so far.
“We’ve been part of the Ararat art group, we’ve been with them for over a year,” she said.
“They kept saying why are you travelling an hour to get to us? Isn’t there an art group in Avoca?”
With previous art groups in Avoca only running for short periods, Maree decided to take the initiative and establish a new one, hoping this time it will gain lasting support.
“When you live in the town, you’re meant to support your own town,” she said.
Although the group is only three weeks old, Maree said interest is steady. “We’ve been talking about it and how about we make it partly craft and partly art, so we can get people involved and to the gallery,” she said.
“It’s not just drawing and painting.”
The group is open to all ages, with Maree encouraging families to take part. “I’m open, so long as it can draw people in,” she said.
The Avoca Art Group will be back again next Tuesday at 1pm providing locals with the opportunity to bring in their projects and connect, create, and showcase their talents close to home.
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