Strathnairn Arts Association Inc. is a not for profit arts association supported by the ACT Government that provides working spaces and facilities for a range of artists and crafts people and community groups.
Strathnairn Homestead Gallery is set in a converted 1920s homestead on the north-western outskirts of Canberra. Located 900 metres past the Magpies Belconnen Golf Club turnoff, it’s a facility which has been used by artists for decades but still remains one of Canberra’s best-kept secrets.
The property was originally part of a land grant awarded to 19th century explorer Charles Sturt. In the early 20th century it became a mixed farm and, in the 1970s it was allocated to the arts group Blue Folk with Director Dominic Mico who produced community arts programs for children and adults.
The organisation then became the Brindabella Arts Community and struggled. Alan Watt, then the head of the Ceramics workshop and ANU School of Art was approached to set up studios on the property with the idea of providing opportunities for the best young artists to remain in Canberra.
Almost 20 years ago Michael Sainsbury (resident Manager/Caretaker) set about cleaning up and restoring the buildings, painting and repairing. Building kilns and moving kilns in. Ultimately offering a diverse range of firing options to potters.
Strathnairn Arts Association has grown into a strong community of artists working in diverse mediums. Painters, sculptors, potters, textile artists, printmakers, wood workers and performers all who are very fortunate to have this unique rural setting as their base.
The Strathnairn Homestead Gallery features regular exhibitions of woodwork, photography, sculpture, glass, textiles, ceramics and mixed media. Adjacent to the gallery is a small shop, SHOP, formed by members of Strathnairn which displays and sells a range of works each weekend.
Strathnairn Homestead Café serves a selection of light lunches and delicious homemade cakes. Wood fired pizza is also available every Sunday (weather permitting).
In the last few years Strathnairn has developed an exciting Artist in Residence program, which continues to enhance the artistic working environment at Strathnairn and to encourage greater involvement of members and the public through workshops, exhibitions, demonstrations and other activities.
Each November, the Strathnairn Arts Association holds its Annual Members Exhibition in the gallery, showcasing the work of members.
Objectives of the Association
- To encourage and support artists and craftspeople in their continued practice.
- To provide studio facilities and work environments which will enable Association members to continue working. To promote the activities and reputation of the Association and its individual members through exhibitions, demonstrations, lectures, writings and seminar/conference participation.
- To encourage general public interest and involvement in the arts through workshops, exhibitions, demonstrations, and other activities.
- To invite artists to participate in the activities of the Association in order to enhance the vitality of an artistic working environment and the reputation of the Association.
Excerpt From Strathnairn Website http://www.strathnairn.com.au/about/