Darley Street: Season Two, Episode Five – Hill Street Gallery
By Steve Gray
Previous Episodes
The Empty shop in Hill Street was always considered to be a bit of an anomaly. It sat opposite a carpark and it wasn’t in the best position. Once people got out of their cars, their minds were generally focussed on heading to Darley Street.
Back in the ‘Good old days’ it was a small grocery store but in the 1970s that ceased to be, supermarkets took on that role and it soon became redundant, unable to compete.
Gail announced on the ‘Facey Page’, that it had been let and to ‘stay tuned’. It had been about nine months since Cloe’s Fashions had opened, which was going very well thank you very much, so there was now some excitement about what might be on offer.
The idea of a Pizza shop had been and gone a long time ago, all that was hoped for was that it would fit into the range of business already there and not some crazy ‘non-event shop.
A few weeks on and a clean up and renovation crew moved in, the place was painted in white, some track lighting installed, a counter and a HUGE TV screen mounted in the main front window. Signage indicated it was an art gallery ‘Hill Street Art Gallery’ the signage was put on vertically in a contemporary font that was most befitting for an art gallery.
Comments flowed that it looked rather ‘swish’.
It was a while before the space came alive, a video showed up on the screen that played on repeat, it was a way to showcase the artists they would represent.
The next week art works went up, very trendy contemporary works most thought.
Then invites were handed to each shop. ‘Vera Barry invites you to our opening!’
A wednesday pre opening event, just for the locals, then a bigger opening on the following Saturday afternoon.
The invites were very special, clearly no expense was spared, well designed, well laid out, and clear guidelines. RSVP required for the Wednesday event via an email.
Well that caused the ‘Facey Page’ to light up, who was going, who couldn’t make it and so on. Barry at the accountants mentioned that the window would have to be cleaned due to too many ‘sticky beaks’ pressing their noses against the glass in the lead up to the place opening. That caused a giggle.
Six pm Wednesday, most of the locals who were intrigued turned up, the door was already open Frida, Marlowe and Vera Barry introduced themselves and Vera gave a short welcoming chat. ‘Openings would be on average, every three weeks as we change exhibitions, oh and our space is available for hire as a venue for meetings etc.’ That caught Gails attention, now that the corner store was well and truly taken.
Drinks and nibbles were then served much to the delight of those gathered. Laura asked Vera if the drinks would be free at every opening? She was happy to hear that was the order of the day for art galleries.
They didn’t want to be burdened with liquor licensing details, so they factored in some drinks to keep patrons happy. Laura liked that idea, she then asked if that would be the same for the finger foods? Vera smiled and nodded in the affirmative.
People mingled merrily, and drank enough of the offerings to warrant a look of surprise from Vera. The Artist Simon Haverback did his best to mingle and chat, although his Neuro Diverse personality was craving for a quiet corner somewhere else!
People started to file out after a while, most suggesting they might come back on Saturday for the ‘real opening.’ Jean from Chapter Two Books noted some people wandering off in pairs, connections made ages ago at Gail's first event had clearly been developed.
The ‘Facey Page’ lit up the next day with photos from the event. Lot’s of smiling faces and huge cheers for Vera’s business initiative. The free offerings were also duly noted…
Sore heads were the order of the day for some, and Saturday's event was also the same, not as many local shop keepers this time, but a gathering of ‘well heeled’ folks made for a pleasant afternoon. The gallery was now officially open.
There were oohs and ahhs as different artists presented their works, some of the locals wanted to have the works explained to them but were too shy to ask, unsure of the protocol for such things. Marlowe and Frida were well versed in such things, people asking details even if they were somewhat naive.
The ‘Facey Page’ would light up, ‘Can someone explain the yellow painting on the back wall of the gallery… It’s huge and makes no sense!’
Marlowe was usually the one to reply, mentioning the artist's statement and what they wanted to achieve. This would be followed by silence, no one sure if the message was well received, understood or otherwise.
Vera loved the naivety of the questions, her previous gallery interstate hadn’t had this, so it was all new to her and rather amusing. Things ticked over, items sold, collectors wandered in and out and happened to head down the street to Sally’s store. Sally was well pleased with that.
No two days were the same in Darley Street; people come, and people go. Today’s event was loaded with a new set of faces and an inspiringly fresh business.
Stay tuned for the next episode of Darley Street!
More from Steve Gray
Steve writes with passion and intrigue, aiming to inspire and or raise awareness of topics. His poetry can take abstract turns, and his 'Odd Angry Writes' on his website are sure to turn heads with his aggressive approach to topics.
A background in Art and Design, as well as teaching, often gives his written pieces a unique creative perspective.
Like many, he is an ADHD person with some neurodiverse edges. A bunch of E books under his belt and some honourable mentions in the Geelong Writers Group puts his work in good standing.
