By ALEC SMART
Artistic talent thrives in Lane Cove. 2066 magazine profiles a selection of creative organisations in the Cove, including Gallery Lane Cove, Lane Cove Theatre, and Aboriginal arts dealer and portrait photographer Stuart Leal.
Gallery Lane Cove
Gallery Lane Cove and Creative Studios at 164 Longueville Road is a non-profit arts centre based in the heart of the Lane Cove community. The premises comprises a public gallery (opened in 2012) and creative studios that host a range of activities and classes, with three studios available for artist hire or residencies.
Managed by Centrehouse Inc, an arts organisation that has run art and language classes for over 45 years, their program of tuition and participation includes masterclasses, workshops and term classes in a variety of creative disciplines.
Creative Studios’ educational program includes life-drawing, illustration, painting (watercolour, acrylic and mixed-media), printmaking, textiles (sewing, knitting, stitching, embroidery and printing) and ceramics.
The Gallery presents a wide range of multi-disciplinary art from modern to contemporary, showcasing creative work from local, national and international artists, including emerging and established talents.
The exhibition space, open six days a week, is adaptable and available to hire, with a hanging system provided and sales and invigilation managed by Gallery Lane Cove.
Open: Mon - Fri 10am - 4.30pm; Sat 10am - 2.30pm; Closed Public Holidays
164 Longueville Road, Lane Cove Ph: 02 9428 4898 Mob: 0490 749 854
Lane Cove Theatre Company
Formed in 1995 as the Lane Cove Dramatic Society, the non-profit Lane Cove Theatre Company (LCTC) aims to provide both affordable and entertaining live theatre, as well as artistic, educational and recreational opportunities for residents in the surrounding community.
With an emphasis on promoting accessible, community-based live theatre, LCTC present four full-scale productions a year, including plays, musicals and a children’s production. LCTC also conduct play-readings, workshopped over several weeks and culminating in a single performance. These are intended to showcase the scripts of local playwrights and teach directing skills.
Membership is encouraged, with contributions helping toward stage equipment whilst members enjoy additional benefits.
Productions
LCTC’s 2021 drama season begins with the Gothic musical, JEKYLL AND HYDE: THE MUSICAL, based on the classic story by Robert Louis Stevenson and featuring a thrilling pop-rock score of songs.
The Performance Space at St Aidan's, 1 Christina Street, Longueville.
Fri 12 Feb – Sat 27 Feb (Fri, Sat and Sun nights at 7.30pm)
Lane Cove Theatre Company
lanecovetheatre@hotmail.com
Mob: 0403 626 563
www.facebook.com/LaneCoveTheatreCompany
www.lanecovetheatrecompany.com/
Stuart Leal Gallery
Stuart Leal, a talented photographer who also runs a portrait photography studio in Lane Cove, retails contemporary Indigenous art from his shop in the Village Shopping Mall in central Lane Cove. Much of the artwork he sources directly from the artists themselves.
Shop 1, 43 Burns Bay Road Lane Cove and 70 Victoria Rd, Drummoyne
Ph 0414 551 956
stuart@stuartleal.com.au
www.instagram.com/stuart_leal_gallery/
2066 Profile: Stuart Leal
How long have you been in Lane Cove?
I’ve been in LC for about 6 years.
What's your most memorable Lane Cove moment/experience?
Seeing a new clients face light up when they walk in and have an immediate connection with a stunning Central or Western Desert Indigenous artwork.
What is your proudest achievement?
I’m proud of how many locals have embraced Indigenous art in their homes and work spaces.
2020 is the year we all want to forget - how did you adapt/survive?
Being consistent and opening the shop 6 days a week, not giving up, even when Lane Cove was deserted. Also continuing to support the artists and their communities during the downturn and stock piling artworks. This ensured continual new stock, variety and choice for clients.
After the first month of lockdown, people working from home realised they needed to do something about their blank walls. We offered free home trials so clients could see the artworks in their homes to ensure the colour, theme and size was correct for the space. During the past 9 months, people have transformed their homes and gardens.
What are your grand plans coming into 2021?
Continue to offer clients the best customer service with ethical, authentic and affordable Aboriginal Art from the Central and Western Deserts.
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Group portrait by Alec Smart