April 9th, 2024Bendigo launches French flavoured café galleries program

To celebrate the Bendigo Art Gallery’s latest exhibition Paris: Impressions of Life 1880 – 1925, the City of Greater Bendigo has launched the Café Galleries project to provide local creatives with an opportunity to exhibit their art in cafes across Bendigo. 

Café Galleries runs until Tuesday May 14, 2024, with selected artists asked to include one artwork that depicts one of three themes – City of Love and Light, Bon Appetit or La boutique – to hang alongside other original pieces. 

Twenty local artists applied through an EOI process, with 10 of those artists selected to showcase their works in seven local venues.

Cafe: Beechworth Bakery – High St
Artist: Karen McDougall 

Cafe: Peachy – View St 
Artist: Heidi Franklin 

Cafe: Get Naked Espresso – White Hills 
Artist: Steve Pole 

Cafe: Indulge Fine Belgian Chocolates – Fountain Court 
Artist: Kellie McAllister 

Cafe: HooGah – Fountain Court 
Artists: Lyn Raymer, Christopher Duffy

Cafe: PepperGreen Farm – Thunder St 
Artists: Frankie O, John Daniels

Cafe: Fox & Giraffe – Bridge St 
Artists: Wes Franklin, Linda Hermens

Lyn Raymer will be onsite at HooGah every Wednesday and Friday between 1pm-3pm to sketch café scenes. 
 
City of Greater Bendigo Creative Industries Officer Mandy Field said the program is a great opportunity for artists and creatives. 
 
“By displaying artworks in public settings, artists and creatives can raise their profile and promote their work in the community, to visiting tourists and within the creative sector,” Ms Field said. 
 
“The program is a great way to support local creatives and artists with an opportunity to sell displayed artworks and attract potential commissions. 
 
“As Bendigo is the first UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy in Australia, the Café Galleries program also aligns with the City of Gastronomy brand.”