A group of creative, focused and determined Creswick women will soon open  Art on Albert, a not-for-profit art gallery for local and regional artisans,  including painters, woodwork, ceramics, pottery, textile artists, sculptors and  photographers.  

Creswickians have long talked about what a bonus an art gallery would be to  the town and the region.

Fortunately, a group of like-minded people have formed a committee and made this a reality.  By good fortune, the perfect space recently became available at 86 Albert Street.  

Negotiations were finalised with work commencing in record time to fit out the space.  Julie Reed is president, with Heather Ingram treasurer and Traycie Walker secretary.

Interest in the gallery has been fantastic and thanks to members of the  committee – Glenis Edwards, Christine Dobson (pictured with her work Blue Moon),  Jo Flood, Jennifer Powell and Christine Reed working together to have the gallery ready in time for CresFest – visitors will be able to purchase quality art work.  

As a not-for-profit gallery the aim is to return a surplus from sales of art back to  the community to organisations like Shannon’s Bridge or the Men’s Shed.

Exhibitors  will pay for a space and will be able to leave their work for up to three months.  Ms Dobson said they were keen to encourage young and emerging artists by  providing a wall where young people can proudly display their art.  

Art on Albert, 86 Albert Street, Creswick, will be staffed by volunteers and opens  on Sunday, March 30. It will then be open Thursday to Monday from 10am to 4pm.   

Words & image: Fiona Watson  

As owner and managing director of Marshmallow, Creswick’s contemporary and innovative hair salon, Casey Lenaghan will affirm the importance of continuing to deliver products that are a point of difference from other salons in the Central Highlands region.  

In choosing Creswick to create a salon that would make a difference to people wanting to feel good about themselves, having hair styled to suit their personality and lifestyle, Casey was determined to introduce practices that were holistic in their delivery.  

“I understand that my clients trust me to keep ahead of trends, to introduce  products that are not available elsewhere in the region, and to employ hair stylists that  share my values and philosophy,” Casey said.  

Casey recently introduced Nanoplasty, a high-tech product from Italy, that restores and straightens hair without the use of harsh chemicals.  

“I’ve always been concerned about the use of harsh chemicals on young children, or pregnant women. Now we can safely give our clients the look they want, knowing that their hair will be straightened and nourished with organic and amino acids. The  really good news is that the treatment lasts for up to eight months!”  

Two months ago, Casey was delighted to welcome to Marshmallow a highly regarded hair stylist and long-term friend, Adam Noel. With over 30 years’ experience, and having worked with Casey 15 years ago in her Ballarat salon, Soho, Adam brings a unique understanding as stylist, cutter and colourist.

He has quickly  acquired new clients from around the district as well as retaining his loyal clients from  Ballarat.  

“I can’t be more excited that Adam has joined the team at Marshmallow along with Sophie and Corina,” Casey said.

“Adam has already made a positive impact on both the salon and on Creswick in general. A broader client base, from as far as Melbourne, means that there will be a whole influx of new people coming into Creswick, supporting all the amazing local businesses. That’s what’s so good about  working in a small community. We all benefit by working in together.”  

Marshmallow opens from Tuesday to Saturday inclusive. Bookings can be made  in person or by phoning 0439 329 754.  

Advertorial Words & Image: Fiona Watson