August 25th, 2026The art of celebrating artists
At 84 painter-sculptor Adrian Collins holds a fascination with what he calls the “puzzle picture, art” that invites a viewer to pause, question and discover their interpretation.
His work surely does that with its jauntiness and fun as part of the overflowing work in Artful Spaces, a captivating and enterprising Hepburn gallery.
It began as a fundraiser for Daylesford’s Phoenix Cinema with Alison Robb and Tina Whitaker selling prints and evolved into an outlet for local talent, professional and amateur.
“We won’t make any money,” Alison says with a laugh. But they will show works such as those by Adrian, who was moved to tears to see them on show. He was a school teacher before giving it up because of his health, going on to study art history, museum studies and fine art.
Further health setbacks meant he had to slow down because he has limited use of his hands, although he still does life drawings, but no more woodwork or commissions. A chair and table by him were the first sale.
There’s great fun in his comic character Mikey, who turns everyday life into a theatrical spectacle.
So far, about 20 of Adrian’s 100 works have been sold. Some 25 other artists show prints, mirrors, and art objects, offering creations for all tastes.
Startling beauty is seen in work made from melted bottles, boulders, leaves and recycled glass by Yu O’Shannassy, head chef at Hepburn’s Shizuku Ryokan, celebrated as Australia’s only traditional Japanese wellness retreat.
Her compatriot, Keiko Watanabe, is self-taught, offering her portraits, as does Nadia Poliszczuk, who shows a range of celestial bodies. Nadia was reluctant to sell her work, says Alison.
Then there is local star, Millie Gouldthorpe, formerly Sister Maleita who, although classified as blind, took up art during Covid, throwing paint onto three canvases, and launched an exhibition.
Her work is being curated by Alison and Tina.
They met through volunteering and a shared love of art, interiors, people and their new community gave birth to Artful Spaces.
“We just want people to be successful in their art,” says Alison. “It is less about running a traditional gallery and more about creating welcoming spaces where local and emerging artists can get their work into the community, meet new audiences and hopefully make a few sales along the way.”
Alison and Tina each came to Daylesford looking for a different pace of life and quickly found themselves part of the local community.
Alison spent almost 30 years working in human resources, including running her own consultancy.
After significant health problems she moved to Daylesford for a new chapter and now volunteers, with Tina, at the Phoenix Cinema and the Daylesford Regional Visitor Information Centre.
“I have discovered a real love in connecting with local artists and helping find new audiences for their work.”
Originally from New Zealand, Tina has a background in hospitality, owning and running motels in Australia.
A lifelong horse lover and keen equestrian, retirement in Daylesford, with her horse, seemed perfect.
Above, from left, Alison Robb and Tina Whitaker at the gallery at Shop 4, 116 Main Road, Hepburn
Stop press: From next month the gallery will be at 97 Vincent Street, Daylesford.
Story and image: Kevin Childs
