Seaview Gallery owner Colleen Kenwood considers herself fortunate.
“I get to see all these wonderful works, with fresh pieces coming in all the time,” Colleen says.
“Sometimes it’s hard to part with a piece you really love. But then someone else comes along and I fall in love with that.”
Colleen has been running Seaview Gallery for 15 years and has amassed a great store of artistic knowledge in that time.
The gallery now represents more than 40 established artists, among them body artist Emma Hack, whose art appeared in Gotye’s music video for Somebody That I Used to Know.
Seaview Gallery’s enduring success lies in the diversity of works on show, from glass and ceramic pieces and jewellery to a wide range of artistic expressions encompassing traditional to contemporary styles.
The gallery, in historic Seaview House, in Hesse Street, Queenscliff, lends itself to a variety of styles as it flows from room to room.
“It’s a lovely old building and gets lovely light but each room has a different feel to it. Each has its own ambience.
“I select the artist to suit the gallery and the room and I usually select on what appeals to me. If you don’t love it yourself you can’t really sell it.
“When I’ve hung a room with new pieces I stand back and take it all in and it makes me feel good.”
Colleen runs one or two continual exhibitions but the rest of the gallery is rehung each month, to keep it fresh.
“The ever-changing exhibitions at Seaview Gallery feature paintings by both award-winners and new emerging artists,” Colleen explains.
“New visitors often express delight at the range of work, while there is always something new for our many loyal clients to discover on return.”
As an art lover Colleen has dabbled in painting and drawing, but it’s nothing more than a hobby, especially compared to the talent she exhibits in the gallery.
“Maybe when I retire I might have a play around,” Colleen laughs.
