Tasmanian artist Dan Villiers transformed a historic former butchery and residence into a gallery and studio.
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Based on the edge of St Georges Square in Launceston, Villiers bought the building more than a year ago.
It took a series of renovations to establish Greenoaks Gallery, which was a gallery in the 1980s before it was turned into a residence.
“People come in regularly and tell stories about the building,” Villiers said.
He discovered a blue brick wall, which he found out was likely the remnants of a former butchery.
The earliest record he could find of the building was from 1945, however Villiers said he thought it was built earlier than that.
He hoped the central location would encourage more people to explore the gallery.
“It is a more involving experience because you can actually see more of the technique and the work process,” Villiers said.
“The customers have to get involved with a painting, to see it and experience it.”
His artistic mediums were quite varied.
Villiers experimented with encaustic techniques, which use beeswax and resin to create delicate bumps and impressions in an artwork, as well as charcoal and paint.
The Launceston location made a change from his previous gallery Tamar Valley Art Shack, which was based at Clarence Point.
His previous gallery was set back from the road, nestled next to the farm which served as inspiration for his art.
When Villiers moved back into town, he had to selective with which artwork to put on show.
His previous gallery was set on a six acre block overlooking the Tamar Valley.
“I want to be able to provide a variety of affordable artwork for anyone wanting to come in.”
His studio sits above the newly renovated gallery and overlooks the park.
Villiers said he hoped by transforming the historic building back into a gallery and studio, it could provide a space to appreciate art and the former residence.
“It’s been interesting to have people tell us what they know about the building, their experiences and history with it.”
Tess Brunton
I recently returned from across the ditch where I worked at New Zealand Fairfax paper The Timaru Herald and developed a love of mountains. Originally I'm a mainlander from an area known for cheese, the Bega Valley, who also dabbled in radio at ABC RCAFF before finding a place in newspapers. I can often be found hiking, caving or climbing when I'm not cursing at my work computer or technology in general.
I recently returned from across the ditch where I worked at New Zealand Fairfax paper The Timaru Herald and developed a love of mountains. Originally I'm a mainlander from an area known for cheese, the Bega Valley, who also dabbled in radio at ABC RCAFF before finding a place in newspapers. I can often be found hiking, caving or climbing when I'm not cursing at my work computer or technology in general.
