Pop Up 2024

The fifth and most successful PICES Pop Up Exhibition to date had a change of venue in 2024 with the event taking place in Berninneit Cowes, Phillip Island in partnership with Bass Coast Shire Council. The purpose built gallery was a superb venue with uninterrupted display walls, high ceilings and professional gallery standard lighting. Being in the gallery gave visitors to Berninneit the opportunity to come in and immerse themselves in the exhibitions. With many returning patrons to the gallery each week it was a delight to see their reaction to the changing installations of the Pop Up exhibition throughout January.

As with all our exhibitions the curation is what really makes a difference. We were very fortunate to have Warren Nichols, a first rate curator, curate for PICES again. This was greatly appreciated by the artists and admired by the general public. From bold and daring installations to evocative paintings and thought-provoking works, the exhibitions invited visitors in to a world of creativity promising an exploration of artistic innovation and expression.

With 27 exhibiting artists over the four weeks with different artists, mediums and styles of work rotated each week, it was a real showstopper. The calibre of artists was first rate and the range of works was both exceptional and eclectic. So many of the artworks were sold and with a huge increase in art sales with over $30,000 in art sales more then reinforcing the success of the exhibition.

This year has been a huge celebration in many ways culminating with PICES goal to secure a high quality, professional, contemporary exhibition space in Cowes that provided artists with an accessible venue to showcase their work, encourage participation from all areas of the community, and attract visitors and tourists to the region. In November 2023 that goal was realised with the opening of the art gallery in Berninneit Cowes.
The event attracted record crowds relative to other years with over 5,000 visitors and there was a real energy and vibe happening that was different from all previous exhibitions. Having a professional exhibition space to showcase the artists work has really catapulted the exhibition into a whole other level.

It was the second time a raffle was held in support of PICES with wonderful donated prizes from our generous sponsors. Raffle prizes were: ceramic round jar by Owen Rye, value $1,400, sponsored by San Remo, Cowes and Grantville Bendigo Community Bank; painting by Diana Bannister, Burn Off N.T., donated by Diana Bannister, value $800; Bottle of Vintage French Champagne, donated by David and Sandra Henstridge; gift voucher from Turn the Page Bookshop, value $100, donated by Turn the Page; gift voucher from Aussie Outdoor Emporium, value $50, donated by Aussie Outdoor Emporium. This worked amazingly well and really helped put some well needed funds toward future events!

Another exciting thing to come out of this exhibition was the collaboration between the artists who were so supportive and generous in sharing techniques and motivations with each other. Lots of networking and friendships resulted from these interactions. This was the first local community group to show in the gallery at Berninneit and we look forward to exhibiting here again in January 2025.