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2006
14 August 2006
Trying to save a dream
National and international artists and curators are standing shoulder to shoulder with the Rylstone community in a last ditch bid to save a local icon.
No 47 gallery, according to those interviewed, is more than a gallery, more than a local landmark and more even than the launch-pad for many a promising artistic career spanning all artistic mediums and ages and abilities of artists.
Locals describe it as the colour of the town of Rylstone and the public face of a sophisticated community in an historic rural setting.
In addition to being a much loved meeting place, it is viewed as a tourist drawcard and a venue where the cream of the art-world and the ordinary people can meet and interact in a unique way.
But now, unless they can attract new investors, proprietors of No 47 Geoffrey Payne and Ginny Handmer are facing the imminent loss of a dream as business partners are forcing the sale of the historic premises.
The major concern for the business is that land values have increased threefold for the building housing the gallery space and, while Mr Payne and Ms Handmer have striven to keep costs down for artists and workshop participants alike, the business is now unable to sustain the cost of paying out two of three business shares without assistance.
Local resident, Dr Robert O'Neill, is a strong supporter of the gallery.
Dr O'Neill has served as a Chairman of the Trustees of the Imperial War Museum in London.
He points out that this role has given him many years of experience in examining museum and gallery management on a large scale.
"It is this experience that enables me to rate the efforts of Geoff and Ginny so highly. They have an incredible artistic vision which has led to the creation of an outstanding regional gallery," Dr O'Neill said.
He also praised the entrepreneurial skill of the couple.
"They have a unique ability to tap both the local artistic community and artists of renown from throughout NSW.
"No 47 has put Rylstone on the map for people from the Blue Mountains and Sydney.
"We simply cannot afford to lose them," he said.
His words were echoed by local artist Nigel White, who is known nationally and internationally.
Mr White is a frequent contributor to both solo and group exhibitions in the space and also gives up his time to host workshops.
"The concept embraced by No 47 is a great artistic experience for all involved. It is a philosophy that we in the art word, and all those who appreciate art cannot afford to lose," Mr White said.
Ian Webb is synonymous with art in Rylstone. He is local patriarch who has been a feature of the art and business world in Rylstone for decades.
For Mr Webb, no 47 represents not only spring-board for new artists (children and adults) but an affordable access to high quality art for people of all income brackets and backgrounds.
"It embodies the all-encompassing aspect of art. Everyone has something to contribute.
"No 47 is not restricted to one medium or to some predetermined level of expertise. It is there for all people as art should be," he said
"Not only that, it is the natural meeting place in town, the always friendly spot where you can experience something new or just relax over a cup of tea.
"No 47 has made an aesthetic experience a seven day a week proposal and for that reason it is bringing countless people to Rylstone," he said.
"No 47 also plays a valuable economic role in the community."
Danielle Rose moved to Rylstone in 1998. Since then she has participated in workshops at No 47 and on her recommendation her sister in-law has joined the numerous Sydney visitors in making regular visits to Rylstone to participate in workshops with renowned artists covering topics as diverse as poetry, sculpture, felt making, linotypes and much more.
"No 47 gives a cosmopolitan feel. Through this venue Rylstone has become a town with a real sophistication.
"Much of our community now crave an aesthetic experience and that is what No 47 provides. It lifts this community to another dimension.
Long term resident Joanne Martin agreed.
"No 47 has become a really important part of town," she said.
"It brings the outside world into Rylstone and introduces our community to all that is outside.
"Instead of travelling to major cities to experience interaction with artists, I have it here," Mrs Martin said.
She also pointed out that the workshops aimed at young people gave an alternative to the traditional sporting recreation so often offered in small centres.
"It is not just for adults there is also a growth experience for our children who would otherwise be limited to sporting recreation.
"This is a vital community asset that we need to preserve," Mrs Martin said.
No 47 is seeking $130,000 to pay out the other stakeholders in the business1 .