Nosing around – part 1
Posted: 5 June 2012 Filed under: Out and About, Rona | Tags: art, Australia, Australian Galleries, Collingwood, Fitzroy, Fluff Hair, James Rouse, Melbourne, Neo Frames, prints, Rona Green, Smith Street, St Luke Artist Colourmen 10 Comments
James Rouse on the cover of Time Magazine
‘Cities must be fun.’
– James Rouse (1914-1996)
Marvellous Melbourne, Australia, c. 1995
Judged the world’s most livable city in 2011.
Contentiously referred to as the cultural capital of the country.
The place I have called home since 1995.
Mercator Studios at the Abbotsford Convent
I’ve previously featured my studio at the Abbotsford Convent in Melbourne.
It is very close to the inner city suburbs of Collingwood and Fitzroy, which I frequent for various reasons.
I thought it might be fun to take you on a tour of a few of my haunts.
Firstly, here is Collingwood through my (somewhat blurry, black and white) eyes!
Australian Galleries Smith Street entry
Australian Galleries in Collingwood represent my work and I exhibit at the 50 Smith Street gallery space.
Nick and Kate at Australian Galleries Smith Street
The Smith Street gallery is managed by the most excellent Nicholas Thompson and Kattie Bugeja.
As well as the main gallery space that presents an exciting range of exhibitions, the Smith Street location also houses an intimate print room.
Australian Galleries Smith Street print room
In the print room you can view work by a plethora of awesome artists including Deborah Williams, Graeme Drendel, Alexi Keywan… and me!
Street view of Fluff Hair
Located a few doors along from Australian Galleries at 46 Smith Street, Collingwood is the fantastic Fluff Hair.
The phenomenal Mario of Fluff Hair
This funky salon is where I have my coiffure styled by scissor genius, Mario Italiano.
Relaxing follicle conditioning and hot beverages are ably provided by the enigmatic Brendon.
Brendon manning the desk at Fluff Hair
Amble on down the road a little further and you will come across the astounding St Luke Artist Colourmen, purveyors of quality art supplies, at 32 Smith Street, Collingwood.
St Luke Artist Colourmen shop front
What a sweet shop is to a kid, St Luke Artist Colourmen is to artists!
St Lukette Kez ready to assist you at the St Luke counter
Kez Hughes and Paul Williams of St Luke are fabulous fonts of information regarding anything and everything art related.
St Luke staffer Paul stocking the shelves with goodies
Round the way at 9 Campbell Street, Collingwood you will find the inimitable Neo Frames.
Entrance to Neo Frames
These guys are who I trust to frame all my art – drawings, prints and paintings.
The customer service and workmanship at Neo are beyond compare.
The wonderful Neo Frames workshop
Give Bob and the crew a visit if you have any framing needs.
If you’re lucky dashing shop dog Neko may be around to give you a friendly greeting!
The lovely Bob and Neko at Neo Frames
In a fortnight i’ll scoot you all over Fitzroy in Nosing around – part 2.
Until next time!
Rona Green 
Great to see the lovely Mario feature in your post Rona, he cut my hair for the first 5 or 6 years that I lived in Melbourne! Please give him my best……
Hey Tracy – I certainly will!
What a wonderful way to be introduced to places we might not necessarily otherwise frequent! Great to have the framing recommendation for your works – many thanks. Look forward to the next post!
Thanks for the appreciation Magda.
Lovely insight – thank-you!
Thank you for reading!
Thanks soooo much for the recommendation to a good framer! K
Glad to be of assistance Katy – Neo are simply the best.
A very cool post. I had no idea that that art shop existed there and will visit now.
Hey Mikhael – if you visit you will not leave empty handed – so much temptation!