A large crowd fills Tank’s Art Gallery at the opening of the SheppArchies on Thursday, September 3.
Shining a spotlight on local artists and local people, the opening of the SheppArchies at Tank’s Art Gallery on Thursday, September 3, drew around 260 people.
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From the artists themselves to the people and families and friends of those they had painted, along with plenty of other art lovers, Tank’s Gallery was packed, quite literally, from wall to wall.
The exhibition was the brainchild of Tank himself and brings together works by local artists, each of whom has painted a local person.
Cleverly timed to coincide with the Archibald Prize exhibition at SAM, the SheppArchies will run for the next two weeks, giving the community another opportunity to celebrate local artists and the people who inspire them.
Speaking at the opening, Tank highlighted the importance of collaboration between artists and the need for a dedicated art space in Shepparton.
Ideally, he said, he would love to see the concept grow beyond exhibitions, with the creation of a community art hub where artists and the wider community could come together and enjoy the arts.
“The gallery and exhibitions we have are proving to be a great case study for the need for a bigger, more dedicated space for local visual artists,” Tank said.
“A space that would include artist studios, room for workshops and classes and a larger gallery.
“We’re gaining momentum through the gallery by creating an ever-growing list of local artists, and demonstrating the importance of a community art space to hold free exhibitions for local schools and community groups.
“The council has done great research with its Creative City Strategy, which highlights the need for an artist hub/gallery, I believe it’s now up to our local creatives to demonstrate this need and work with the council to make it happen.”
Since the exhibition opening, Tank’s Art Gallery has seen a significant increase in foot traffic, with visitors including this year’s Archibald Prize winner, Richard Lewer.
“It was great to catch up with the man of the moment,” Tank said.
“It’s such a great thing for Shepparton and the Shepparton Art Museum to be hosting the exhibition this year.
“It’s been amazing to see so many people through our exhibition since Thursday’s opening, which is proof that the art scene in Shepparton is getting stronger.”
Tank, right, catches up with 2026 Archibald Prize winner Richard Lewer at Tank’s Art Gallery.
Country News editor Geoff Adams with his portrait, painted by emerging artist Kelly Carmody.
Artist Greg Beckenham with his SheppArchies portrait of Azem Elmaz.
Artist Tim Bowtell with his SheppArchies portrait of Kelly Carmody.
Emerging artist Sarah Jane with her portrait of MEAC manager Jan Phillips.
Artist Joan Erikson with Greater Shepparton Secondary College’s Barbara O’Brien in front of her SheppArchies portrait of Barb.
Tank speaks at the opening of the SheppArchies exhibition at Tank’s Art Gallery on Thursday, September 3.
Artist Christine Broersen with Angelo Grasso from Cellar 47 in front of her SheppArchies portrait of Angelo.
Artist Marion Langford with her SheppArchies portrait of her partner, Reg Hickey.
Tank with his fiancée, Meg Pethybridge, in front of Tank’s SheppArchies portrait of Meg and their dog Charlie.
Artist Eric Brown admires his SheppArchies portrait, painted by artist Adrienne West.
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