Event Type: Kid Friendly

Opening Dates :
Wednesday 22 May – Monday 3 June 2024
Monday – Saturday 10:00am – 4:00pm
Sundays 10:00am – 3:00pm

Opening Event :
Saturday 25 May 2024 @ 11:00am

Crossing Kingdoms is a celebration of our visual and innate connection to fungi and the transformative power of decomposition.

Crossing Kingdoms is a celebration of our visual and innate connection to nature and the transformative power of decomposition. In particular, the unique ability of fungi to colonise decomposed organic matter will be a central thread throughout our work.

Our fascination of fungi and it’s ability to decompose organic matter, and to communicate and share nutrients throughout its mycelium threads, has opened up opportunities for visual exploration.

Megan’s wearable art and soft sculptures represent this fascinating connection between the human body, its decomposition as a natural matter, and the bodies visual similarities to the mycelium network. Natural and/or reused mediums have been utilised in this exploration to create playful and earthy pieces.

Jennifer’s paintings mimic the intricate patterns that are worked below the soil surface, from the branching patterns of the tree roots to the delicate mycelium fungi webs.

Inspired by the comparable visual and nutritional similarities of the fungi mycelium to the veins of the human body, Jennifer has illustrated these intricities in her works.

from the branching patterns of tree roots to the delicate mycelium structures of fungi.

Inspired by the comparable ability of the sharing of nutrients within the fungi mycelium webs and human veins, Jennifer also used thread like veins in her works.

Presented by The Spindle Tree

The Spindle Tree’s installation in the Lightbox is a “Looking Forward | Looking Back” over thirty years of creating beautiful fibre handicrafts, exhibiting craftsmanship and skills rarely seen. Classics, as well as contemporary design will be on display.

The Spindle Tree’s installation in the Lightbox is a “Looking Forward | Looking Back” over thirty years of creating beautiful fibre handicrafts, exhibiting craftsmanship and skills rarely seen.

Classics, as well as contemporary design will be on display.

Can you remember 35 years ago?

The 1st of June 1989 to be precise.

That’s the day The Spindle Tree opened its doors for the first time.

Way back when the members of the Guild wanted an outlet for their works, mainly weaving, so a group of Guild friends got together, discussing the possibility of a ‘shop’. So many questions to answer : where to open, costs, legality, membership, a co-op?

With the dedicated help of the Guild members a plan was formed. Meetings held. Mrs Sheila Beattie was by agreement voted Chair. Luckily her son Ian was a lawyer and was a great benefit in setting up the Co-Operative and how to frame the Constitution.

Today The Spindle Tree is still run on the same lines and conditions. Over the years many things have changed, but not the core objectives or values.

Tasmanian made. All natural fibres.

Where to place out ‘shop’? Not an easy task. Finally it was agreed the Salamanca Arts Centre would be ideal. The Spindle Tree was originally located where the main stairs are now. Eighteen months later The Spindle Tree moved to it’s present location in Space 009; it has been ‘home’ for over thirty years.

May 3 – 27

Daily opening times:

9am – 5pm Weekdays
10am – 3pm Weekends

An exhibition of work from home educated students

Every week home educated students come together to create art in a fun, social environment. This is our first class exhibition from students of all age groups.

Daily Opening Times:
Friday 19 – Monday 29 April 2024
10:00am – 5:00pm daily

Harriet Links‘ creative impulse comes from a boundless curiosity cultivated through interactions with people and the natural world. Her process is shaped from travel and an abundance of rich life experiences. She seeks to unravel the complexities of her identity and make sense of the evolving world that surrounds her.

Harriet Links, an emerging artist based in Hobart, Tasmania, finds her creative impulse rooted in a boundless curiosity cultivated through interactions with people and the natural world. Her process is shaped from travel and an abundance of rich life experiences. Harriet seeks to unravel the complexities of her identity and make sense of the evolving world that surrounds her.

Her artistic exploration delves into the intricacies of the human condition, shedding light on what it means to be a woman in today’s dynamic and ever-changing global landscape. Harriet’s work is a visual testament to the ongoing journey of self-discovery.

In her current artistic practice, she is fascinated by the juxtaposition of stillness and movement, focus and distraction. A recurring motif within her work is the equine form, serving as a figurative reference that symbolises the struggle between the constrained and the out-of-control aspects within every individual. The horse, embodying strength, flow, positive energy, aspiration, peace, and escapism, becomes a powerful conduit for connectedness and personal growth.

The abstract elements in Harriet’s work mirror the frantic disconnect prevalent in modern lives, providing a tangible representation of the chaos inherent in the quest for balance and meaning. Her intention is to create a space for contemplation, inviting viewers to reflect on their own journey and discover resonance inside the shared human experience. This quiet space is represented by a broad use of negative space within her work.

Harriet uses acrylics, and mixed media on canvas to transform the equine figure into a colourful reflection of her inner self. Each artistic choice becomes a visual narrative, unveiling human desires, and the daily struggles that shape our existence.

Daily opening times:
Saturday 30 March – Sunday 28 April 2024
Monday – Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturdays – Sundays 10:00am – 4:00pm
Public Holidays CLOSED

A series of dreamy landscapes by Jaclyn Poke, evoking a sense of awe and wonder experienced in beloved scenes of Tasmania.

“The beach near my home is where I see life unfolding; the revealing of age-old stories through nature. A presence that is infinitely more wise and powerful than me.

I am an artist, former teacher and current art therapist who lives on the NW coast of Tasmania. An art school graduate, I facilitate therapy sessions whilst pursuing my arts practice. I create abstract impressions of local landscape, based predominantly on the coastal area where I live.

In recent times I have been exploring places of sentimentality, that evoke a feeling of reminiscing. The landscape around me is full of childhood memories and significant events from my family’s history, so I am endeavouring to harness the energy from those moments and replicate the familiar from a childlike sense of wonder. My vision for this exhibition is to explore these local landscapes and create a series of abstracted visual narratives of my ‘home spaces’.

I have lived in Tasmania for most of my life, and am enjoying returning to the places of earlier significance, that have taken on new meaning and importance in my adult years. Hence why creating a romantic, dream-like quality to the work is an  important part of my creative process.”
– Jaclyn Poke

Daily Opening Times:
10 – 17 April 2024
10am – 5pm daily

Opening Event:
Friday 12 April 2024, 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Loud is an art exhibition by Aleks Crossan that celebrates boldness and vibrancy.

Loud is an invitation to experience art that shouts, urging you to embrace your authenticity and overcome the fear of being truly yourself. Through vivid colours and powerful strokes, each piece is a call to break free from conformity and discover your unapologetic self. It’s a gentle push to unlock the desire to be loud.

Opening Dates :
Wednesday 17 – Monday 22 April 2024 
9:00am – 5:00pm daily

Opening Event :
Tuesday 16 April 2024, 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Light, water, peace and quiet.

Reflections is an open letter to sunlight. Through Poppy Robinson’s eyes, sunlight is its own creature; swimming through the water and bouncing softly from the skin. In her work, Poppy explores the inevitable feelings of peace and regeneration that come with a quiet moment alone.

With a focus on physical sensation, Reflections seeks to capture a feeling of tranquility and warmth. An understanding that in nature, reliability and impermanence are intertwined and hidden within every rock, plant and drop of water.

Presented by John Hodgman

Opening Event :
Friday 5 April 2024, 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Exhibition to be opened by Ian Jeanneret, photographer, digital artist and printer, framer and previous gallery director and the music of Tasmanian guitarist, Phil Lawler, from Bach to Brouwer and from Chet Atkins to Django Rheinhardt.

This exhibition of oil and acrylic paintings by John Hodgman attempts to capture various aspects of the Tasmanian landscape.

“I have always loved the variety of scenery, from the coast to the mountains.

My involvement in environmental design, architecture, photography and bushwalking have influenced my keen interest in the continually changing environment.

The spirit of the place, the changing weather, light and the variety of locations always amazes me and has a profound impact on my feeling for this wonderful unique island.

The work is centred around my interest in the changing shapes, shadows and textures that are created by different light. I am not interested in realism and pursue an image that relies on imagination.

As a designer and conservationist, I believe in the balance between appropriate development and conservation.”
– John Hodgman

A peek at the many ways metal can be transformed when clever hands are let loose with hammers (and other tools).

Hammer and Hand is an icon of Salamanca; a metal worker’s collective which has been supporting emerging jewellers and blacksmiths, many straight from art school or TAFE, since its conception in 1995. Having seen 50 or so members over the years, it continues to be a crucible of intriguing, beautifully conceived and constructed, locally hand made objects, to wear, use or simply enjoy in your space.

“The World of Words” stands as an embodiment of cultural pride, an effort to share the wisdom and beauty of Islamic art with the world. Through Halima’s vision, we are encouraged to see beyond preconceived notions, to appreciate the art form for its inherent grace and significance.

In the realm of Halima’s artistic prowess, the canvas becomes a portal to a mesmerizing world – “The World of Words.” Through her exquisite Arabic calligraphy artworks, Halima extends an invitation to all, beckoning them to explore a universe inspired by ancient Islamic art. This series transcends mere visual aesthetics; it is a profound journey into the depths of meaningful words, each stroke echoing as a silent whisper of the soul.

Halima’s inspiration draws from the rich tapestry of Islamic art, breathing new life into a centuries-old tradition. The result is more than just visually stunning; it is an immersive experience, where words become vessels of profound meaning and beauty. In a world saturated with noise, “The World of Words” stands as a sanctuary for contemplation, a space where one can listen to the silent echoes of the heart.

The series is a testament to Halima’s commitment to unravelling the intrinsic beauty of Islamic art. Beyond the brushstrokes, she weaves a narrative that defies stereotypes and challenges misconceptions. Each carefully crafted word becomes a bridge between cultures, inviting a global audience to appreciate the elegance and depth found within Arabic calligraphy.

As the ink flows, so does a river of wisdom, carrying with it the heritage and cultural significance of Islamic art. Halima’s artistic odyssey is not merely about creating beautiful visuals; it is a conscious effort to share the soulful whispers embedded in each word. Through her work, she endeavors to dismantle stigmas associated with Muslims and Islamic art, replacing them with a celebration of the profound messages encapsulated within her creations.

In a world hungry for connection and understanding, “The World of Words” emerges as a beacon, offering a space where diversity is not only acknowledged but celebrated. Halima’s art transcends boundaries, fostering a deeper appreciation for the universal language embedded in Arabic calligraphy.

Step into the enchanting world Halima has crafted, where each word is a doorway to a cultural legacy and a testament to the power of art in breaking barriers. It is an artistic odyssey that encourages us to not only witness but immerse ourselves in the beauty of “The World of Words.”

PLEASE NOTE our lift is currently undergoing maintenance and repairs. Wheelchair access to levels 2 and 3 of the arts centre is currently unavailable.