If you’re an art fiend, a trip to the Dandenong Ranges is not complete without enjoying the work of local artists.
You can see craftsmanship at work yourself, with open studios in their galleries looking out onto the picturesque landscape during spring.
Whether it be buying hand-crafted goods like accessories, tote bags, or beautiful paintings, it would be hard not to find a gallery suited to your taste.
There are art galleries throughout the Dandenong Ranges that boast locally-made products and works for you to either purchase, or admire, on your trip through the mountains.
A ten minute drive from each other, the artist’s villages prove an easy stop on a day out.
Olinda
Emma Jennings Gallery off Mount Dandenong Tourist Road offers an array of large and small original paintings on handmade Japanese papers.
With limited edition archival prints, greeting cards, as well as antique Japanese ceramics and textiles on display, you can also spend time with Emma seeing her at work with tiny brushes and handmade paper, and flip through her sketchbook for a unique and memorable and unique experience.
After experiencing the vibrant Emma Jennings gallery you can also drop into Helene Campbell’s Tall Trees Studio next door.
A jeweller and gold/silversmith, who also sells goods from other independent Victorian artists, Helene runs a shop-front with pendants, lamps and accessorie for sale, to keep for yourself or gift to friends and family.
Sassafras
Just down the road Olinda in Sassafras lies JCDC Gallery run by Jacqui Christians as well as Avant Garden.
JDCD Gallery is home to botanical art; with both abstract, colourful and realistic landscapes on canvas, while Avant Garden’s gallery is local growers nursery and artists gallery.
For a mixture of fresh air and mood-lifting colour, combine gallery and outdoor activities on your venture to Sassafras.
Avant Garden is located at 363 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road, Sassafras, with JCDC Gallery just next door at 2/361 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road.
Kallista
In the small, cosy town of Kallista you’ll find a collaborative studio space owned by a group of six artists and friends, who providing tarot readings and a run shop called ‘Leaf Studios,’ selling wearables, jewellery, original drawings and prints.
You can even pick up homewares at ‘Leaf Studios’ while you journey around town.
You can find ‘Leaf Studios’ on 77 Monbulk Road, Kallista
Kalorama
Kapi Art Space’s gallery and studio is home to art classes including ‘Paint & Pinot,’ and team building painting workshop, also selling local works.
If you’re keen to book in a class over spring, make sure to visit managing director Heather Bradbury’s website at https://www.kapiartspace.com/
Kapi Art Space is located at 1282 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Kalorama.
Belgrave
The Sherbrooke Artist Society’s spring show will be in full swing from October through to December 2022, where you can see the work of local artists exhibiting over works of art utilising a range of mediums.
The gallery, is considered a key destination for visitors looking to explore culture and art in the Dandenong Ranges, also providing members and visiting artists with a light and spacious exhibition space set at the edge of the breathtaking Sherbrooke Forest.
The gallery has a constant changing display of over 300 works of art for sale.
Sherbrooke Artists Society is located at 62 Monbulk Road, Belgrave.
