THE Bulla Artists Gallery, which is breathing new life into recycled materials, has recently opened its doors to the public.

Operated by Joseph Barbera, the contemporary artist describes the gallery’s collection as “art, sculptures and oddities”.

Joseph told News Of The Area, the use of salvaged materials in both the art works and construction of the gallery itself, makes it unique.

“The whole building is done from recycled materials, the furniture I have built, the frames, my sculpturing, I like to use things that I find in the streets,” he said.

“I use the timber from furniture that people have thrown away and make my mirrors, I like to rescue timber and do something with it.”

Joseph, who is a master of pastels and acrylics, said the Bulahdelah gallery “has been a long time in the making”.

“I’ve been an artist for many years, I’ve now retired and I wanted a place to put all my art together,” he said.

“The collection was kept locked up in my garage and all around the house, I was the only person looking at it so I wanted somewhere to display it.”

With an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures and other pieces on show, Joseph said interest in the gallery was quickly growing, with many locals and tourists regularly visiting to admire the collection.

The gallery currently showcases Joseph’s artistic works, however there are plans for expansion, which could include featuring the works of other artists in the future.

Bulla Artists Gallery is located at 47A Stroud Street in Bulahdelah and is open Thursday and Friday afternoons, and Saturday and Sunday from 9.30am to 4.30pm.

Admission is free of charge.

 

By John SAHYOUN