MAG is a Must-See Art Gallery
We are fortunate in Victoria to not only have the National Gallery of Victoria which regularly hosts world class exhibitions but to have an abundance of good quality regional galleries. MAG, the Meeniyan Art Gallery, with its three separate galleries, is certainly an art space of note. The question for Melburnians is not why would you drive to Meeniyan to visit the art gallery, the question is why wouldn't you? I'm going to talk about the gallery but this beautiful town is a must-see destination. Check out
Top 15 Reasons to Visit Meeniyan.
MAG - Image from MAG Meeniyan Art Gallery Facebook Page
I've visited MAG several times and it never disappoints. The curators and the volunteer workforce that run the gallery are to be commended. The gallery changes its exhibitions on a regular basis, a great excuse to go to Meeniyan more often. The historic building that houses MAG was built in the 1890s and moved to its current position by bullock dray in 1900. The building operated as both baker and butcher until 1954. It was purchased in late 2000 to house the art gallery. The floors and walls are the original Baltic Pine, and the butcher's marble slabs are still in place in the front window.
MAG - Meeniyan Art Gallery - Photo copyright Gayle Beveridge-Marien
, seven days a week (including Tuesdays.)
Gallery One houses 'The View From Here' by Jarl Line. The artist is offering a series of fine art landscape and seascape photographs taken in the South Gippsland area. Long exposure has been used to great effect and infra-red images appear surreal, even magical. I was particularly impressed with the artist's use of light. Spend time here to take in the form and texture of the images. My favourite was 'Misty Morning.'
The View from Here by Jarl Line - Image from the MAG Meeniyan Art Gallery Facebook Page
I won't claim to have any qualification to analyse artworks, I judge them based on personal likes and dislikes. Jenny Peterson's work is like nothing I have seen before. Jenny uses background blends of tone and texture and incorporates delicate plants. My favourite, 'Terre Pinus', was one of a pair of large works, a cross-section of ground, with a juxtaposition of the plant above and its roots below.
Nature Walk by Jenny Peterson - Image from the MAG Meeniyan Art Gallery Facebook Page
Owen's photography is a representation of rustic urban demonstrated by close ups of faded and deteriorated surfaces. His ceramics are a mix of what we might call the norm, bowls you might find on the table, and the artistic. Shapes and glaze are rendered imperfect and to me, many of the works had the appearance of antiquities. Owen has also penned an autobiography, which is on sale at the gallery.
The Variety Show by Owen Rye - Image from the MAG Meeniyan Art Gallery Facebook Page
offers an eclectic mix of local arts and crafts for sale, including jewellery, textiles, ceramics, paintings and woodwork. I was particularly tempted on my last visit by some life size wrens carved in wood and polished to a brilliant shine. Even if you don't intend to spend anything, it's worth having a good look as most of these small offerings are superb artworks in their own right.
A small section of the Gallery Shop - Photo copyright Gayle Beveridge-Marien
At the time of writing, the following exhibitions were scheduled for the remainder of 2023.
The February exhibitions run from 1st to 27th February 2023. Gallery One will house 'Embracing Grey' by Lynn Berry and Margaret Knight.
Gallery Two will house 'Detours and Diversions' by Dijanne Cevaal and
Gallery Three will house 'The Nature of Stitch' by Chris Beehag.
The October 2023 exhibitions.Gallery One will house works by Sharman Feinberg and Chris Wray.
Gallery Two will house works by Bruce Plant.
Gallery Three will house works by Peter Jordan.
MAG Meeniyan Art Gallery - Photo copyright Gayle Beveridge-Marien
Gallery One will house works by Linda Shaw.
Gallery Two will house works by Lizzy Rich.
Gallery Three will house works by David Bell.
The December 2023 exhibitions.
Gallery One will house the Christmas Creatives program with Sue Gilford, Jo Cook, Kerry Spokes, Carly Meade, Lisa Churchward, Deanne Howlett, and Jennie-Maree Tempest.
Gallery Two will house works by Eirian Chapman.
Gallery Three will house works by Maryann Plankovic.
Creative Christmas 2022 - Lisa Churward - Image from MAG Meeniyan Art Gallery Facebook Page
MAG is at 84 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan, VIC, 3956. Opening hours are 10am to 4pm, Wednesday to Monday (Closed Tuesdays and Christmas Day) for February to December and the gallery is open seven days a week in January. Entry is free. Artworks are for sale. You can contact the gallery on (03) 5664 0101 or
click here to visit their website or
click here to visit their Facebook page.
The Gallery in the historic building - Photo copyright Gayle Beveridge-Marien
Meeniyan is around 150 kilometres (about 2 hour's drive) from the Melbourne CBD along the South Gippsland Highway. From the South-Eastern suburbs, it is around 100 kilometres or just over an hour's drive.
Accommodation options include
Meeniyan Motel, Ricky's Meeniyan, Campania of Meeniyan, and
Ross Farm.
You'll even find art at the Community Garden in Meeniyan - Photo copyright Gayle Beveridge-Marien
Meeniyan offers free Wi-Fi within the confines of the town.
Click here for a map and more details. Mobile phone charging is available at Tanderra Park and in the Public Toilets at the Meeniyan Hall on the South Gippsland Highway.
For more information regarding the town and its facilities and its history, visit the
Meeniyan page of the South Gippsland Wonderland Website or the
Meeniyan Community Website.
There is car parking on both sides of the business and shopping strip as you enter on the South Gippsland Highway (Whitelaw Street.)
