When Margot Baird moved to Launceston and set up Gallery Pejean on George Street, she sorted out the basics quickly.
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She jumped at the opportunity to be in the Launceston central business district, and soon she had a space and equipment.
“Then I thought, now I had to find artists,” Baird said.
She had a clear vision of what she wanted to set up and started approaching innovative and unique Tasmanian artists she hoped to feature.
More than five years later, Gallery Pejean represents about 35 established and emerging artists, some have had their work shown in multiple exhibitions and others see their work displayed publicly for the first time in the George Street space.
Every four weeks a new exhibition is unveiled, with Launceston artist and Glover Prize finalist Leoni Duff’s work featuring in the gallery until late April.
Baird, through the gallery, has been an active part of the Launceston arts scene for several years.
While creating a similar space was on her mind for years, Baird said it wasn’t viable to set up a gallery until she was happy to stay in an area for longer than five years.
The Launceston art scene was tight-knit with other gallery owners and directors happy to help out if needed, she said.
Arriving in the city, Baird was surprised there were not more art galleries in Launceston.
“I heard it was the arts isle,” she said.
It made her determined to set up a gallery that would represent a diverse array of Tasmanian talent, she said.
“Business gets better and better.”
Baird has been in the arts industry “forever”.
She discovered her passion for art at an early age.
“Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve been drawing.”
She is a practising artist, art teacher, lecturer, art collector and interior designer.
Being an artist helped her manage the gallery, she said.
“I know how to treat artists.”
Baird hoped by providing strong representation of Tasmanian artists in a prominent Launceston gallery that their art would reach a greater audience locally and globally.
“The market here is different from the market in Melbourne or Perth,” she said.
That meant she adapted to showcase slightly more conservative works that appealed to many in the community.
Baird is approached by mainland artists regularly to display their artworks.
However, she has been steadfast in her decision to showcase only Tasmanian artists at Gallery Pejean.
“There’s so much talent here,” Baird said.
“If I don’t promote Tasmanian artists, I think who will?”
- Gallery Pejean will display Glover Prize finalist Leoni Duff’s latest exhibition Book of Seasons until April 21.
- Backstage Pass is a series recognising the dedicated people behind the Tasmanian arts scene. Email t.brunton@fairfaxmedia.com.au to nominate someone.