Sarah Trousdale has wanted to turn her former-church home into a gallery ever since she discovered it.
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She bought the former Baptist church in Newstead about 15 years ago, which was built in the early 1900s.
Trousdale plans to showcase artwork from people of all abilities in the new artistic space, particularly as it is where she teaches art to people of all abilities from St Michael’s Association and Able Australia.
Work from her students will be part of the first exhibition on show at the Kimono Lounge. She encouraged them to pursue their unique artistic visions.
“I want people to see the ability, not the disability,” Trousdale said.
She had put “serious prices” on the artworks as the artistry to be respected and valued for their quality.
About 20 per cent of the profit from each artworks sold will go to Trousdale to pay for framing, but otherwise the money goes to the artist.
Walking around the space, there is an eclectic array of art, musical instruments – including an antique accordion – hats, original pews and a friendly, white cat called Puddah.
Kimono Lounge would be more than an art gallery, it would also be a space for musicians, artists, writers and poets to gather, work and teach, Trousdale said.
I want people to see the ability, not the disability.
- Kimono Lounge owner Sarah Trousdale
Often it could be a challenge for artists to find affordable areas to host workshops.
Trousdale hoped Kimono Lounge would provide a good option for the artistic community.
“I want it to be accessible to artists.”
She chose the name as she loved kimonos, Japanese culture and how it took time to appreciate nature and beauty.
Kimonos adorned the walls and a string of small kimonos fluttered outside the front door like prayer flags.
The Kimono Lounge at 99 Elphin Road will officially open on Sunday, April 8 between 1pm and 4pm.
Trousdale said people should expect to hear retro croon, swoon and pop with 5 Up The Drive, who would perform as people wandered around looking at fine art with a glass of wine.
The gallery would enter its peak time from September, although Trousdale said she planned to open the art space on the first Sunday of the month during winter.
Contact Trousdale on trousdalesarah@yahoo.com for further details about using the space or exhibiting artworks.