23 February 2024

Coledale RSL becomes a gallery of bargains this weekend

| Dione David
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Painted portrait of Illawarra artist Skye Zaracostas

Detail of Self Portrait by Illawarra Association of the Visual Arts member T.S. Zaracostas. Photos: Skye Zaracostas.

For art collectors and anyone with a penchant for supporting local creatives, a once in a blue moon shopping event is coming to Coledale.

This weekend more than 20 artists from the Illawarra Association for the Visual Arts (IAVA) will be clearing out their studios to make way for new works, and the spoils will be brought to Coledale RSL at bargain prices.

It’s a chance to pick up original contemporary paintings, prints and sculptures “at crazy prices”, according to one of the artists – Skye Zaracostas (who works under the name T.S. Zaracostas).

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The 2024 Soho Art Prize finalist says while most people understand the value of an artist’s work, it can be cost prohibitive for some to own originals.

“I think a lot of people would love to own an original artwork, but it’s not always feasible,” she says.

“Members of IAVA are world-class artists, so this is really a chance to claim a one-off work of art or a very valuable print, something really beautiful, for yourself.”

Skye, who works out of Barracks Art Studio Thirroul and teaches at Wollongong Art Gallery, will be contributing 20 or so pieces to the sale.

Predominantly a painter, her style varies from contemporary to realism, and she often incorporates found objects and mixed media in her works, making them “highly textured”.

Many of her works have a distinct Illawarra flavour.

“One of my favourite things to paint is the Sandon Point sheds and I also painted a series on the Miners Cottage,” she says.

“I have painted many scenes of the Wollongong Harbour.

“Perhaps one of my biggest themes was the Port Kembla steelworks. I did a whole series of contemporary works on that.”

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Skye says patrons at the clearout sale will be delighted by both the diversity and the quality of the artworks on sale at the Studio Clearout.

“The IAVA is a group of highly respected artists. Their works are always unique. I’d be happy to hang any of their work in my home and have in fact, collected a fair few myself,” she says.

“And even if you’re not in the market for an artwork, it will still be worth a visit to the Coledale RSL. You may just discover your favourite local artist.”

The Illawarra Association for the Visual Arts Art Studio Cleanout Clearance Sale takes place this Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 February from 10 am to 3 pm at Coledale RSL.

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