A unique art space housed in a converted stone crusher site, Hoppers Gallery is located in the heart of Maldon at the end of a long winding driveway.
Industrial in appearance the gallery is set on the side of a hill overlooking a small lake; the result of the owners (Hannelore and Werner Lau) vision.
Artist Promoters Vivien Pells and Chris Moule promote and sell works produced by mainly goldfields artists. The pair originally intended to use the space for a temporary exhibit in 2021 but they enjoyed it so much they decided to stay on.
Vivien and Chris have a variety of artwork at any one time and choose artists that use different mediums and different approaches to their creations which produces an interesting and inspiring experience.
“We like to make every visit an adventure,” said Vivien.
There are currently 11 artists on display at the gallery including Lyn Cooke’s brightly coloured work, Birds of Perfection, and Leonie Auhl’s hand-coloured prints using linocuts, monotypes, and collagraph’s.
There is a large body of work from Serge Daeffler, who began painting in 1970, working as a full-time artist since 2009, and sadly passing away in July.
“We promised him on his deathbed that we would make sure his work made its way to houses where it will be loved,” said Chris.
Another spectacular, albeit smaller, display at the gallery features Mal Gilmour’s intricately painted miniatures. Mal left his career as a flight service officer at Melbourne Airport to pursue his career as an artist, spending the past 50 years painting Australian landscapes on large canvas’ but during lockdowns in 2021, Mal directed his creativity towards miniature paintings.
Joe Jakitsch’s brilliant landscapes in acrylic and gouache show the freedom in his hand are worth visiting and Chris and Vivien have their own works on display; landscapes in oil and watercolour.
Hoppers Gallery is located at 8 Vincents Road Maldon. Open Wednesdays 10 am-4 pm, Saturdays 10 am-4 pm, Sundays 12 pm-4 pm.