15 March 2023

Bungendore's arts scene set to grow with new gallery opening

| Claire Sams
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Rushe Photography Gallery

Rushe Photography Gallery is set to open this week. Photo: Jerusha McDowell.

A new photography gallery is hosting an official opening this week – the latest example of proof that Bungendore’s art community is going from strength to strength.

Fine art photographer and filmmaker Jerusha McDowell said she was looking forward to the opening of her gallery to the community, called Rushe Photography Gallery.

“It’s been a lot of work, doing the renovations and everything, but to stand back and see your name on the door and to see it looking so beautiful and everything, it’s amazing.

“It’s a great feeling.”

The gallery is located inside The Malbon, a collective retail space that also hosts other artisans and businesses.

“It’s only recently opened and it’s still growing,” said Ms McDowell.

“It was started by a bunch of local entrepreneurs – there’s antiques, artists, artisan products, soap makers.”

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Rushe Photography Gallery will host Ms McDowell’s photographs, which focus on the environment around her life and rural life.

“I’m based in Bungendore, and my work celebrates Bungendore and the surrounding region, so I photograph across the Southern Tablelands and up into the Highlands.”

The official opening will be held on Thursday (16 March) from 6 pm, with The Malbon open for extended night trading as part of the celebrations.

Art fans will also be able to treat themselves to local wines and light refreshments as they view Ms McDowell’s work.

“The opening on Thursday is shaping up to be a really good night; I’m not quite sure how many people will get there, but it’s sounding pretty big at the moment!”

Recent weeks saw a soft opening that Ms McDowell said the community was quick to gather around.

“The reception has been unbelievable; I’ve had so much positive feedback from the community and people who’ve dropped in.”

The establishment of her gallery follows a search that took several months until she found the location, Ms McDowell said.

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“I knew, from the moment I saw it, it was perfect for the gallery.”

Renovation works were carried out on the site, which included painting the space, installing new lighting and dressing the outside facade and entryway.

The opening of Rushe Photography Gallery will mark the realisation of a long-held dream, said Ms McDowell.

“We’ve got some beautiful galleries in town, so it’s fantastic to be becoming a permanent part of that community.”

The Malbon is located at 2 Malbon Street in Bungendore, and is open 9:30 am to 5 pm, seven days a week.

The Rushe Photography Gallery’s official opening will take place at 6 pm on Thursday (March 16) at The Malbon, 2 Malbon Street, Bungendore. For more information on Rushe, head to the website.

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