Sabbia Gallery - A Profile
Showcasing Contemporary Australian & New Zealand Ceramics and Glass
Oct 20, 2009
Sabbia Gallery opened in 2005, filling a gap left after the closure of Quadrivium late in the previous year. Owners Anna Grigson and Maria Grimaldi initially considered the option of creating a series of temporary exhibitions in different spaces. However, after investigating various possibilities, it became clear that the acquisition of a permanent space would serve their purpose far more effectively.
Surry Hills
The first year was one of experimentation with exhibitions and finding the best way to both nurture their artists and attract a long-term client base. Since these beginnings, they have developed an exhibition calendar that runs eight to nine shows back to back in the main gallery space, with four to five in a second smaller space. There is an even balance of group shows and solo exhibitions so that individual artists can maintain a regular presence on the Sydney scene.
Sabbia’s stable includes ceramicists Jeff Mincham, Janet deBoos, Angela Valamamanesh and newcomers Tania Rollond and Honor Freeman. Glass is represented by Giles Bettison, Wendy Fairchild and Nick Mount, among others.
An important aspect of Sabbia’s representation of its artists is the consultative work maintained by Grigson, building contacts with the corporate world and negotiating commissions. This continues Grigson’s work in consultancy and collection management, adding to the layers of activity that ensure best possible practice for the gallery. Since 2006, they have held Masterclass exhibitions, showcasing the cream of their ceramic and glass artists. These are themed, bringing together a selection of the Sabbia stable who are exploring similar ideas in their work.
The gallery has been situated in the inner Sydney suburb of Surry Hills, which contains an eclectic mix of high density housing, warehouses, outlet shopping and a growing restaurant culture. Object Gallery, NSW’s hub of contemporary craft and design is not far away. However, it is a little off the beaten track in the small gallery fine arts world. Despite this, the gallery has achieved international recognition growing to hold a reputation for consistency for the excellence of its artists and exhibitions.
November 2009 sees a major shift with a change of venue. The gallery will relocate to historic Paddington, Sydney’s fine arts enclave. They will move into a corner terrace that was the previous home of Janet Mansfield’s highly regarded Ceramic Art Gallery until her retirement. The move will bring a change to the dynamic of the local galleries, which predominantly show two-dimensional works.
First Exhibition in the New Premises
The new look Sabbia Gallery will open on November 6 with Maestro, an exhibition of Australian studio glass and ceramics.
 |
