Louis Joel Gallery

Louis Joel Gallery champions local art and local artists, developing a diverse program of visual arts exhibitions that reflect the creativity and originality of our community. Through projects and programming Louis Joel Gallery supports artists at all stages of their career to produce and show work in an inclusive and supportive environment.

Louis Joel Gallery is housed within the Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre, a vibrant community owned and operated not for profit organisation located on the site of the old Altona Hospital. As such, we look for arts programming that supports local community engagement and assists community development.

Exhibitions & Events

West of the Bridge

Paul McVeigh
Opening Event: Saturday 15th March 1pm
Featuring live performances & spoken word from celebrated Australian writer and lecturer Marion May Campbell
15th - 30th March 2025

Spaciality. Sometimes we use the word style or creativity to broadly define our understanding of categories, in the context of defining various differences between artworks and the idiosyncrasies of different artists.
The Idiosyncratic 'spaciality' of it all in relation to "Between two Points" and other aspects of the Australian land mass. "Between Two Points" is from the Porters paint series, by Paul McVeigh.
There is no ambitious technique, it is unsophisticated, a painting constructed from its singularity and compositional analogues.

As Plato and Aristotle summarised...Artists provide us with a view of nature and the world and is a poor relative to the real thing. Renaissance, "trompe d'ceil", the trick of the eye, illusion of fixed points of reference, give us the pivots on which we frame our references.
Painting is not just a rendering. It references those places as a kind of narrative unto the paint. Technique is not the prime focus of the process. The crafting of the work, however is relevant.

Image (cropped) courtesy of Paul McVeigh

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5 x 7 Art Prize

Hobsons Bay Art Society
Group Exhibition
Opening event: Friday 4th April 7pm
5th - 23rd April 2025

In its 11th year, the 5X7 (five by seven) Art Prize features postcard-sized artworks created by artists from Melbourne’s Western Region, and includes a separate competition for 10 Hobsons Bay schools. Proudly presented by Hobsons Bay Arts Society with support from Hobsons Bay City Council, Atelier Art Supplies and Louis Joel Arts & Community, this popular community art event is not to be missed! The theme for 2025 is Patterns.

Image (cropped) courtesy of Hobsons Bay Art Society

Three Artists: One Journey

Altona Artisans @ LJAC Ceramic Studio
Group Exhibition
Opening event: Saturday 26th April 1pm
26 April - 14 May 2025

Bringing together the unique yet interconnected works of Amanda, Ilona, and Juan; through ceramics, mosaics, wood, and clay sculptures, this exhibition explores the shared creative journey of three artists shaping raw materials into expressive forms. As Altona Artisans @ LJAC - Ceramic Studio, we not only create but also share our passion through workshops, fostering a space for learning and artistic exploration. Amanda’s intricate mosaics piece together colour and texture, telling stories through fragments. Juan’s ceramics celebrate the fluidity and strength of clay, capturing both tradition and innovation. Ilona’s sculptures, crafted from wood and clay, speak of transformation and organic movement. Three Artists, One Journey invites viewers to experience this dialogue, where art becomes a reflection of touch, time, and vision. Image (cropped) courtesy of Altona Artisans

Nature is a Home: A Community Exhibition

Seeking Expression of Interests!

Nature is a home, and home is more than a location – it’s a story we tell and retell. A story shaped by memory, community, survival and care.

Coinciding with Louis Joel Arts & Community’s 20-year anniversary in 2025, the Louis Joel Gallery is seeking expressions of interest for a group exhibition exploring the connections between care for community and care for nature – a home that houses us all.

More Info Here

In Conversation With

Our latest artist talk with Varga Hosseini now available online!

We enjoy hosting our exhibiting artists for talks, performances, workshops, or demonstrations. Watch our latest interviews with exhibiting artists such as Dovey Dee, Stu Thomas & Ceardai Demelza, on our Youtube Channel at the link below.

Image from 'In Conversation with': Varga Hosseini during his collaborative exhibition with Fari Hosseini 'Light Touch'.

Watch Here

Exhibit with Us

Louis Joel Gallery

The Louis Joel Gallery is a unique exhibition space in the heart of Altona. Situated within the Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre, a community-owned not-for-profit venture in the site of the old Altona Hospital, Louis Joel Gallery has a mandate to support local artists and represent the interests and concerns of our community. While preference may be given to residents of Melbourne's western suburbs, the gallery also hosts a number of interstate artists and travelling exhibitions each year. Louis Joel Gallery welcomes established and emerging artists of mediums and forms. Arts programming at Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre is dedicated to inclusion and aims to continually produce artistic programming that meaningfully supports artists from underrepresented communities. As a part of this commitment we offer a sliding scale rate of payment for First Nations artists and community-based exhibitions.

Prospective exhibitors should refer to the Gallery Terms & Conditions and send a completed Expression of Interest form to gallery@ljac.com.au.

Image of: Group Exhibition 'In Conversation' from 2023, curated by Tara Glastonbury

Expression of Interest

Emerging Artist Wall

The Emerging Artist Wall is a space that showcases the talent of student and emerging artists from within our local community. In this free offering, artists are invited to present a small vignette of completed works, gaining exhibition skills while introducing their works to our creative community. Each emerging artist is invited to exhibit for a month and provided with opportunities to participate in installs in the Louis Joel Gallery, attend launches and events, and receive mentoring and advice to the benefit of their artistic practice and career. Emerging artists also have te option of listing their works for sale through our gallery shop over the course of their residence.

To register your interest to become a Louis Joel Emerging Artist email gallery@ljac.com.au.

Image of: Zoran Babic's Emerging Artist Wall Exhibition

Gallery Shop

Calling All Designers, Artists & Makers

We are seeking applications for a range of original, handmade, local and innovative small artworks & products to feature in our Gallery Shop. All mediums welcome. We strongly encourage applications from First Nations, LGBTQIA+ and emerging artists and creatives.

Image Credit: Tyran Kouka of Lilt Jewellery

Expression of Interest

Shop Local

Looking for a gift for someone special? Browse our wide range of jewellery, books, ceramics & small sculptures at our Gallery Shop. Buying from our shop will directly make an impact on our community of local extraordinary makers, designers and artists as well as our not-for-profit centre. We are committed to being a platform or launchpad for local makers to make their work known in the local Altona community.

Image featuring resin vases by artist Uniqmoho

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Past Exhibitions

West of the Bridge

Altona: Shadow & Light

Ronaldo San Andres
Opening Event: Saturday 22nd Feb 12pm Meet the Artist: Sunday 2nd March 12pm - 2pm
22nd February - 12th March 2025

‘Altona: Shadow and Light’ is a series of paintings capturing the beauty, mood and drama of a particular scene in Altona through shadows and lights. In Ronaldo San Andres' experience, shadows and lights are more powerful getting attention than the intricate detail of a scene.
Image (cropped) courtesy of Ronaldo San Andres.

Nonlimerent // Monosexual: An Aromantic and Asexual History

Curated by Luciella Scarlett in collaboration with Emily Busch & Kate Wood
Opening Event: Saturday 1st Feb 1pm
1st February - 20th February 2025

In February 2025, the Louis Joel Gallery will celebrate 10 years since the Victorian Aces (now Aces+ Melbourne) first marched in the annual Midsumma pride parade with a history and art exhibition focused on the A in LGBTQIA+.

Image (cropped) courtesy of Luciella Scarlett.

Q Art Project

Wyndham Youth Services Q Program
Thursday 16th January - Wednesday 29th January 2025

The Q Art Project is an LGBTQIA+ self-expression initiative designed to showcase the artistic talents and voices of rainbow-identifying youth aged 12-25 who have a connection to Wyndham or Hobsons Bay. This youth-led project is driven by the Wyndham Youth Services Q Program, and supported by Hobsons Bay Youth Services, with young people and community members actively involved in producing the work Image (cropped) courtesy of Wyndham City Council

Learning Curve

Hobsons Bay Art Society
Group Exhibition
Opening event: Friday 6th Dec 7pm
7th December - 20th December

A celebration of artistic development enjoyed by artists attending HBAS art classes and groups throughout 2024.

Image courtesy of Hobsons Bay Art Society

We Are Made of Stars

Amanda Ruck, featuring collaborative works with poet Beata Frey Taylor & visual artist/designer Simon Bowland
26th October - 5th December

Amanda Ruck has spent many years looking up at the sky, tilting her head, squinting into the sun, working out how light and colours define clouds.
Amanda uses cloudy weather patterns as a vehicle for emotion. Her dark broody landscapes provide a ballast for a window of light, allowing the viewer to contemplate where the path leads, or what is over the horizon.

Image courtesy of Amanda Ruck.

Secundum Artem

Vincenza Fazzalori & Lee Agius
4th October - 24th October
Opening event: Saturday, 5th October 2024

A collaborative exhibition between Artful Warrior/Lee Agius, Visual Arts Together/ Vincenza Fazzalori, and 18 artists from across Melbourne's West. Collectively, the work reframes the notion of Identity through the lens of ableism, place & space.

Image courtesy of artists.

Annual Showcase

Hobsons Bay Art Society
13th September - 3rd October

The artists of Hobsons Bay Arts Society are proud to present their latest works in their collaborative “Annual Showcase” exhibition. With a diverse mix of styles and mediums, there will be something for everyone in this wonderful collection of creativity.

Image from current exhibition: 'Annual Showcase' by Hobsons Bay Art Society

Light Touch

Fari and Varga Hosseini
Opening Saturday 24th August 1pm
Artist Talk Thursday 5th September 2pm
24th August - 12th September 2024
Inspired by twentieth-century art, literature, and cinema, the collaborative paintings in this exhibition trace the effect of light on coloured, patterned, tactile, and reflective surfaces. Be informed of opening event details by signing up to our newsletter.

Art on the Edge

Donna Summers
3rd August - 22nd August 2024
Artist for over 45 years, local and former Pier St business owner of Smart Artz has an extensive background exploring many artforms and mediums; from life drawing, photography, graphic design, screen printing, oil painting and now fluid art, producing stunning results with colours and movement.

Donate Today

We are proud to have been supporting the community of Hobsons Bay for almost 20 years by delivering affordable arts, culture & leisure programs. You can make a direct impact to your community by donating to Louis Joel Arts & Community.

Donate Today

Louis Joel Gallery

Exhibitions & Events

West of the Bridge

5 x 7 Art Prize

Three Artists: One Journey

Nature is a Home: A Community Exhibition

In Conversation With

Exhibit with Us

Louis Joel Gallery

Emerging Artist Wall

Gallery Shop

Calling All Designers, Artists & Makers

Shop Local

Past Exhibitions

West of the Bridge

Altona: Shadow & Light

Nonlimerent // Monosexual: An Aromantic and Asexual History

Q Art Project

Learning Curve

We Are Made of Stars

Secundum Artem

Annual Showcase

Light Touch

Art on the Edge

Donate Today

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