Fehily Contemporary

The launch of Fehily Contemporary in Collingwood this month adds a new voice to Melbourne’s diverse arts scene. The gallery will represent a diverse range of artists and promises to be a refreshing and innovative space for all to enjoy the world of contemporary art.

Situated in a large converted warehouse in Glasshouse Road, the gallery comprises two flexible exhibition spaces – the street level Glasshouse Gallery, featuring an outdoor atrium, and the more intimate first floor Loft Gallery. The art can also be experienced in a leisurely and friendly way over coffee in the comfortable lounge.

Fehily Contemporary is the vision of Director Lisa Fehily and her husband Ken, a respected tax advisor, both passionate and knowledgeable collectors of local and international contemporary art.

“Art has been a central and enriching part of our lives,” Lisa said. “Opening the gallery allows us to share that with a wider audience by creating a platform for the exploration of contemporary art. We want a place that encourages discussion, education and debate, and allows others to begin or continue their journey with art without having to feel awkward.”

Fehily Contemporary launches with 17 represented artists, including the environmentally focused Ash Keating, large-scale collage artist Sally Smart, New Zealand sculptor Gregor Kregar and Indigenous collective proppaNOW.

The year-round program will include parallel exhibitions running simultaneously across the two gallery spaces, ensuring the mix of works on display is constantly changing. New programs aimed at nurturing new generations of collectors and curators are also being developed, together with a sprinkling of music and performance.

“We want to offer a different way of presenting art that will inspire new and experienced art lovers alike,” Lisa said. “We’re not only offering an accessible path for new collectors, we’re hoping to change some established perspectives – we’d love to make Baby Boomers feel just as comfortable as Gen Ys with our contemporary art program.”

Prior to the launch of the Collingwood gallery, Lisa held exhibitions in her CBD home under the banner Fehily Temporary – something she will continue to do occasionally.

“Being able to present art in our family home was a really special experience,” Lisa explained. “It’s an intimate environment that offers a different context in which the art can be viewed.”

Fehily Contemporary artists

Belle Bassin
Graham Brindley
Nick Devlin
Angela Ellsworth (US)
Brett Graham (NZ)
Ash Keating
Veronica Kent
Gregor Kregar (NZ)
Richard Lewer
Ricky Maynard
Ms&Mr
Scott Miles
Sonia Payes
Patrick Pound
proppaNOW
Lisa Reihana (NZ)
Sally Smart