Pop up gallery heading to quirky Cowaramup fuel store

 The service station has been under the care and direction of Anthony Dean and Renee de Voogd for the past three years, and this month will become the location of a new collaboration between South West artists for the Margaret River Region Open Studios event.

Already a bustling hub for caffeine seekers, cyclists, local shoppers and of course, those stopping to fuel up, The Golden Jersey celebrates the history of the town, and the building’s past life. 

“There is simply so much history here and we wanted to retain as much as possible, while making this a place that people can gather, hang out and catch up with locals,” Ms de Voogd said.

Part of that direction has been the inclusion of the Settlers Ridge Organic Wines tasting bar, where owner Kaye Nobbs is on hand to help passing customers enjoy a leisurely wine tasting – even if they’re just stopping to replace their bike tyre.

“It has been lovely for us here, being a part of The Golden Jersey and it has meant we can continue with cellar door operations following the sale of the building we occupied for many years,” Mrs Nobbs explained. 

Artists Anita Revel and Natalie Briney will set up shop at the multi-use space, where they will exhibit and work on current pieces, stopping to chat with people on the South West art trail. 

Both said they were looking forward to getting out of their regular studios and having the chance to meet locals as well as visiting art-trippers.

"I’m really looking forward to getting some work done while I’m here, but I am also keen to chat to people and hear what they have to say,” said Ms Briney, who returns to the Open Studios program after a successful residence at Adinfern Estate last year.

Ms Revel said she was excited to be on the main street of Cowaramup where locals and tourists regularly stop by, and that the Golden Jersey was a great venue for the collective.

“We’re planning to install a great big dreamcatcher that I’ve made which will go up high here in the shop and will hopefully be a bit of a statement piece, along with all the other items we’re bringing in.”

The eclectic nature of both artists’ work – Revel with her ornately decorated doors and reclaimed pieces alongside Briney’s hauntingly pretty and expressive canvases – sits perfectly in the ‘something for everyone’ vibe of the old petrol station.

Housing a bicycle repair shop and an artist in residence while stocking essential groceries and serving fine coffee alongside local organic wines while still retaining the rustic charm of it’s 1960s fuel bowsers and assorted collectibles might sound unfocused – but in the ever-unique Cowaramup community, it works like a charm. 

The Golden Jersey Pop-Up Gallery opening is on Thursday April 26 at The Golden Jersey, 60 Bussell Highway, Cowaramup from 4pm until 5.30pm, with wine tastings from Settlers Ridge and gelato samples from the Gelato Buonissimo cart. 

For info visit www.facebook.com/goldenjerseycowaramup