Creativity Curated - Keeping Art AliveKeeping Art Alive: The Realities, Challenges & Joys of Supporting Local Creative Spaces Port Macquarie has long been home to vibrant artists, loyal art lovers, and creative spaces that help connect the two. For 50 years now, Sunset Framing & Gallery has played its part—sometimes as a busy gallery filled with exhibitions, other times as a community-minded framing business doing what it can to keep the doors open and the lights on through pandamics and social changes. This blog isn’t just an update. It’s a heartfelt check-in from us to you. We want to share the why behind some of our recent changes, show you what we’ve brought back due to popular demand, and shine a light on the services and opportunities we’re offering to keep creativity visible and viable in our region. Because if we’ve learned anything over the past five decades, it’s this: So let’s talk about what’s changing, what’s coming back, and how you can be a part of keeping the creative spirit alive.
For 50 years, Sunset Framing & Gallery has been a pillar of the arts in different ways here in Port Macquarie. Over the decades, we've evolved—sometimes thriving as a dominant art gallery, other times as more of a picture framing business supporting artists and back again. We've adapted as technology advanced, as the internet became more accessible, and as social media reshaped how artists connect with audiences. Adapting isn’t a choice; it’s a necessity in business. The rise of online shopping, accelerated by COVID, fundamentally changed how people buy art and framing services. Customers who once exclusively shopped in person were forced online, and many never returned to brick-and-mortar stores in the same way. This shift impacted businesses like ours in profound ways.
The Changing Face of Our Business Model Sunset Gallery has transitioned from being a picture framing shop to an art gallery with a framing service to a framing & art business to more recently an art and picture framing business that supports local arts in way that responds to client demands and shopping trends. Today, while we remain committed to showcasing local talent, the financial realities of maintaining a physical space have led us to restructure once again. Here’s the unpopular truth that many may not realize: keeping wall space available for artists comes at a significant cost. If we break it down to square meter value in income versus expenses, the financial strain is evident. Over the years, we’ve heard artists say, “There aren’t enough spaces to exhibit.” But is it a lack of spaces, or is it that the opportunities provided haven’t been supported enough to survive? As a family owned bricks and mortar business we dont get govenment grants of council funding, it comes from our own swaet and tears. Many galleries and artist-run spaces have closed simply because they weren’t utilized or financially viable . At Sunset Framing & Gallery, we’ve made sacrifices to ensure there is still space available—but we can only continue to do so if it is used.
Why We’re Making These Changes As our business model shifts again, some have questioned why more space is now dedicated to our own stock. The answer is simple: to keep our doors open. If we cannot sustain our business, there won’t be any space left for artists at all. That’s the reality. However, we remain deeply committed to supporting local artists. We continue to offer an exhibition space at a heavily subsidized rate. Artists can further reduce costs by partially manning their exhibitions or opting for our team to manage sales and inquiries on commission. This space will only remain available if it is actively used. If artists don’t book it, we will need to pivote that space again. Business moves in ebbs and flows. If viability for us to fund exhibitions from our own pockets rises again, we will adapt as we always have. But for now, we must focus on our core services—framing, art-related services, and an online gallery model that provides artists with broader exposure in a more sustainable way for our bricks and mortar business.
A Business Built on Passion, Not Profit We love our arts community. We always have. But the reality is that running a business is demanding. As Business Curator, I am a creative too—but I don’t always get to social events or mingle in external creative circles. That’s not because I don’t care; it’s because we are working tirelessly to provide for our family and keep this business alive for the community that uses and supports it. This isn’t about a lavish lifestyle—it’s about passion, resilience, and commitment to something greater than ourselves. Sunset Framing & Gallery isn’t here to profit off artists; we are here to serve the community, provide a platform, and keep a space open for creativity in whatever form is both viable and utilized. If you don’t use it, you lose it That’s the bottom line. The opportunities we offer—exhibition space, mentorship, discounted framing for local artists, and community engagement—only exist if artists and the public support them. We are incredibly proud (even if exhausted most days) to have kept our doors open while many in our industry have had to close or downsize. But the future of local art spaces isn’t just in our hands—it’s in yours. How we continue to serve the arts community depends entirely on the level of engagement and support we receive. If you believe in the value of local art spaces, show up, book the space, attend events, and invest in local creativity. Because at the end of the day, Sunset Framing & Gallery is here for the community—now lets look at a few ways you can support the arts community and the space.
Art Wall Hire Returns: A Revived Opportunity for Local Artists and Curators At Sunset Framing & Gallery, we’ve always believed in evolving with the creative community around us. And sometimes, that evolution means returning to what once worked beautifully. Our new Art Wall Hire isn’t a brand-new idea—it’s a refreshed version of a flexible model we offered back in the early 2000s, when artists were looking for accessible, affordable ways to share their work with the public. Back then, it helped many creatives build confidence, test new work, and learn the ropes of running their own exhibitions. Now, after hearing similar requests once again, we’ve decided to bring it back. This time, the model is sharper, simpler, and shaped around today’s art scene—because while the tools have changed, the need for space and support hasn’t. Why We’re Reintroducing the Art Wall Hire Over the past year, we’ve seen a clear rise in artists asking for smaller, short-term spaces they can manage themselves. Some are looking to launch new collections without the pressure of a full exhibition. Others want a space to dip their toes into curating or to share their work in a physical setting after years of being online. Rather than watching this need go unmet, we decided to adapt—again. This wall is our way of saying yes to those creatives who are ready to step forward, take charge of their own showcase, and make use of a professional, established space without all the strings attached. Who This Is For This opportunity is ideal for:
Whether you’re emerging, experimenting, or simply eager to connect with the public—this is a space to make your own. How It Works
A Proven Idea, Brought Back for a New Creative Climate This isn’t a trend or a gimmick—it’s a return to something that worked, back when the creative landscape called for it. And once again, we’re seeing that same need arise. Artists want flexibility. They want a way to engage with the community without barriers. They want to take creative risks, and they want to do it in a space that supports them. We’ve listened—and we’re responding by reintroducing something simple, supportive, and sustainable. How to Apply To book your space, email [email protected] with:
Limited spots are available—so don’t wait too long if you’ve been considering it.
Supporting Creativity, One Wall at a Time Sunset Framing & Gallery has always been about more than just frames on walls—it’s about making space for creativity, community, and connection. The Art Wall Hire is another way we’re doing just that. Whether you’re ready to take your first step into exhibiting, or you’ve done it all before but want something flexible and low-fuss, we’re here—and the wall is waiting. 💬 Questions? Reach out to Business Curator Cherie at [email protected]
Celebrating Growth: Welcoming a New Artist to the Sunset Catalogue
A Warm Welcome to Artist Lucy Juhnk We're also thrilled to welcome Lucy Juhnk to our growing collective of contributing artists in the Sunset Art Print Catalogue. We’ve been lucky enough to watch Lucy’s creative journey over the years—from group exhibitions to solo explorations—and we’re so proud to now feature her work in our professionally printed art print collection. Her unique style, thoughtful compositions, and dedication to growth make her an exciting addition to our catalogue, and we can’t wait to share her work with a wider audience. Keep an eye on our print shop and in-gallery displays—Lucy’s work is now available to order in multiple sizes, printed on archival-quality fine art paper. Welcome aboard, Lucy—we’re so glad to have you in the fold!
Practical Help: When the Unexpected Happens to Your Frame
What To Do If You Have Broken Glass in a Frame Keeping you safe and your art secure, one frame at a time. Accidents happen—frames get knocked over, fall off walls, or take a hit during a move. If you've discovered shattered or cracked glass in your frame, don't panic. We're here to help guide you safely through what to do next, and how to get it to us for professional glass replacement. Here's what we recommend: Step 1: Don't touch the broken glass directly Even if it's just a small crack, glass can shift or splinter with the slightest movement. Use gloves if you must handle it, and avoid placing pressure on the broken area. Step 2: Decide if it's safe to remove the glass If the glass is completely loose or has already fallen out in large pieces, and you feel confident doing so without risk, it's best to carefully remove what's left. Place broken pieces into a thick paper bag or wrap them in newspaper, then dispose of them responsibly. If you're unsure or the glass is still partially intact but cracked, don't attempt to remove it. Step 3: Wrap it up for safe travel Whether the glass is removed or still in the frame, take steps to protect yourself and prevent further damage during transport. If you’re transporting the frame with the glass still inside, we recommend applying strips of packing tape, masking tape, or painter’s tape directly over the cracked glass. Place the tape in a crisscross or grid pattern across the broken area. This helps hold the shards in place and prevents loose pieces from shifting or falling during travel. Then, wrap the entire frame in a protective covering—an old towel, small blanket, or thick fabric works well. This adds another layer of safety, containing any stray splinters and protecting both your car and our workspace from glass dust or fragments. Tip: If the frame is large, fragile, or difficult to handle, give us a call first. We’re happy to talk you through the safest approach or offer guidance tailored to your situation.
Step 4: Bring it in—no appointment needed Pop into Sunset Framing & Gallery during business hours with your wrapped frame. We'll provide a no-obligation quote on the spot, and our friendly team will handle the cleanup and replacement from there. When it comes to replacing broken glass in your frame, it’s important to understand that framing glass and window glass are not the same. One of the biggest differences is thickness—standard window glass is generally thicker and significantly heavier than glass made specifically for picture framing. While it might seem like a good idea to use window glass in a pinch, the added weight can put unnecessary stress on the frame joints, and more importantly, on your hanging hardware. Over time, that extra weight increases the risk of the piece falling off the wall—potentially causing more damage to your artwork and surrounding surfaces. Framing glass is specially designed to be lighter and safer for display purposes. It also often comes in varieties like UV-protective, non-reflective, or conservation-grade options, helping to preserve your artwork while keeping things secure and visually clean. If you’re ever unsure what’s in your frame, or you’ve had it repaired elsewhere with heavier glass, bring it in—we’ll happily assess it for you and advise on the safest long-term option.
Proper Disposal of Broken Framing Glass It's important to note that framing glass should not be placed in your kerbside recycling bin. Unlike standard glass bottles and jars, picture frame glass has a different melting point and can contaminate the recycling process. In the Port Macquarie-Hastings area, the correct method is to:
This ensures safety and prevents contamination in the recycling stream. For more details, refer to the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council's waste guidelines. Need advice before you come in? Give us a ring or send a message—our team is always happy to help. We've been replacing glass and preserving treasured artworks in Port Macquarie for decades, and we treat your piece with the same care we'd want for our own.
Supporting the Arts Means Supporting Each Other As part of our creative community, we know that keeping art alive and accessible isn’t something one gallery can do alone—it takes all of us. There are so many wonderful, dedicated spaces and events in our region that continue to inspire, uplift, and create opportunities for artists and art lovers alike. If you’re looking to explore more, connect deeper, or show your support beyond our walls, here are just a few spaces and initiatives we love and recommend: Art Spaces & Initiatives to Explore Locally 🖼️ Luminance Art Gallery – Luminance Gallery exhibits contemporary Australian art. Their interests are broad, and the ethos is local, the exhibiting artists are emerging and established. Macleay Valley Community Art Gallery - The Macleay Valley Community Art Gallery is a Council operated site at 5 Kinchela Street.The Gallery is administered and staffed by Volunteers under a 355 agreement with The Kempsey Shire Council. - The Committee and Volunteers who run The Gallery are proud of the space and modern design and support local and visiting artists and exhibitions.
(We’ll continue adding to this list as we go. If you’re part of a space doing great things, with an ethical approach to business & community we’d love to hear from you.)
Want to Get Involved?
50 Years In, and Just Getting Started It’s been 50 years of creativity, craftsmanship, and community here at Sunset Framing & Gallery. And while the tools have changed—from darkrooms to digital, from paint to pixels—the heart of what we do hasn’t. We’ve always been here to serve. To adapt. To offer space for what matters. Whether that’s replacing broken glass on a treasured frame, curating exhibitions for emerging artists, or reintroducing flexible models like our Art Wall Hire to meet the times—we do it because we believe in the power of creativity and community. This gallery is more than a business. It’s a living, breathing space that responds to the people who walk through its doors. It’s shaped by the artists who take a chance, the customers who trust us with their memories, and the locals who believe art belongs in everyday life. So here’s to the next chapter. Whether you connect with us through a frame, a print, a pop-up exhibition, or simply a conversation—we’re so glad you’re here.
Comments
No comments posted.
Loading...
|
