Art Studio
We were always amazed about how much time, energy and joy was expressed in the guest book at Avalon - beautiful drawings, sketches, paintings, poetry and thoughts were left for us - a beautiful gift. It occurred to us that there was an immense amount of pent up creativity embedded within our guests - their precious time-out was spent creating.
So the moment of "Stop the car!" when we first caught sight of the green tired looking Church of Christ hall - a dedicated creative space was found.
We simply had to get if off the Brooker Highway at Derwent Park, Hobart quickly as the builder wanted the site to be made vacant so he could start to build villa units - Simple. "You'll be right with that sweetheart?" Brett asked her beloved "Sure" Brian said, with only the slighted of furrow in his brow.
So she was carefully flat packed, IKEA style and put on the largest Hazel Brothers truck with a hiab and placed precisely into place on the new piers we built.
It rained that day - it never rains at Rocky Hills! Well it must be her as it has not stopped since.
Since her placement in the quiet and new view she has been lovingly restored. Including stained glass windows from St Mary's in Iowa USA, a bell from London, cast in 1874, a sanctuary light from 1880 France, a Czech crystal chandelier, timber mouldings from London and "Rusty" lovingly named by our stonemason Bruce. She is very old though we are not too sure exactly how old, she is French and, we think very beautiful. We found her through Fluminalis church antique dealers in Holland. So even though she is obviously the Madonna and child with Young Archangel Gabrielle and puti (winged cherub babies) we love her nickname Rusty - perhaps consistent with the fine Australian tradition of naming red heads we should be calling her 'Blue', since that is also Mary's favourite colour.
So from Blue, Brett and Brian, we would like to express deep gratitude to all those who helped her emerge into a new space for creative exploration and a peaceful calm place to sit...
Jeremy - her diligent and enthusiastic operations manager, Coxy - her muse, Richard, Chris and Andrew - her dressers, painter Dale and the boys - her makeup artists, Mark and Mark her plastic surgeon plasterers, Will - her chauffer, Bruce her quiet good humored mentor, Harry (Simon), James and Christian her beauticians and footmen (she likes the stone steps).
It seems the statue, hall and space have fused in union into one beautiful feminine energy - with all her boys in attendance.
...And an Art Studio was born... we want you to play and have acquired toys and art materials to help with your play time. The 'where to begin' guide in the cow hide folder in the studio will help you get started when the inspiration presents itself.
Art Studio - Facilities
At the art studio we have a rainwater tank, gas lantern. There is a thermos at the house, for you to fill with hot water. Tea, coffee, bottled water and mugs are provided in the dresser at the hall. Power can be generated by a manual start 1.75 KVA petrol generator, a beautiful big wood heater - you will need to use the toilet facilities at the Retreat.