It’s Time to Celebrate the Game Changing Scottsdale Art Gallery Cafe
It’s almost 20 years since Rod and Shirley began their business in Scottsdale, today known as the Scottsdale Art Gallery Cafe.
Since 2005, it has been an incredible journey for us as our business has grown and become an integral part of the local community.
Embarking on this journey was a bold and courageous step for Rod and Shirley.
It is a testament to our unwavering belief in our vision and willingness to embrace new challenges.
The Journey to Becoming Gallery Owners
Rod, who had been the Forest Manager at Auspine, had found himself at a crossroads in 2002 when he was made redundant. Undeterred, he decided to venture into picture-framing, setting up his business in a garage in Scottsdale.
Around the same time, Shirley, who had run beauty salons in Scottsdale and Launceston, decided to embark on a new adventure, completing studies at TAFE in Arts Administration and later, when the business had started, a Master of Contemporary Arts (Gallery Practices) at UTAS.
Growing Step by Step
With this combined background, we opened our original business, Scottsdale Art and Framing, in 2005 in the old Courthouse, now the Visitor Information Centre. Soon after, we moved to 2 Victoria Street, now Loud and Iron. With the business succeeding, we looked to grow, purchasing a derelict residence and trucking company property at 42 King Street.
A Purpose Built Art Gallery to Celebrate Tasmanian Artists
Here, we created the purpose-designed building that opened in 2010 as the Scottsdale Art Gallery Café.
The building is a unique blend of elegance and modern, contemporary design. It is bathed in natural light, with the morning sun streaming in from the skylights on the eastern side and the afternoon sun casting a warm glow through the floor-to-ceiling windows on the western side.
The main gallery area is spacious, allowing the art displays to take centre stage.
They now had an ideal exhibition space and continued an average of ten exhibitions yearly, or a fantastic minimum of 200 exhibitions over the past 20 years.
A Game Changing Art Gallery for Tasmanian Artists
Throughout this time, the art gallery has only displayed Tasmanian artists, from emerging to highly celebrated.
Shirley has played a crucial role in organising the exhibitions.
She plans the themes, invites artists to exhibit, curates the hanging of the works, and invites the public to openings.
Rod handles much of the framing, as many exhibiting artists use his services.
An Art Gallery, Cafe and Community
Along with the Art Gallery came the café, a challenging new aspect of business for Rod and Shirley. We soon learned that the coffee must be tremendous, and that the barista needs to understand the workings of a quality coffee machine.
Always seeking to achieve exacting standards, Rod and Shirley employed local catering staff who shared their commitment to quality and a passion for serving the community.
How an Art Gallery Cafe Nutures a Community
The Art Gallery Cafe staff’s dedication and hard work have been instrumental in ensuring that high standards have been met consistently over the years.
Over many years, the catering side of the business has hosted numerous events that have brought the community together. Countless birthdays, anniversaries, four weddings and even a funeral have ensured the cafe has been a part of the community’s life.
It’s also been a hub for local gatherings, hosting council functions, new resident morning teas, and the beloved ‘Annual Pudding Night’ that has become a local tradition. The Café has had many loyal customers.
The local walking club calls in after their Thursday morning walk, and many other locals and visitors have made it their coffee house in Scottsdale.
Notably, for six years, from 2018 to 2023, Scottsdale Rotary held its fortnightly dinner meetings and other special occasions at the Café.
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A Multifaceted Art Gallery Cafe Business
The business continues to expand to include bike hire for people using the North East Rail Trail. Several bikes, including mountain and electric bikes, have been available to cater to different needs.
Another innovative aspect of the business has been the transfer for riders to the top of the Billycock, making it easier for them to enjoy the trail without the uphill struggle.
As for them, Rod and Shirley look forward to retiring to Bridport.
About the Art Gallery
Fans of art, visitors in Tasmania and locals will love viewing the exceptional artwork here at Scottsdale Art Gallery Cafe.
We exclusively feature Tasmanian artists who use all kinds of media, including hung artwork, fine pottery, wood, glass, jewellery and more. The gallery has been operating since 2005.
Regular major exhibitions are held throughout the year, featuring works from an individual artist or group of artists, and the extensive stock is regularly revised.
We endeavour to represent the full spectrum of artistic tastes and philosophies, thereby providing a stimulating display of diverse Tasmanian fine and contemporary art.
Follow the Scottsdale Art Gallery Cafe on Facebook and visit their website for news about exhibitions, featured artists, and cafe.
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I want there to be more arts and crafts in our world, in our communities and in our own lives. Hopefully you’ve found this blog post inspiring and interesting.
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