Kim Nelson Fine Art & Editions Studio 2010-2014

In mid 2010 Kim Nelson embarked on a new project in his home town: a public studio. It was part work space, part gallery, part performance venue. Featuring original art and limited editions, Oddfellows' was open several days of the week for visitors to browse, view works in progress and purchase artwork.

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"I just wanted it to be a place where folk could feel comfortable and take time out from their busy lives - to relax amongst the art in the wonderful ambiance of the old building" said the artist.

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Of course the title of the building also suited the artist 'down to the ground'. Visitors to the studio were able to witness artworks in progress as they were prepared for solo exhibitions. 

From 2010 to mid 2014 Oddfellows' played host to an amazing array of performances, including the studio's inaugural opening concert featuring internationally renowned harpist Alice Giles and traditional Indian dancer Padma Menon.  
Diverse performers such as 'indie music' favourites April Maze and Australia guitar virtuoso Jeff Lang followed,  with a sprinkling of international performers such as Faye Blais (Canada) and Tattie Jam (Scotland). 

Oddfellows' also played host to book launches and poetry performances and was a regular host of the 'Turning Wave' annual festival of Irish & Australian Music. It became something of an artistic hub and was, almost by default, the venue for YASSarts meetings. In mid 2014 Kim Nelson made over Oddfellows' to the YASSarts group to be run as an arts centre featuring changing exhibitions and highlighting arts practitioners of the local region.

View a range of images from 2010-2014 on the Oddfellows' Hall Facebook page.

Kim Nelson Limited Edition Print range can be located on this website here 
 

History of the Oddfellows' Hall, Yass

The 'Oddfellows' Hall' is a classic part of Yass Valley history located on the main street of the New South Wales Southern Tablelands town of Yass. It was built in 1887 by the 'Royal Order of Oddfellows', more commonly known in Australia as Manchester Unity, a group which originated in Britain in the late 18th century. They are a benevolent and social society, sometimes classified as a friendly benefit society having initiatory rites and ceremonies, gradation or degrees in membership, and mystic signs of recognition and communication.

The title 'Oddfellows' was attached to them early in their history, the reasons for this being lost in the mists of time but probably related to the medieval guild system of odd trades and main trades.

Whatever the reasons, the artist felt the title totally appropriate for his venture!  Take a virtual visit of 'Oddfellows' as it looked between 2010 - 2014 by clicking the image below:

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SOME 'ODD' EVENT POSTERS 2010 - 2014

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