By Golly!

By golly it’s another opening! But it’s not just your run of the mill, Gaffa Thursday night amazingness, oh no, this time we are taking the fun a few hundred meters down the road, to our wee little pop up gallery situated in the very heart of the Rocks.

I arrived at 3pm more than a little bit excited.

The space was ridiculously charming, and the addition of Geoff Farquhar Still’s, Dan Lorrimer’s and Marina Neilson’s interactive works added to the already quaint atmosphere. I walked around the gallery testing that each work would, with the press of a button or the turn of a handle spring to life….

Mmmm mechanical poetry, we are in business gentleman.

After a quick catch up with the delightful JD Reforma, I write a short list of tasks that need to be done before the magic begins. I discovered a while ago now that lists are spectacular. I am the mistress of list writing and nothing makes me happier than crossing things off…

Get ice for the booze,check

Put bollards out the front, check

(It’s important to put a few easy chores amongst the more

challenging ones so as to make you feel more productive. )

get coffee from café, check….:)

It’s around 5pm when Dan arrives (One of the lovely artists) with a bag full of delicious power tools.

As like with any show there is always last minute adjustments to be made, and with the help of Lilly, Marina’s friendly curly haired dog, Dan begins to tinker with his dream-like creations.

That’s one off his list.

It was around 6pm when the first people started to trickle in, slowly and cautiously at first, it seemed the public was still a little confused about what was exactly taking place. Many just peered in from the side walk whispering to their friends….

“Hey there! Come on in!” I cried.

If there’s anything I am sure of, it’s that smiles are the fastest way to help people feel at ease. Well, that and alcohol.

With good company and bartender Mitch’s Elderflower Spritzers, Gaffa’s first pop up opening was going to be a relaxing and welcoming event.

And indeed it was!

I spent the rest of the night swirling and chatting amongst artists, friends, and strangers, discussing art, and all things unrelated. I could quite possibly have the best job in the world….

Hmmm what else is on my list???

Glasses.

After a quick round collecting the empty glasses, the lights are switched off, and the doors locked.

“Wanna go for a quick one Kelly??”

Rocks! Rocks! Rocks!

You'll have to excuse my excitement, but exciting things don't happen to me often. Unless of course you count switching conditioners, purchasing stationary items, or receiving junk mail as fun filled events.

Than that's a whole other matter that we wont be discussing later.

I'm delighted to inform you all that, for the next 6 months Gaffa will be partaking in the 'Rocks pop up project,' an event aimed at showcasing Sydney's creative community, supported by the NSW government through Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, and Arts NSW.

Hot diggity.

We have received a quaint little space within the heart of the rocks, which, after a little elbow grease and a trip to Bunnings, will be the perfect location to showcase the diverse range of talented artists that regularly exhibit at Gaffa. You can come and check things out in the 12^th of May, however the official opening won’t take place until 19th at 7.30pm. To starts things off artists Geoff Farquhar-Still, Dan Lorrimer, and Marina Neilson, will be exhibiting their interactive art work titled ‘Semi Automatic.’

I remember their 2010 Gaffa show 'reflex' fondly...

Whimsical poetic machines that, at the flick of a switch, or the press of a button, spring into action. I mean, come on, who doesn't like to poke objects and make them move?? The whole effect was smile inducing, and I honestly can't wait to play with these magical creations all over again.


I suppose I could end with a joke that encourages you to 'come and press my buttons' on the 19th of May, but I'm sure everyone will agree, that would be poor form. Instead I will simply suggest with a grin that you can 'flick my switch' on the 19th of May, 7.30 pm at #85 George street.

Infact I will insist on it.