Housed within the charmingly weathered stone walls of the historic State Savings Bank, BOOM Clunes is a social enterprise established by the Clunes Neighbourhood House. Its inception was driven by a shared mission to support this charming country town’s journey back to ‘booming’.

You can keep up to date with happenings at BOOM Clunes by following them on Facebook.

During the Tiny Towns Arts Trail, BOOM Clunes will host the creative output of 8 members of the long-running Clunes Artists Group. Below is a preview of their diverse offerings.

Tom Ripon: artist and sculptor. Tom is a celebrated wire artist whose creative works were featured on ABC Backroads.

Leanne Wills (The Odd Sockery): textile artist.  Leanne’s hand-cranked socks are individually made and hand dyed. You can see more of Leanne’s beautiful wool work on her website.

June Johnstone: potter and musician.  June’s clay pots and cups reflect the colours of our environment, while their carefully crafted curves tempt you to take them into your hand.

Di Lehne: artist.  Di’s vibrant paintings bring the flora, fauna and wildlife of Clunes to life, on canvas as well as preserved foliage.

Amanda Fisher: artist.  An emerging multi-media artist, Amanda’s works vividly tell a layered story that warms the heart as well as captures the eye.

Karima Baadilla: multi-media artist.  Karima’s prints create a narrative of everyday life, migrant identity and community that is both fresh and welcoming.

Leslie Scott: author and photographer.  Leslie’s book ‘Once were Wild’ tells the tale of two brumbies roaming free on nearby Mt.Beckworth.  Her book captures the tale of their taming, celebrating the region and nature in much the same way that her photography does.

Neil Newitt: photographer.  Former photographer for the Age, Neil’s work is often found in RM Williams ‘Outback’ and associated publications.  His photographs are quintessentially Australian. You can view the breadth of Neil’s stunning photographic work on his website.

The Clunes Artists Group meets on the second Saturday of each month to mingle, discuss art and promote artistic opportunities in Clunes and the region; with members from as far afield as Ballarat, Talbot and Evansford.

The group has a diverse range of skills and is composed of painters, watercolour artists, sculptors, sketch artists, ceramicists, textile artists, printers, embroiderers, and mosaic artists, and more! 

The Clunes Artists Group holds workshops from time to time so that members can get together and share the fun of trying a new art form.

While you are in Clunes, don’t forget to check out the beautiful fabric works in the Time For Stitch exhibition at The Warehouse, curated by Christine Lethlean. Also, make sure you head to Off the Beaten Track, a quirky and unique gallery space filled with recycled artworks by Anton Mikocki.