Lake Macquarie: ARTea’s Gallery and Garden

For close to three years, ARTea’s Gallery and Garden has been encouraging the Lake Macquarie community to celebrate local talent, to connect, learn and grow. A social enterprise of Swansea Community Cottage Inc, it is led by an amazing team of volunteers, who were recognised as a finalist in the 2021 Lake Mac Awards.

ARTea’s houses a gallery, garden, giftshop, tearooms and a venue space. The gallery and giftshop has works by local artists and hobbyists on display and for sale. In the garden and nursery, there are natives, bush tucker, herbs, indoor plants and fresh vegies for sale, while the tearooms serve Devonshire Teas and light snacks by donation.

The renovated 1833 chapel is open to the public unless it is being used by the community for an event, workshop or private function.

Swansea Community Cottage project manager Susan MacNeill said ARTea’s was like no other place in Lake Macquarie, as visitors could leisurely enjoy their time in all areas with no hurry to move on.
“Our volunteers are incredible people, who keep it running and are the backbone of its success.
“ARTea’s also works as a good conduit between the community and the services Swansea Community Cottage offers as a local neighbourhood centre,” she added.

As ARTea’s continues to grow, there is a need for more volunteers to help in the gallery, garden, giftshop and tearooms. To volunteer, email arteasgalleryandgarden@gmail.com or phone 4971 1229.
ARTea’s Gallery & Garden, 28 Josephson Street, Swansea is open from Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 2pm.

For further information go to www.swanseacommunitycottage.com.au

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