ZOOM | SPRING 2024

the sunshine coast magazine
C
ommunities grow around old buildings and new
ideas. Grants make things possible and hardworking
volunteers and visionaries make things happen.
Harbour Gallery in Madeira Park is a great example
of passion breathing new life into an unused and
neglected space. The charming spot, a little knoll
above the marina and across from the school ground,
was recognized by energetic founding members
Maureen Marshal and Wendy Simmonds. They applied
to the SCRD for access to the former forestry gas
station in the late 1980s. June Malaka, the longest
standing member and “matriarch” recalls:
“The first renovation efforts were all done by members and a
few spouses, as in dropping and insulating the ceiling, putting
in some lighting, whitewashing the unfinished walls, adding
a sliding glass door, and installing a salvaged carpet. It was a
significant improvement to the greasy garage.”
In 1993 the non-profit organization Community Futures
partnered with the gallery, the School of Music, and Serendipity
preschool to provide labour for further improvements to what
was becoming a little hub for arts and services. This allowed
the addition of storage space and a washroom, which made the
building suitable for studio work as well as display. Nothing too
fancy, though, as Malaka explains:
“We maintain a humble, funky little space.”
Harbour Gallery responds to the rhythms of our small community.
In off-peak times the gallery provides studio space for guest
artisans, solo and group shows, as well as workshops.
May Day is when the season really starts, and the gallery aims to
have new artwork on the walls for the summer. They also try to
be open on days that there is a concert on at the School of Music
and during community events such as April Tools and Winterfest.
In high summer (July and August) the gallery is staffed with
volunteers daily from 11–4pm. During the months of June and
September the door is open Saturday 11–4pm. Visitors often
return each year, and staff cheerfully provide tourist information.
The gallery also participates in the Art Crawl in October.
Harbour Gallery wants to give the community what it needs:
“Our goal has been to provide a welcoming and stimulating
space for members and visitors. We operate on a willingness of
our members to volunteer their time and energy. Most of us are
not professional artists but love to explore new techniques and
share with others. We encourage new members to join if they are
looking for some art fellowship.” ·
THE
HARBOUR
GALLERY
A HUB
FOR PASSION
& COMMUNITY
THE HARBOUR GALLERY IS LOCATED AT 12952 MADEIRA PARK ROAD, MADEIRA PARK
WORDS | NANCY PINCOMBE
WORDS | NANCY PINCOMBE
IMAGES | SVETLANA SLOAN
spring 2024 19