Six exciting boutique galleries

Tassie has some awesome art galleries, including major public institutions like Hobart’s TMAG and QVMAG in Launceston, and of course David Walsh’s public showcase of his private collection, Mona. There are many others though, including private galleries where every original work on display is for sale.

We’ve gathered some of Tasmania’s best destinations for art collectors, and visitors looking for high-quality, truly unique souvenirs, including paintings, photographs and sculptures. Remember, if you’re taking your vehicle on Spirit of Tasmania there are no worries about excess luggage fees or rough handling when taking those treasures home.

If you’re particularly interested in acquiring art that celebrates Tassie’s awesome wilderness, make a beeline for this Hobart gallery. Mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, coast, flora and fauna are the stars at Wild Island, which offers high-quality art and photographic prints. There’s also a range of gifts, stationery and homewares inspired by Tassie’s natural wonders. This is a great place for quality, affordable souvenirs, and presents that folks back home will love.

In the heritage town of Stanley on the north-west coast, local photographer David Murphy showcases his images of Tasmania’s land and sea at Cow ‘n’ Calf Gallery (named after two nearby coastal rock formations). His striking photographs are available in various sizes, including large canvas prints, and there’s a new book of his work too. David also offers the creations of other artists – mainly photographers who share his love of nature, but you might also find everything from ceramics to stained-glass lamps.

This Hobart gallery is dedicated to Aboriginal art from all around Australia, including works by Tasmanians such as Allan Mansell and Lola Greeno. That means a wide variety of styles, both traditional and contemporary, as well as mediums including painting on canvas, weaving and shell necklaces – which have been created by countless generations of palawa (Tasmanian Aboriginal) women. Art Mob is a member of two organisations that govern the ethical sourcing and trading of Aboriginal art, so whatever you buy is authentic, and the artist has been paid fairly.

From paintings to works on paper, photography to sculpture, Colville Gallery specialises in contemporary fine art. Directed by one of the state’s most experienced art historians and curators, Trudi Curtis, it represents and exhibits numerous Tasmanian artists, as well as others from around Australia. This Hobart gallery is a partner of the program helping members of the public purchase works by contemporary Tasmanian artists through interest-free loans. Find out which other arts businesses participate in the COLLECT Art Purchase Scheme.

In the hands of artists like Peter Bowles and Anne Clifton, glass can be functional and also extraordinarily beautiful. They have exhibited and been artists in residence around Australia and the world, but you can go to the source at their Glass Manifesto studio and gallery in Launceston. Seemingly practical objects including scent bottles, platters and vases are among their unique creations, but each is so exquisite they’re often purchased as objets d’art to be admired and cherished.

Want to buy local jewellery, fashion and homewares? Check out our round-up of Tasmania’s best design shops.

Information included in this blog is correct at the time of publishing. Please contact individual operators for further information.