Artisanal Workmanship

Owners Lana and Ben Smith have created a beautiful store sprinkled with uptown homewares made by artists and craftspeople around Australia that have inspired them. Yes they actually know the people behind the brands! Some are unique, some are eclectic and we’re sure you would agree that most would belong in your home. The main point of difference with The Artisan Storeroom is the quality hardwood furniture on display; made with recycled, reclaimed and milled Australian timbers and steel - all made by hand, with sweat in Ben’s manshed.

Stories are forever

An Exhibition featuring: Omie bark cloths, Oro Province PNG; sculptures by Owen Yalandja and Samson Bonson, Maningrida Arts and Crafts, central Arnhem Land; new paintings by Keturah Zimran from Ikuntji Artists, Haasts Bluff, NT and Tiger Yaltangki, Iwantja Arts, Indulkana, SA

20/20 A Sense of Place

From the tropical forests of Far North Queensland, to Aboriginal in-depth representations of Country, the lands of the Centre to the green hues and coastal views of the Mornington Peninsula, this year's summer exhibition at Whistlewood comprises the work of more than 40 leading landscape artists whose work explores a distinctive connection to place.

Batavia Tapestry

Melinda spent over a year researching the facts of the Batavia, the events leading up to the tragic ship wreck and the subsequent tales of misery, debauchery and murder. She had started her Masters of Fine Arts and this work of passion would form her thesis. The writing of the thesis took almost two years, getting completely immersed in the story and reading through archaeological and scientific papers about the burial digs on the islands where the Batavia was shipwrecked and where the surviving passengers lived until their rescue, or death.

The Heart of Merricks

In 1924, Merricks General Wine Store (MGWS) opened, to serve a variety of needs to the local community. To this day, the well preserved building offers a glimpse into the past as a typical example of the rural general stores that were once such a central hub of community life. The charming rustic building, with gable bays & verandah, & a tree-shaded deck with outdoor fireplace, provides the kind of setting that somehow seems to infuse itself with the tastes on offer. Serving contemporary breakfast, lunch and snacks, the store is a popular meeting spot for many that also includes a produce store, selling a range of locally harvested jams, relishes and sauces.

A way of life at Manyung

Art is a way of life for gallery directors Sharyn and David Wemyss-Smith. It’s their day long joy, obsession & torment. They pride themselves on showcasing contemporary art by artists from across Australia (& the Pen) from three gallery spaces in Sorrento, Mornington and Mt Eliza. Manyung Gallery Group offers collectors an opportunity to comfortably view an ever-changing selection of Australian artworks.

Radiating health and wellness

It’s no secret that the Mornington Peninsula is a magnet for all things celebratory - from early romances, engagements, weddings or special anniversaries this is the spot. With so many things to organise at the best of times it’s hard to know where to turn to and with this in mind we’ll let you in on some local knowledge.