Retro-vision art and craft studio set to enrich Narrogin main street with culture, commerce and creativity

A new studio gallery is set to revitalise the southern end of Federal Street with colour, culture and commerce as the Wheatbelt South art scene continues to explode in Narrogin. In the building that once housed Narrogin Retravision, Ned Crossley’s Retro-vision will provide studio and wall space for local creatives to work and exhibit. Crossley is keen to see it grow. “Hopefully as more artists and craft makers come on board we can open seven days a week,” he said. Empty shopfronts in regional towns are a common sight across WA. It has been about three years since the Retravision building was occupied. The potential of its disused space appealed to Crossley and a conversation with the building’s owner paved the way for what the artist hopes will bring vibrancy, energy and visitors to the main street. “For people passing through town, we need to have somewhere for them to spend their time,” he said. “Once they call into the gallery or the shop or whatever they might need a coffee or a place to stay for the night. “It’s a catalyst for other things that we’re sort of losing out on as the internet takes over, commerce and that — let’s turn that around.” The initial idea was to have a space where he could work with long-time friend and collaborator, Wheatbelt South artist Ross Storey. “Last year Ross and I, we had quite a bit of success with the painting we did for Open Borders. It went to John Curtin after the exhibition here and we had it at Wagin Woolorama earlier in the year and it won a prize there,” he said. “That was the whole impetus for starting the place but I just kind of realised that if it works — the potential it would have for Narrogin to reinvigorate the main street.” The dream took shape on Thursday when a new A-frame sandwich board featuring the Retro-vision logo was placed on the footpath. Inside, art is already appearing on the walls and Crossley has called on artists and craft makers to join him on the “bold adventure”. Interested creatives can call Crossley on 0459 557 305.