Artists open LEDA gallery in Newcastle's West End

They called it LEDA.

Both Wilson, 31, and Hardie, 26, studied art and are originally from Melbourne.

Hardie is a fourth generation artist studying fine art, filmmaking and photography. Her main focus is abstract expressionism painting.

For LEDA she's working predominantly behind the scenes in communications, marketing and show preparation.

Wilson incorporates abstract expressionism and minimalism into her practice and also worked and studied as a florist in the Hunter Valley, exploring still-life drawing and singing and songwriting. She relocated to Newcastle for university and majored in both fine arts and creative writing. She's interested in exploring the relationship between femininity and nature and has lived in Newcastle for the past seven years.

Hardie moved to Newcastle just a year ago. Both women see so much potential in the area and its arts scene.

"I think there's heaps of opportunity. The arts is growing here and people are starting to look for some culture, even more so. I think the West side is actually a great up-and-coming hub," Wilson says.

"I really like this area being right at the train station; I think that's a great place for a gallery. You could be anywhere in the world; I feel like you could be somewhere in Europe."

The two women met through friends and were interested in launching a gallery together, enhancing Newcastle's art scene.

"I think after COVID as well people are pretty thirsty for some culture," Wilson says.

"We have a strong focus on our local artists, but we do include national and international artists."

LEDA (pronounced Lae-duh) stands for Leading Edge Design and Art, but is also named after Leda the Swan in Greek mythology. The concept for the gallery started a year ago, and was officially opened in August. Exhibitions at LEDA rotate monthly, and the venue hosts life-drawing classes on Wednesday evenings and one Friday a month.

Taught by Hardie, the life-drawing classes are based on classic nude life-drawing subjects. Students learn techniques in charcoal, graphite, pencil, acrylic, sepia ink, oil pastel and sanguine, with wine and refreshments available.

"It's LEDA's take on the fun of a classic 'drink and draw' but with a classy twist that creates a community that is respectful of both the art itself and our wonderful life models," Wilson says.

"When students arrive, we have the curtains drawn over our main gallery room which creates a perfect mystery.

"Inside you'll find a dimly lit room scattered with easels and immersive music softly humming."

The space is available for hire, and they're planning to use it for plenty of other events in the future.

Their recent exhibition Secret Garden featured paintings by Russian-born, Brisbane-based artist Olga Bachtiva. Last Saturday they launched ITERATE with architectural works by self-taught Sydney-based artist Graham Eldridge.

Hardie and Wilson are excited about a completely sculptural exhibition (April 6 to 26) called BASE. It will feature nine sculpture artists from the Newcastle region: Holly MacDonald, Helen Dunkerley, Kit Byrne, Braddon Snape, Zoe Tjanavaras, Elizabeth Lewis, Serena Owen, Megan Burley and the gallery's own Aleesha Hardie.

Opening night will be on Saturday, April 9, 6pm to 9pm.

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