Caloundra Regional Gallery's tenth anniversary celebrations
 
The Caloundra Regional Gallery is 10 years old and celebrating with a photographic exhibition, Gallery Life, to be opened at the gallery by Mayor Bob Abbot, on Friday 12 March at 6.30pm.
 
Photographer Deborah Halls has documented the Caloundra Regional Art Gallery's exhibitions and events for the past decade.
 
This exhibition of those photographs, on show from 10 March to 18 April, highlights the significant role the gallery has played in stimulating and supporting the arts on the coast.
 
Volunteers began fundraising and lobbying for a council gallery back in 1996, but it was another four years before the doors officially opened on 11 August 2000.
 
Mayor Bob Abbot said the gallery had since positioned itself as a regional arts leader,  featuring impressive exhibitions and initiatives.
 
"This year is no exception with 10 key exhibitions including the annual Sunshine Coast Art Prize, an initiative of the Caloundra Art Gallery in 2005," Mayor Abbot said.
 
"The volunteers, now known as 'Friends of the Caloundra Regional Gallery', were instrumental in raising funds and identifying requirements for the new gallery.
 
"They remain active contributors to the gallery and we are fortunate to have people with their commitment and passion for the arts in our community."
 
The gallery is located in the converted 1970's former library building which is part of the cultural precinct in central Caloundra.
 
The building was originally designed by nationally acclaimed, Sunshine Coast-based Bark Design Architects.
 
All are welcome to this special celebratory opening.