Community
23 July, 2026
UNESCO bid in art form
LINDA Gallus’ interest in the life of women on the goldfields began very close to home when she discovered that her four times great-grandparents, former convicts who met in Tasmania and lived and worked on the Central Goldfields of Victoria.
LINDA Gallus’ interest in the life of women on the goldfields began very close to home when she discovered that her four times great-grandparents, former convicts who met in Tasmania and lived and worked on the Central Goldfields of Victoria.
What also astonished Linda was that they had twelve children and that inspired her to research further into the lives of her great grandparents, and is what inspired her to paint a series of paintings that have been chosen by the bid for the Goldfields of Victoria to be listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
It was this interest that has inspired her exhibition opening soon at the Raillery Hub Gallery in St Arnaud.
“What was the everyday existence like and how did women support each other and what was like for the hundreds of other women caught up in circumstances beyond their control” Ms Gallus said.
The title of Linda’s exhibition is “Calico Ceilings” and was the title of a book of poems by Susa Kruss, who kindly allowed Linda to use the same title.
It was this book that ultimately inspired Linda and sent her in a direction to put together a series of paintings about women on the Goldfields.
“I liked the reference to calico as this kind of cotton fabric, and many others like it, were used everywhere,” she said. “From tents to interiors, from flags to clothing.
“The nature of this textiles fabric became a symbol for me of protection, light, softness and comfort, largely brought about by the women.
“I also liked the possible connection to the ‘glass ceiling’ experienced by women who felt intimidated and undervalued by men, especially in situations where decisions made were unfair and prejudicial” Linda said.
It was staff at the Raillery Hub that first told Linda about the UNESCO bid and today the Goldfields bid is still progressing and has reached the stage where a number of designated areas and towns have been listed as the most significant for nomination and study.
The launch of both Linda’s exhibition and another by Terence Bogue whose photographs will truly mesmerise, will be an opportunity to hear first-hand about the UNESCO bid and from Linda herself on her series of paintings.
The Raillery Hub will be showcasing Linda’s paintings and Terence’s Enigma in an exhibition, which will run from July 31 to September 13. The Raillery Hub is open 11am to 4pm on Friday, Saturday and Sundays.
Read More: St Arnaud