'A gallery should be more than a viewing space for art works - it should be a place of excitement, a centre of ideas and stimulation, a place where you have your spirit refreshed' says Robyn Nolan, painter and ceramicist.

Terry and Robyn Nolan's long association and involvement in the arts has led them into their latest venture. The Nolan on Lovel Gallery, situated halfway between Katoomba and Leura, opened in October 2008, and is fast becoming known as a centre for top class contemporary art exhibitions, workshops in creativity, musical evenings and poetry.

No stranger to the gallery scene, Robyn formerly co-managed the co-operative Clay Things for sixteen years before devoting herself full time to her painting. 'The gallery is an extension of our lifestyle' Terry explains, 'There is a wonderful sense of freedom living here in the mountains. The wild natural beauty and the stubborn individuality - not to say eccentricity - of the residents is very liberating.'

Robyn's brother, Katoomba artist John Ellison, runs regular weekend workshops in Art and Creativity at the gallery. As the former cultural Development officer of the Blue Mountains Council, and the founder of the Winter Magic Festival, John sees Robyn and Terry's activities as an extension of what he hoped for when he first wrote the draft Cultural Plan in 1992.

'At this time of world wide chaos, there is a greater need than ever for the type of meaning that music, poetry and art can supply.' John says, 'Art takes us out of a life of mere survival into the joyous heady realm of the human spirit.'

The gallery is now open for viewing Thursday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm or by appointment. For more information phone 02 4782 6231