Hob–ART, Tasmania

“Some people are born to make great art and others are born to appreciate it. … It is a kind of talent in itself, to be an audience. Not everyone can be the artist. There have to be those who witness the art, who love and appreciate what they have been privileged to see.” Ann Patchett

I don’t know why I was surprised.  Art can be everywhere. When I thought about Tasmania, I thought of the clean air and water, rugged coastlines, interesting wildlife and incredible views.

I started to do some research.  I found MONA – Museum Of Old And New Art ( blog https://travelwellflysafe.com/2013/12/09/mona-roma-to-mona-hobart-tasmania-australia/ )   a boat ride away. MONA is a “deliberately underwhelming”  gallery of old and new art. It is an art Disneyland experience with all of your senses engaged – not what I was expecting in Tasmania at all.

On the grounds of MONA (The old Moorilla Wine Estate), there is also a  bar, café, restaurant, accommodations, a winery and a brewery.  The outdoor areas are interesting and inviting.

Moo Brew’s original brewery was located on the site of the Museum of Old and New Art. I was there on the last day of Moo Brew brewery and had a private tour.  They produce five core beers: a Pilsner, a German-style Hefeweizen, a Belgian Pale Ale, an American Pale Ale and an American Dark Ale.  Due to the continued expansion of MONA,  all brewery operations are now carried out at their second brewery.

I was looking for a hotel and came upon the Henry Jones Art Hotel. I began to be more curious about Hobart and decided to stay longer than I planned. The hotel is housed in the H. Jones and Co. Jam Factory . The architect has fused the traditional structure with modern design. I rarely talk about hotels but I really liked this one.

I was in this cool loft room.   I found my room easily because I knew it was near the pink pig.

They have a wonderful art tour given by the fun, knowledgeable and pretty Christine Scott.  The Hotel has over 300 original and contemporary works of art which are exhibited throughout the property. These works showcase Tasmania’s leading and emerging artists. Most of the art is for sale.

Even if you aren’t staying at the hotel, you should come and have a drink and and take the tour.

Christine told us about the artists of Hobart and I was curious.  On my last day in Hobart,  I took an art walking tour of with Christine. (Art from film slides, Patrick Hall . He has some great pieces art MONA also)

Christine knows everything that is going on in the art world in Hobart. She has an extensive network of artists, galleries and friends .

Christine is up on the latest  exhibitions and reviews and knows exactly where to go. Whether you want to buy or look, she will take you to the best galleries.  (Christine  www.hobARTwalks.com )

Writing about art is hard for me.   It is translating the visual into language .  They are two very different mediums. You have to go to Hobart and take the art tour with Christine to experience it for yourself.

I loved Tasmania and I loved seeing all the  unexpected  art. The best thing about traveling is finding a place that you had no idea was just where you wanted to go.

Fly Safe,

JAZ