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A funky new gallery known as The Art Bank will be officially opened in Eumundi on Sunday June 21.

The Art Bank is the lovechild of Australian/New York artist Margi Lim who has swapped the high life in The Big Apple for a nature-based lifestyle in Eumundi.

“We have refitted the historical old sandstone Bank of NSW building on Memorial Drive to be an exciting new gallery,” Margi said.

The Art Bank will feature amazing metaphorical works by internationally-famous Russian-born artist Vladimir Kush, and Margi’s own wildly colourful paintings, silk scarves and illustrations, which wowed audiences at New York’s Aussie Week. Some of her paintings sold for $20,000 USD.

‘”My paintings are created spontaneously rather than methodically,” Margi said. The results are multi-layered, exuberant and kaleidoscopic works of art that are a delight to view. One of New York’s prominent painters, Leroy Neiman, describes Margi’s work as “raw and organic”, while the internationally acclaimed James Rizzi describes her works as vibrant and colourful with a great spirit of imagination. “I think Margi’s work is incredible,” he said.

Long time friend, sculptor Cybele Rowe, says Margi is a true outsider artist. “Margi has spent her life thus far discovering the essence of being human, which translates spontaneously and magnificently through her use of color onto canvas.”

Margi has decided to make Eumundi her home, after 19 years and five solo exhibitions in New York and extensive world travels. She was born and raised in the tiny town of Whyalla in South Australia, where her father worked for BHP. At just 18 years of age she set off overseas, supporting herself as a fashion model while she developed her craft, which now extends to poetry, children’s books, photography and jewellery.

In 2006 the Australian Consulate General for New York hosted an exhibition of her works, titled E-.Motion, which captured Margi’s responses to life in New York. The exhibition was held at the exclusive National Arts Club and was attended by a variety of the city’s art, business, music, sporting and cultural elite. Staying true to her charitable nature, a 15 per cent donation of sales went towards the Museum of Arts & Design Education Program for Children.

Margi has made a name for herself around the world, with her unique view on the planet gracing the walls of discerning art aficionados in Australia, Europe and America. She is on a mission to help inspire other people to explore their own creativity and new ways of looking at their world.

Inside The Art Bank, extensive timber work by award-winning local Eumundi timberworker, Chris Cole, was commissioned by Margi. “We realise we are part of a very special community here and are happy to work together,” she said. Chris fitted the gallery with numerous unique pieces of furniture and frames and was also commissioned to make a number of pieces for Margi’s home.

Guests at the opening will be entertained by the Coast’s hottest original musician, sonic artist Harii Bandhu.