Take a trip down beautiful Boyd Street in Minnamurra, and you will find a heart-warming Free Little Art Gallery, calling for customers and contributions. Developed primarily by eleven-year-old Evie van Wel and her thirteen-year-old brother, Ollie, this gem has tonnes of trinkets for the taking (or making, if inspired!) - keyrings, stickers, canvases containing pebbles from the nearby river, incense and ring holders, and more.

Much like their Mum, Belinda, Evie and Ollie display abundant creativity and compassion. Having been stuck at home with COVID-19 last summer, they decided to join forces in building the gallery in their front yard.

“Mum saw one on the internet. All of us really liked it, so we decided to build one straight away,” says Evie, who was thrilled to receive the backing of her school community at Minnamurra Public when they heard about the project.

“When the teachers heard that it was happening, one of them dropped some clay sculptures in. Everyone loved those, so we don’t have too many left. And another teacher made some little bunnies,” she says, proudly showcasing the items. 

Belinda reiterated that this act of kindness and giving comes with no expectation to swap or donate in return. “Sometimes, kids will come past and say they really like something in there, but feel like they can’t take it because they have nothing to swap it with. You don’t have to give in return. If something takes your fancy, grab it,” she encourages. 

“Evie and Ollie get so excited if they come out and find something is gone, that someone has liked something they made enough to take it.” 

The family are encouraging the community to spread the word of their project and pay frequent visits. Initially, local children popped in most days to marvel at available artworks. However, in more recent times, visitors have been sparse. 

“At first, we had lots of kids who would come over with their parents. They loved that it was here. It made me really happy that everyone liked it and that we had so many people coming and enjoying it,” recalls Evie.  

Belinda adds that, “Evie and Ollie would love to see it as a place for the wider community to share and swap their mini-artworks.” 

So, what is Evie’s next creative venture to be placed alongside more spray painting masterpieces from Ollie? “We just started a little painting on canvas of a bunny looking up at the moon. I can probably finish that in one night,” she beams. 

Essentially, the take-home message from Evie and Ollie is this: come one, come all. Head over to Boyd Street, Minnamurra, and get involved in whatever capacity you like - give, take, or simply just have a browse. The door is always open at the Free Little Art Gallery!