PLUME GALLERY ARMADALE

A contemporary art destination in Melbourne's inner suburbs

Plume Gallery Armadale sits at 4/1200 High Street in the leafy inner-Melbourne suburb of Armadale, VIC 3143. Founded in 2005 by director Katrina McKeon, it's become a proper spot for contemporary Australian art. You'll find art enthusiasts, collectors and curious locals all moving through the space. The gallery runs exhibitions across various mediums, and the whole thing is set up so you don't feel out of place if you're new to this kind of thing. There's also a second location in Albert Park, which means more chances to catch what they're showing.

The staff know their stuff and the spaces feel approachable rather than sterile. Both the Armadale and Albert Park sites show work that backs Australian artists at different points in their careers. By having two locations, Plume Gallery can keep a decent rotation of shows happening, which keeps things fresh.

Contemporary, abstract and expressionist works by Australian artists

Plume Gallery works with a number of contemporary Australian artists doing painting, sculpture, print and other stuff. The place has a real focus on abstract and expressionist work, with plenty of colour, textured paint and interesting patterns on show. That comes straight from how director Katrina McKeon approaches her own art, so there's a consistency to what you see, even though it's still varied. You get contemporary work with real visual punch and something that actually makes you think.

The gallery's also serious about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. That's partly about celebrating Australia's Indigenous art traditions, but also about making sure these artists get proper exhibition space and respect. When you walk through, you see contemporary and Indigenous Australian work sitting right next to each other, which makes the point pretty clear: contemporary art in this country comes from all sorts of artists and cultural backgrounds. The pieces themselves range from big colour work to complex abstraction to pieces that carry real cultural weight, and they're there because they challenge you or get under your skin somehow.

Services beyond exhibitions: commissions, consultation and bespoke art advice

Plume Gallery Armadale goes well beyond its exhibition program to offer tailored services for serious collectors and anyone wanting to commission original works. Their art consultation service helps clients find pieces that match their taste and fit their spaces, bringing professional advice within reach for both seasoned collectors and newcomers. If you need art for a home, office or just want something made specifically for you, the team can draw on their knowledge of the artists they represent and what's happening in contemporary art more broadly.

The gallery takes on commissions as a core part of what they do. Artists work to a client's specific brief, and you get to own something made just for you. They also sell gift vouchers if you're after a present for someone who loves art. This all means Plume Gallery works as more than just a shop. They're genuinely there to help you build an art collection that matters to you.

Visiting Plume Gallery Armadale: hours, location and practical information

The Armadale branch is at 4/1200 High Street and opens Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, and Sunday 10am to 4pm. Mondays are appointment only, so ring +61 422 363 676 if you want to visit midweek. There's also the Albert Park location at 122 Bridport Street, which runs Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 10am-4pm. They'll sort you with evening or after-hours slots there as well if you call ahead.

Plume Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land and honours the Elders past and present. The respect for First Nations cultural heritage and connection to country is a core part of how they operate. Want to know more about the artists, what's on, or thinking about getting a piece commissioned? You'll find artist profiles and a mailing list to keep up with what's happening.

Staying in the loop with Plume Gallery online

Plume Gallery keeps things active on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, posting new works, behind-the-scenes shots from the studio, and details about Katrina McKeon's own art. The social accounts give you a real-time look at what's happening in the gallery and the conversations around contemporary Australian art. Sign up to the mailing list if you want to hear about upcoming shows, artist profiles, special events and ways to get involved with what Plume Gallery's got coming up.

Following Plume Gallery online puts you alongside collectors, artists and art lovers who are interested in contemporary Australian art and the work Katrina McKeon and her team do at PLUME GALLERY ARMADALE | Armadale | VIC | 3143 | 2005 | You can visit in person or follow along digitally, and either way the gallery's keen to chat about art that speaks to you.