The timing could not have been worse for Zokki Bugarski in opening her gorgeous new art gallery in Redcliffe. Opened just before the dreaded pandemic knocked our community for six, there’s barely a soul to be seen on the streets of Redcliffe now.
But you could take a leaf out of Zokki’s book of positivity and consider that nor could the timing be more apt, for the theme of her first exhibition, Inklings of Joy, is something we could all do with right now.
Zokki and her husband Steve run Oasis Café on Redcliffe Parade, and their gallery is located in a freshly renovated space above the café. (Under current regulations, the gallery can’t welcome visitors and the café can’t offer sit-down meals. But the café is still open for takeaway meals and some of the best coffee in Redcliffe.)
Not only are Zokki and Steve incredibly warm people who have endeared themselves to many locals, they have big ideas for what they want to contribute to the community.
Zokki is passionate about art and hugely talented, creating all these incredible works of art in between running a busy café and managing her young family. She rarely starts with a design for her colourful mixed media works, created with ink and watercolours, the design coming to life as she goes.
She hopes the gallery will become a showcase for local artists to display their work. The studio will also be available for hire as a creative space, with the café catering for events on request.
While the pandemic has put those plans on hold, we’re looking forward to the day when Zokki’s Inklings of Joy attract the attention they deserve. Zokki can be contacted through her Zokki.B Gallery & Studio Facebook page.
Zokki.B Gallery & Studio
163 Redcliffe Parade (above Oasis Café)
Redcliffe Qld 4020
Australia