Ten years of investing in art comes to an end at Art Space Wodonga this week with an exhibition featuring 59 works from Australian contemporary artists.
The concept of art investment groups was a format developed by Betts Gallery in Tasmania and Artstream was initiated by local Albury art enthusiast Gillian Sanbrook and 38 friends and associates in 2009.
Chairperson Gillian Sanbrook said the outcome of the whole experience of Artstream superseded her wildest expectations.
"We have made great friends met numerous emerged and emerging Australian artists and run workshops, art residency and built wonderful relationships with galleries, artists, consultants in the industry," she said.
In that time each unitholder contributed funds each year and a nominated buying group of seven people purchased art on the group’s behalf.
"The Artstream collection comprises of paintings and works on paper, sculpture and video art by Australian artists working with in the period from 1960 to the present," Ms Sanbrook said.
"Principally the collection embraces works that reflect the artist’s response to the environment and to where and how we live.
"In addition the group considers how to build a strong collection and the investment value of each artwork purchased."
The collection will be offered for sale by auction to unitholders at a private auction on line so the paintings will continue to be owned by members well into the future.
Well-known artists John Wolseley, Elizabeth Cummings, Mandy Martin, Lesley Dumbrell and Jon Cattapan, Fred Williams and Rick Amor are included in the collection .
Each year the group visited art fairs in Melbourne and Sydney and a tour to New York and Washington in 2015.
"We also have an annual dinner with art speakers and have hosted two art residencies with Jo Bertini and John Wolseley," Ms Sanbrook said.
The collection opening at Art Space Wodonga on Thursday March 7 at 5.30 and open until March 16.
