Ciao Meow Gallery is an alternative retail shop dedicated to providing an environment for local Newcastle artists and designers to sell or exhibit small artwork and wares. Director Robyn Nunan calls it an ‘alternative retail shop’ because “everything is original, creative and handmade, not mass produced items that are seen everywhere else.”

Robyn Nunan is an artist based in Newcastle – we asked Robyn to tell us a little more about herself:

I was previously a high school art teacher until I realized that living my life in the command of a bell was not for me. So I became a full time artist which has taken me on many adventures such as Renew Newcastle!

I create jewellery from recycled bottle tops. I have been selling my jewellery in Newcastle and Sydney. The idea came from my partners’ quirky habit to collect almost anything and everything, including bottle tops! One day as I was pondering whether to throw out all of the collected bottle tops or not, then the idea came to me…jewellery! Friends, family and even unsuspecting strangers all collect bottle tops for me now.

What inspired you to get involved in Renew Newcastle?

I was inspired to get involved because Renew Newcastle is such a great idea to rejuvenate our sad CBD. I have always wanted to own a shop that sells creative, fun, funky, alternative handmade wearables and homewares. Renew has given me the opportunity to pursue my idea and to become apart of the creative, energetic community and to participate in a movement that will create a shiny New-castle.

Tell us about the space

The space that I am in use to be a juice bar and the actual juice bar is now my desk! Since the Renew project has been operating the space has been an Architecture exhibition and just before I moved in it was an artist run gallery, Arthive, which is now situated above Ciao Meow Gallery.

Contact Ciao Meow

You can check out Ciao Meow Gallery on facebook or visit www.madeit.com.au/CiaoMeow to view Ciao Meow bottle top jewellery.

Opening Hours

Tuesday – Friday 10.30am – 4.30pm

Saturday 10.30am – 3pm

May 2010 Update – Robyn has closed her Renew Newcastle shop in the mall and has opened up a new shop just down the road at 169 King St (near the Tower Cinema and Antique Sounds). She has taken on her own commercial lease – we wish her all the best in continuing the Ciao Meow venture. Robyn tells us her opening hours are pretty similar, and she has brought in a range of new local artists to celebrate opening the new store. Do drop in to say hello!

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