The good news is that we only have another month or so of really hot weather. The bad news is that Michael can't wait for the summer to subside to commence renovation of Shop 4 at the Forbes Building. We have committed ourselves to having at least the front half of the shop completed in time for Easter. That will be the time for the launch of our next exhibition.
The expanded East End Gallery will be another eighty-six square metres of hanging and floor space. The Gallery's eventual size of over one hundred and forty square metres will (hopefully) be its main drawcard for attracting artists to showcase their work. That's Michael's dream.
In the meantime, there are some major repairs and restoration that has to occur. Michael has been filling holes and sealing the front of the pressed tin ceiling and walls in preparation for painting. We have just hired a young, strong and smart lad to help him with the grunt work. Gary is still available if he doesn't have other work commitments. Unfortunately, Leo, trade assistant and dog about town isn't visiting the building at present, as Gary and Leo's mother have had a falling out.
Today will involve emptying the shop of all miscellaneous junk. There will be two categories - tip or non - tip. The rubbish will be dumped directly into the trusty trailer. Useful items will have to find a home out the back of the workshop. Depending on how Michael feels, they may continue with more wall patching and crack filling.
By far the most time-consuming and heavy job will be lifting the floorboards, reinforcing underneath with steel members and then relaying the floor. We have always known this needs to happen. The cellar underneath the shop was filled with yellow sand to solve water issues after the Meckering earthquake in 1968. The floor was not supported adequately afterward, hence the need to fix the problem now. At least we'll know the floor will be safe and secure.
So the final push is on. Michael has been renovating the building for two and a half years. He has had enough of hundred-year-old dust and grime in his hair, eyes and up his nose. Not to mention being covered from head to foot in goop and paint.
I'm hoping we can complete the building without Michael's health failing again. He is very tired and his chest is a bit rattly. I'm watching him like a hawk. Once again, my quest is to keep him as well as possible so he can finally fulfill his dream. And become just an artist.
up, up and away...
the blank canvas
the nerve centre, complete with entertainment
Still life of Michael and scaffolding
sophisticated air conditioning system
an odd item or two collected on the premises
fireplace au natural!
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