Testimonials

“Working with Melony has been such a pleasure. She is so generous with her art and business know-how. Planning and running my exhibition has felt like a true collaboration. I also love her vision of creating a community of artists that support each other. I'm looking forward to working with her and other artists connected to Gallery 11:11 into the future.”

- Joanna Durney Sanz

“Melony is an absolute wonder to work with. When I teamed up with her to organise my mother's commemorative exhibition, I was a little apprehensive, but Melony calmly intuited the vision and helped to realise it every step of the way. She is both efficient and creative, and has a great curatorial eye for making the artist's work shine in her beautiful gallery space. I couldn't have been happier with the final exhibition, which even included an opera singer - and can't recommend Melony and Gallery 11:11 highly enough!”

-Tom Geue

”I can't say enough good things about Gallery 11:11. The space is bright and beautiful and I found it the perfect setting to showcase my work. I was overwhelmed by the number of people who came to check out my show, this is a testament to the Gallery's network and standing in the local community. Being my first ever solo show, Melony guided me through the process of bringing the show to life and I couldn't have done it without her wisdom.”

-Dean Spinks

“It was about two years ago that I discovered Gallery 11:11, after which I started going regularly to it's monthly exhibitions. Inspired, I started discussing with Melony having my own exhibition displaying my bird-art photography. Together with Melony and under her guidance - as I had not previous experience - we started exploring the concept, selecting photos, experimenting with prints, and putting an exhibition together. It was an enthralling journey, that peaked at an eight-day exhibition. These were an exiting eight days, in which I met over 150 visitors, sold over a dozen pieces of work, but most importantly met so many that came to enjoy my art and support me. It was a wonderful experience, and a flawless execution from beginning to end.
Thank you Melony. I would not have done it without your help and guidance.”
- Ran Fuchs

“Gallery 11:11 hosted my first solo exhibition in March 2020. The whole experience was incredible due to the professionalism of Melony Smirniotis. Every aspect of the process was excellent, from mentoring throughout the journey,  curating the exhibition, advertising via multiple media platforms, hosting and sales. Melony loves artists and cares about their creativity and art making, bringing out their story through the  way she curates the finished pieces. Gallery 11:11 is  a beautiful & peaceful art space to exhibit and create art in. It is a supportive space for a collective of artists and lovers of art. As an emerging artist I have felt welcomed, inspired and supported. Thank you Melony & Gallery 11:11.

-Jane Latella

“Two words would describe my experience with Melony at Gallery 11:11 Artspace … professional and supportive.  Her years of experience help shape the whole gallery experience. Gallery 11:11 is an intimate art space that provides endless opportunities for its artists. Being located in the heart of North Epping, it thrives on local community support which is one of its endearing features. I’m blessed to be part of the growing network of artists and mentors and cannot highly recommended this space enough.”

Rebecca Brady

“My first solo exhibition took place in April / May 2021 and was a complete success. My profound thanks go to Melony Kara Smirniotis, Artist and Director of Gallery 11:11 whose guidance and mentoring made this exhibition possible. Melony reviewed my work on a regular basis providing feedback and encouragement. An important component of my exhibition was the narrative behind the work. Melony engaged with the narrative and took time to understand the motive behind the creation of each image. Gallery 11:11 provides an important hub for visual arts in Sydney's Northern districts”.

Murray Walsh

‘Chameleon’ 21st November – 13th December 2019 

“What a wonderful opportunity it was to exhibit in this new and innovative art space in North  Epping in 2019. I can honestly say that my exhibition entitled ‘Chameleon’ held at Gallery  11:11 was a turning point in my artistic journey.  

I was juggler of time, career and creativity for the previous forty years and we selected my  most recent works for this solo exhibition, co-curated by director Melony Smirniotis and  myself. There was ample room for twenty-eight works on the walls; a professional hanging  system and break out rooms. So well designed. 

Six large artworks formed the central focus of my exhibition. The ‘hero work’, entitled ‘Terror  in the Wallpaper’, occupied the centre of the longest wall facing the entry. The ‘source work’  entitled ‘Dooga Creek’ was placed on an easel near the door. I really enjoyed this refreshing  way to perceive an exhibition and also the request by Melony for a strong narrative to give  the exhibition strength and validity. It was these concepts that Melony taught me which  informed my exhibition and my future practice. Challenging at first, it was very empowering  on moving forward. 

I now work on large pentaptyches on steel and I execute these works in gouache and found  objects. I feel that I have now found my ‘life’s work’. 

Thank you, Melony, for the opportunity to show my artwork in your light filled, special  purpose art space. Congratulations for what you have created for both the community and  the artists who exhibit in Gallery 11:11. Your encouragement and support is highly valued and  an integral part of your success.”

Much love and appreciation,  

Jenni Trezise

Ricarda Engelhardt and Lolita Wildin ~ joint exhibition ‘AQUA’ in October 2020 at Gallery 11:11.  

“We both found Melony to be very professional in the running of her gallery. She was very helpful in all aspects of our exhibition and made the experience an easy and successful process. Many thanks Melony.”

“Hi Melony,

Just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to arrange and host my virtual visit to your gallery and exhibition.

It was a lovely surprise and privilege to meet Jane in person, and to see her beautiful watercolours. The vibrancy, skill and warmth of Jane's paintings really communicates the beauty of Australia's natural environment as well as the joy of watercolour painting itself....inspirational!” Krys