January 9, 2013
If you’ve been seeing activity around the old Artist’s Cottage complex near Kingaroy Airport recently, you’re not mistaken … the area has been transformed into Belleville’s Cafe and Gifts.
After standing vacant for nearly two years, there’s once again meals being served in the main homestead, artworks are hanging in the gallery space and a craft shop will be opening soon.
The activity is the work of Jodie Belleville and her hubby Wayne who took over a lease on the property about two months ago.
The cafe is open for lunch from Wednesday to Saturday from 10:00am-4:00pm, serving coffee and light meals, including burgers, baguettes and sandwiches (dine-in or take away).
On Sundays, a breakfast menu is also available with food served from 7:00am-4:00pm.
Diners can just roll-up, but bookings for tables of five or more are necessary.
In the main gallery, works by local artists including Lyn Felsman, Thelma Archibald and Ursula Mackay are on display and available for purchase.
Jodie shifted to Queensland from the Northern Territory about two years ago.
The couple then relocated to Kingaroy to be closer to Jodie’s mother Kay Rahe, who previously worked from one of the studio spaces at The Artist’s Cottage (Kay’s Apparel).
Jodie has plans to get the studios operating again and already has a one filled. Margie Deas will be opening a craft jewellery shop in the old homestead kitchen within a few weeks.
Other plans include adding Friday and Saturday night dinners later in the year, as well as Saturday breakfasts.
Jodie also wants to make better use of the vacant land behind the complex which she believes would make a perfect display area.
“I have gradually been approaching car clubs and motorcycle clubs that might be interested in staging show’n’shines,” she said.
Another idea is a small collectibles / antiques store in the former verandah studio space in the main building.
“We have heaps of plans!” she said.
“But absolutely everything is a work in progress at the moment.”
Jodie said she was also looking for gift shops – home-made wares and crafts – to fill the other vacant studio spaces.
Anyone interested should contact her on 0429-990-015.
