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And Now A Word From Our Sponsors: Part 1



Greenhills Art Centre


Mission Statement:

To provide a transformative space for artists to create, learn, experiment, and engage with new ideas. Through a supportive environment that fosters collaboration, creativity, and personal growth, we empower artists to deepen their practice and share their work with the community. We are dedicated to promoting artistic innovation, cultural exchange, enriching local communities, and contributing to the ongoing dialogue in the arts.



 

I first met Johanna and Greg Larkin a few years ago in their Kalamunda home. What could have been just a simple business deal to have some paintings framed became a friendship based on art, creativity and books. This was not a unique occurrence- Jo and Greg have always been supporters and promoters of other artists, encouraging connection and fostering talent. Johanna instigated monthly meet-ups with other artists, and started to dream of finding a space big enough to share with others.



After an intensive and inspirational painting course in Florence, Jo was on a mission, and with Greg’s complete belief and involvement the pair started to look for a property to fit their vision. At first they considered moving to Tasmania, but fortunately for us, decided to look closer to home for the right property with space, accommodation and character.

Enter the former Greenhills Inn, 20kms from York- a wonderful Federation style hotel, built in 1906- which had just gone on the market. With its unique and beautifully decorated bedrooms and huge (250 sqm) event space the inn had a lot of potential. The commercial kitchen also offered the possibility to cater for large groups, with the wonderful antique-filled dining room and lounge lending a unique flavour to the beautiful old building. The polished wood, glass and curios attest to the love and care of previous owners, whilst Johanna and Greg are adding their unique stamp with a terrific collection of original artworks by local artists, and also by Jo herself.



The hard work began in September 2024, with a massive refurbishment of the event space to create a magnificent fully-equipped studio giving visiting artists room to spread out, move around and learn from talented tutors. There is also the opportunity for private retreats where groups or individuals can book in (space allowing) to work on their own art or craft. It would make a fabulous place for a writers’ retreat with interesting nooks and crannies to discover and sit in whilst writing the next best-seller- Outback Noir anyone? Quilting groups would be well catered for, with lots of room to lay out patchwork, and quilt by hand or machine.


Whilst there are 8 comfortable bedrooms (and 10 beds in total), artists may decide to stay off-site too, or even bring their own caravans to park up in the grounds of the tavern and use the convenient attached showers and toilets, whilst enjoying being treated to delicious home-cooked meals, and everything else that the Greenhills Art Centre has to offer- and who would want to miss out on that?


Both Greg and Johanna are wonderful cooks, and their delicious meals cater to everyone’s taste buds and dietary restrictions. Taking long walks in the peaceful, rural surrounds is highly recommended to offset the generous and flavourful meals, and also provide further artistic inspiration. They are fast establishing a kitchen garden to add home grown vegetables and herbs to their cuisine, and having been an overnight guest I can personally attest to the couple's wonderful hospitality.



The Larkins opened the doors of the Greenhills Art Centre in July 2025 and have hosted many retreats and residencies since then, although limiting them to the cooler months as Greenhills can be very hot and dry during Summer. This also gives both Jo and Greg time to work on their own art projects and spend time with family.

They have several residencies lined up for the rest of 2026, including painting, colour-mixing and print-making- all with talented and well-known artists. I am looking forward to heading back there for a visit soon, not only for the warm and welcoming company, but also for the opportunity to be part of an artistic community, share ideas, challenge myself and deepen my creative practice.


MHOS and the Greenhills Art Centre share similar missions: both build connections through art and creative spaces and both understand the power of art to create community and belonging.

Thank you Greg and Johanna Larkin for your ongoing support of art and artists.


Please take a look at the Greenhills Art Centre website and social media:



 
 
 

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