The former visitor information centre, which has been vacant for more than two years, has been transformed into the Art Me Gallery and was opened last month.

Managing director of the gallery, Allyssa Constable, holds a temporary lease until May but hopes to extend it if enough people visit its first exhibition.

About 140 artworks from 18 different artists are presently on display and include water colours, oils, acrylics, mixed media and photography.

Ms Constable said she was originally looking for a venue to launch the book Amazing Australian Artists but thought the old information centre would be a great space to display art.

She selected various works from the book to hang on the walls.

“It was quite run down when I took it over and I had to take out old cupboards and get the dust off the high ceilings,” she said.

During the official exhibition opening and book launch, the Art Me Gallery raised more than $400 for Country Hope.

The GIGS Art Gallery has also launched a new exhibition of abstract works from Violet Town artist Sarah Trethowan.

She has created 15 works, using simple shapes and contrasting colours to reflect cityscapes.

“We live in an urbanised society and cities are popping up all around the world so I’m interested in upward motion,” she said

Ms Trethowan said she wanted to create an exhibition that people did not feel they had to over-analyse.

“I just hope people can get some enjoyment from the abstract paintings and bold colours,” she said.

“People often ask themselves what an artwork is supposed to be but with this it’s just what you see is what you get.”

The GIGS Art Gallery exhibition will be open until April 19 and Art Me Gallery until May.