A new exhibition at the Melton Civic Centre reflects on our everyday lives and celebrates the unique details that make our neighbourhoods home.
Love Where You Are, a collection of vibrant paper art and collage from local artist, Tess Angala, explores how we can find a sense of home with great community support and creativity.
Featuring quirky illustrations, inclusive themes and abstract portraiture that represent the diversity of our local Melton community, Love Where You Are is Tess’s first exhibition and part of Melton City Council’s Groundwork program.
Groundwork aims to grow the creative practice of artists living and working within the City of Melton to enrich our city’s creative ecology and economies. This tailored support is designed to build capacity and develop skills for participants to maintain and grow their practice long into the future.
Groundwork gives artists access to mentorship and curatorial advice from Council’s arts and events team, marketing and promotion support for their creative practices, and exhibition space at Melton Library & Learning Hub and Melton Civic Centre.
Tess Angala is a mum, illustrator, stationary designer, baker, writer, engineer and paper crafter – who started her creative journey in the 2000s in Manila, Philippines. All the creative magic takes place in her home studio in Caroline Springs where she runs her gifts and homewares business, What Tess Makes.
The exhibition will be open in Melton Civic Centre from August 2023 until February 2024.
You can find out more at
Applications for the 2024 Groundwork Exhibition Program are now open, and information can be found at
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Melton, Cr Lara Carli
“Groundwork supports our city’s most exciting emerging artists to grow and thrive – and brings contemporary arts practice to a broader audience.”
“Tess’s work is perfect for our Civic Centre, celebrating our people and places and the materiality of our city and planet.”
“I’m proud we can host this exhibition celebrating the inclusivity of Melton, community and creativity.”
Quotes attributable to Tess Angala, artist
“The theme for this exhibition is showcasing Melton, how people celebrate being in the moment, appreciating the present and being grateful for the space under our feet.”
“I am fascinated with colours, patterns and designs on paper and fabric. Most of the materials used here are scraps that I repurposed into artwork. I think it is important to be conscious about the environment in every little way possible.”
