In the heart of Ballan, a small town wedged between the cultural hubs of Daylesford and Ballarat, an unassuming 19th-century building is quietly making its mark on the local art scene. FlackPTO, an art gallery housed in a historic post and telegraph office, is as much a tribute to its rich family heritage as it is a contemporary showcase for emerging and established artists alike. But what makes FlackPTO truly unique is not only its eclectic roster of artworks or its regular exhibitions. It’s the building itself—imbued with the echoes of six generations, it serves as a canvas in its own right.

Danielle Briglia, the gallery’s founder and curator, is keenly aware of the building’s historical significance. “Everyone loves the heritage feel of the space,” she says, her voice warm and grounded, like the structure itself. “It has a real intimacy. The art becomes part of the building, and the building becomes part of the art. There’s a certain warmth here that you don’t always get in a traditional gallery.” Indeed, stepping into FlackPTO is akin to entering a living museum - one that has evolved over time, its layers of history preserved in the very walls that surround the works on display. Originally built in 1864, the building served as a live-in post office until 1911, after which it became a family home and, later, a craft business outpost. It was only in recent years that Briglia, with encouragement from photographer friends, saw the potential for transformation. “My dad was going to sell the building, but I saw something in it,” she reflects. “I wanted to create a space where art could live, breathe, and be part of a community.”

FlackPTO’s commitment to offering a platform for both established and emerging artists is another defining feature of the gallery. “I know how daunting it can be for artists to exhibit their work,” says Briglia, who has worked in the art world for many years. “I wanted to create a space where artists could start small - just a few pieces - and grow from there.” With a keen eye for quality and a sensitivity to the character of the space, Briglia works closely with artists to curate exhibitions that are both reflective of the local area and diverse in their mediums. From oils and acrylics to photography, and even tapestries and glasswork, the gallery embraces a wide range of artistic forms. “We’re flexible in what we show. There’s always room to experiment and see what resonates,” she explains. The result is a dynamic, ever-changing program that keeps both the gallery and its visitors engaged and excited.

Given its location on the way to two major tourist destinations - Daylesford and Ballarat - FlackPTO has become a natural stop for travellers passing through. Briglia sees this as an opportunity to introduce new visitors to both the local art scene and the charm of Ballan itself. “We want people to come in, have a coffee, take a look at the art, and leave with something new to think about,” she says. There’s a palpable sense of community at FlackPTO, one that extends beyond the gallery walls. “We’re working to make Ballan a destination - a place where people come not just to pass through, but to stay, enjoy, and discover something new.”

This sense of community is also reflected in the gallery’s studio space. Located upstairs, the two rooms are designed with photographers in mind but are versatile enough to accommodate other types of artists as well. One room is dark and moody, perfect for dramatic portraits or still life shots; the other is bathed in natural light, ideal for creating vibrant, airy compositions. The space offers artists the chance to create on-site and see their work displayed downstairs. Some of the photography shot in these studios has already made its way into the gallery’s exhibitions, adding yet another layer to the gallery’s ever-evolving identity.

Looking ahead, Briglia is brimming with ideas for FlackPTO’s future. While she’s still focusing on maintaining the gallery’s unique blend of art exhibitions and historical charm, there are several exciting new initiatives in the works. “We’re expanding into a gift shop area with local jewellery and antiques. And we’re planning a pet photography event - where people can bring their furry friends in for a mini shoot. It’s going to be fun,” she says with a smile. Another new venture is the possibility of hosting small events outside gallery hours, providing a more intimate setting for private gatherings, exhibitions, and community events. FlackPTO has already hosted the successful launch of the Hide + Seek Festival, which Briglia hopes will lead to more cultural collaborations in the future.

What is clear, as one spends more time in the company of Danielle Briglia and her gallery, is that FlackPTO is more than just a space for art - it’s a place where history, community, and creativity come together. It’s a space where the past informs the present, and where new ideas are always taking root. In a rapidly changing world, FlackPTO stands as a reminder that art, like history, is ever-evolving - but it’s also timeless in its ability to connect, provoke, and inspire.

Flack Post & Telegraph Office

140 Inglis St, Ballan

@flackpto

flackpto.com

STORY BY MAHMOOD FAZAL

PHOTOS BY CHRI S TURNER