The Art Shed in Merton Street has provided the Men’s Shed, photographer Dave Chappell and artist Tammey McAllan somewhere to display and sell their works. It will officially open at the Boggabri Spring Fair and Food Festival on Saturday.

It is a dream come true for owner of Boggabri Hardware and Rural Supplies’, Jo Bell, who wanted to resurrect the old wooden shed out the back of the store, which was built in 1938 and originally used to store fuel drums.

Ms Bell hoped to use it to pursue her passion for wood work, however, she found she didn’t have the time, so she began mulling over other ideas.

“I’m a very sentimental person even though it’s not my generation, I like to keep the old,” she said.

With encouragement from her friend Patricia Adams, and a chance conversation with Ms McAllan, the  concept of a display space came to light.

Ms McAllan had recently moved back to her hometown to focus on her art career and was looking for somewhere to display her work. Ms Bell offered the shed to her and soon the Men’s Shed and Lion’s Club came on board.

With financial help from the Lion’s Club and labour from the Men’s Shed, the building was moved up to the street front then re-floored and the piers replaced. The club has made the shed its 100-year project.

A key driver in the establishment of the shed is Roger Hollingworth who is involved with both parties. He said the project had been good for all involved.

“It’s important for the town and district, I think; to show the town what you can do when you put your mind to it,” he said.

“The main street needs a bit of a boost.”

Ms Bell said the community has embraced the Art Shed and only had good things to say.

“The interest in this has been unbelievable,” she said.

Ms McAllan said she was thrilled with the result and the support of the Men’s Shed and Lion’s Club.

“They’ve just done this out of the kindness of their hearts,” she said.

“I had a picture in my head but they have really gone over and beyond.

“I think it’s the sense of community – having people here wanting to make the town better.”

Ms Bell echoed her sentiments.

“That’s what we’re about here – working all together,” she said.

“There’s a huge future here.”

The shed is accessible Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, and Saturdays from 8.30am-12.30pm. The spring fair starts at 8.30am on Saturday.