By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
Kallista now has its own arts and crafts destination, ‘The Artist Hive’, which opened in February 2025 to feature the work of local artists and artisans from the Dandenongs and surrounding areas.
The store has quickly become a popular spot, showcasing over 40 local artists and their handmade, original creations.
It offers a diverse range of items, including ceramics, knitted goods, fine art, jewellery, and more, with many artists also selling prints, cards, and smaller pieces alongside their unique works.
The idea for ‘The Artist Hive’ came from owner and craftsperson Del Whitehead’s own experience struggling to sell handmade items in a market dominated by mass-produced goods.
“I wanted to create a space where local artists could display their work and customers could appreciate the value of handmade pieces,” Ms Whitehead said.
Kallista, known for its vibrant arts community, is an ideal location for the store. Ms Whitehead hopes it will help establish the area as a creative hub.
“There are many artists in the region, and I’d love to see Kallista become a go-to place for galleries and unique, locally made products,” she said.
The community has shown great support for ‘The Artist Hive’, and Ms Whitehead plans to expand the shop’s offerings with workshops where visitors can learn various arts and crafts.
“A lot of the artists here are interested in running small workshops, and I think it’s a great way to bring people together and share skills,” she said.
The store is open five days a week and continues to welcome new artists interested in showcasing their work.
