A Personal Note from the Director: Reflection on the last 20 Years of PO8 Gallery
A Personal Note from the Director: Twenty Years of Pieces of Eight
By Melanie Katsalidis, Gallery Director
It is a moment of profound reflection and immense joy to stand here today, in 2025, and mark the 20th anniversary of Pieces of Eight. Twenty years is more than just a passing of time; it is a rich accumulation of experiences, partnerships, and deeply meaningful connections.
When we began this journey in 2005, our core ambition was to create a space that transcended the conventional retail model, a gallery where jewellery was unequivocally seen as art. It has been the absolute pleasure and privilege of my professional life to realise this vision.
A Community of Artists and Craftsmanship
Over these two decades, we have had the distinct honour of showcasing and representing the work of almost 200 artists. From solo exhibitions to pivotal group shows, Pieces of Eight has been a dedicated custodian for the creation of unique, highly individual, and masterfully handcrafted pieces of jewellery and art objects. To support their practice, to witness the creation of excellence, and to facilitate the journey of these pieces from the artist’s bench to their cherished new home, this has been a continuous source of pride.
The Trust of Our Clients
To our clients, I extend my most sincere thanks. You are the creative thinkers, the professionals, the design-savvy individuals who have supported a small, independent creative business.
You have entrusted us to mark the key, defining moments of your lives. We have crafted treasures that celebrate love and marriage, mark anniversaries and birthdays, honour promotions and graduations, and herald the birth of children. But equally, and just as meaningfully, we have been there to design pieces that mark loss, the end of a relationship, or the beginning of a brave new chapter. It is a humbling honour to know our creations accompany you through the full, rich tapestry of a life well lived.
Adornment with Meaning: Beyond the Trend
Melbourne, our vibrant and deeply creative city, has been the perfect host for our gallery. To be a part of this community has been a joyful experience, grounding our work in a culture that values authenticity and design. Our commitment has always been to a tradition that is far older and more ancient than any current trend: the power of jewellery as a talisman, as adornment rich with meaning. These are pieces that transcend the fleeting nature of fashion. They are crafted for longevity, steeped in significance, and built to become part of your personal legacy.
Join Us to Celebrate
To celebrate this wonderful milestone and thank you for your support, we warmly invite you to join us:
Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Pieces of Eight Gallery, 28 Russell Place, Melbourne VIC 3000
We can't wait to toast this wonderful milestone with you!
Melanie x
