Last week, the Lismore App wrote about the new Blah Bar in Eggins Lane, and the Living School renovations in the Brown & Jolly building and parts of Eggins Lane and Larkin Lane.

It was then that we discovered 10 County Lane, which is operated by Gemma Hall.

Gemma Hall was looking for a studio for her art business 'Art With Wings' when she was told about the building at 10 County Lane.

"I came and had a look, and I just fell in love because of the location, the possibilities of how I could support community. It's just right in the heart of town, so it's a fabulous venue."

"Part of what I wanted to do here was contribute to the life of the CBD by bringing creatives in and sharing our skills and our knowledge and inviting the community to use this as a venue. So, the Living School's ideas and vision really support what I'm doing, and I'd really like to support what they're doing, just in terms of bringing people into the CBD, activating this space again and bringing life in.

What started as a studio space has evolved into a thriving business. Gemma rents out the building to local businesses looking to host workshops or run presentations.

"It's absolutely a wanted space. We have Casper doing a four and a half day training, we've had the Living School do a community Q&A, and then tonight, they're having their middle school dance here.

(The Living School's founder John Stewart talks through his CBD plans to interested members of the community last week at 10 County Lane)

"We also have three regular dance classes, a singing circle, over-65s group, we've got an art group for people with disabilities. I'm really opening up the space for anybody that wants to hire it. It's really a blank canvas for anyone to come in and gather."

Gemma's original idea to create a space for Art With Wings has taken a back burner, as other opportunities presented themselves; however, she is rebooting her business again.

"I'm starting with a group of ladies with disabilities for art, but I'm also encouraging other artists to use the space for workshops. So, we've got a mural workshop coming up and a Paint & Sip coming up. I hope, in time, that I will be able to offer more art classes to the community through Art With Wings."

The beauty of Gemma's business is that it aligns with her flood plan. Everything is lean and clean with minimal items to move when the next flood tops the levee wall. There is a sprung dance floor and a large TV projector and pull-down screen as the most expensive items move.

If you are looking for a space to hold a workshop or presentation, email Gemma at 10countylane@gmail.com.