Art to lift Ballinas River St

ART is being used to give the River St CBD a lift through innovations by B-Framed picture framing and Ballina Shire councillor Jeff Johnson.

B-Framed owner, Coral Jade Melgies, will have local painter James Dobbs painting in the front window on Friday and Saturday, as well as having other works on display.

Coral said she was trying "to bring some groove" into the main street.

Cr Johnson, meanwhile, will put a motion to today's council meeting calling for expressions of interest from local artists and collectives to establish a Pop Up Gallery in the heart of the CBD.

"Council has some very prominent shops in the Wigmore Arcade that are currently vacant," he said.

"If local artists could hold exhibitions and workshops in these shops, it would generate a lot of interest, provide a boost to the artists and encourage more people back into the CBD. This would have a positive effect on the other businesses in the area."

James Dobbs will be painting in B-Framed's window at 69 River St on Friday, July 27, from 10am, and on Saturday, from 9am.

Coral said everyone was welcome to go along and watch as James created his artwork, a self-portrait.

"We must embrace the creative aspects of our lives," Coral said.