Hidden Treasures, an art gallery and gift shop is perfect for those last minute Christmas treasures, with a difference. Each of the products in store is made locally by talented artists.

The variety in store is impressive, with everything from gourmet food, including Christmas treats, to beautiful home wares and lovely paintings.

Owner Cathy Posselt moved to the area five years ago, and was excited to become part of her new community in Harrington. She was impressed with all the gifted artists in the region, creating everything from small handcrafts to high end art works. Cathy decided unearthing these amazing people, hidden away on the Mid North Coast, was her focus. One of these people was Cathy's friend Anne Bloomfield. Anne's crochet and tatting work has been a huge inspiration to Cathy. The pair met when Cathy attended crochet classes taught by Anne. Cathy has purchased Anne's work for gifts in her new shop, and one of her creations, a red tatted bookmark, now sits on the wall of the shop, a symbol of the core purpose behind Hidden Treasures.

"The shop is beautiful, it's a big credit to Cathy," said Anne.

Cathy's journey to shop ownership has not been an easy one.

Within a couple of weeks after arriving in Harrington, Cathy and her husband welcomed their three married children for a weekend reunion to see their new home. It was the first time the family had been together in a long time. But unfortunately tragedy struck during an innocent game of Frisbee at Crowdy Head Beach with the family. One of Cathy's sons accidentally dived on her, instantly snapping her hip and collarbone as she landed heavily on the hard sand.

Cathy spent seven agonising weeks in hospital after undergoing major surgery on her hip. After her release, she became housebound for months. New to the area, Cathy received very few visitors in this time. Her isolation, made her realise just how important having a daily purpose such as art and craft can be in a person's life.

Cathy is passionate about providing the talented artists in the local communities an opportunity to display and sell their artistic creations. "It's more about the people behind the art works," Cathy explained. "And if I can make a difference to people's lives, by giving them the incentive to continue to do what they're doing; a reason to get up every day to pursue the love of their own individual craft, then I am privileged to provide the space and opportunity."

Cathy would like to thank local businesses Club Harrington, Harrington Harbourside Cellars and Harrington Bakery for their support and sponsorship of her opening night that fell on December 6. This night marked exactly twelve months since Cathy returned home from hospital.

Hidden Treasures is located at Harrington Marina. You can like the new shop on Facebook at 'Hidden Treasures Gallery'.