Visitors are being greeted by a profusion of colour as wildflowers spill across canvases, textiles and digital designs in the latest exhibition at Caloundra Regional Gallery.
Wildflowering by Design celebrates the beauty and resilience of our native flora and women’s connection to place.
Caloundra Regional Gallery Director Jo Duke said Wildflowering by Design had arrived in the region just in time for our wildflowering season.
“This exhibition is a great celebration for our region as there are so many local artists involved in the show,” Ms Duke said.
“Wildflowering by Design is a touring exhibition and is the concept of curators Dr Sue Davis and Dr Lisa Chandler.”
Exhibition Curator Dr Sue Davis said Wildflowering by Design brought together a group of extraordinary Queensland artists who explored our botanical heritage through the lens of contemporary art and design.
“These artists, including many from the Sunshine Coast, extend the scope of what we understand as Australian environmental design culture, using hand-crafted techniques, digital innovation, and everything in between,” Curator Dr Sue Davis said.
“We’re proud to feature the work of Rose Barrowcliffe, Nai Nai Bird, Renata Buziak, Donna Davis, Joolie Gibbs, Anne Harris, Nicole Jakins, Shelley Pisani, Edith Rewa, Cara Ann Simpson, Marni Stuart, Emma Thorp, and many other talented artists from across South-East Queensland.”
The free exhibition runs until 30 November and includes a range of workshops from paper lanterns and drawing to watercolour and linocut, as well as a reader’s theatre performance.
The exhibition continues the region’s long tradition of celebrating wildflowers and conservation, inspired by early advocates such as artist and environmentalist Kathleen McArthur.
Sunshine Coast Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said this was another example of how art helped showcase the region’s remarkable ecological values.
“Throughout our history, we’ve been fortunate to have so many trailblazing women who advocated for our native flora, and our wildflowers in particular,” Cr Law said.
“Their connection to place and commitment to sustainability embodies what it means to live in our Sunshine Coast Biosphere, where people and nature thrive in harmony.“This exhibition continues their legacy and, through art and design, creates a deeper appreciation for the resilience and beauty of what grows here naturally.”
This project has been made possible through the support of the Queensland Government via Arts Queensland, and the gallery is grateful for their continued investment in regional arts and culture.
Wildflowering by Design is on display at Caloundra Regional Gallery Tuesday to Friday, 10am–4pm, and weekends 10am–2pm until 30 November.
Entry is free. Register for workshops and the performance at gallery.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.
