October is the ideal time to meet the makers of fabulous, handcrafted art pieces in and around Queanbeyan. Participating studios and galleries are offerings special insights for the Arts Trail from 14 to 15 October 2023. It’s a creative feast for connoisseurs of the arts!
Public art walk
Take a closer look at Queanbeyan’s impressive art spaces with the curated Public Art Walk. Follow the 2-kilometre marked itinerary to see Queanbeyan Library Artworks, murals, mosaics, and even ‘Morty’ the snail sculpture.
Queanbeyan is dusted with an artistic flair that you may not see by driving past, so take some extra time to uncover the public art while on foot – you’ll see sculptures, unique designs and craftsmanship – often presented in unusual settings.
Notable features are the Jullergung Totem Poles, created by local Indigenous artists, and the Queens Bridge Mural by Mike Shankster. The online itinerary provides useful instructions and a background on each piece along the way. Send the interactive itinerary to your mobile for ease.
Outdoorsy art
Continuing with the outdoor theme, allow some extra time to discover No Name Lane Open Air Gallery. It is just off Monaro Street and includes incredible immersive artwork, neon lighting and places to sit. Day or night, the display is a fabulous selfie location. Lightboxes on the walls display a rotating exhibition of discerning images by local photographers.
Across the road is Blacksmiths Lane, which includes artworks that pay homage to the history of Queanbeyan Blacksmiths. Murals, cutout steel panels and night lighting help to tell the story of blacksmiths and wheelwrights who worked in the lane in the late-1800s. The metal signage is specially hand forged by Michael Warner.
You can also pick up some local designer pieces at the outdoor Queanbeyan Market from 9am–2pm on Sunday 15 October 2023.
Art displays
Spoilt for choice, be sure to visit the distinctive art on display at many locations across Queanbeyan. Rusten House Art Centre – located in a heritage-listed building that was Queanbeyan’s first hospital – has been beautifully restored as a gallery. See original exhibitions such as ‘Magpies and More’, ‘Tales from the late Anthropocene: Rise of marine megafauna’, or join a printmaking demonstration.
At Art by Anders, enjoy a collection of art, bric-a-brac and maybe even some live music! Or explore stunning plants and insects painted in watercolour at Cheryl Hodges Botanical Art studio at 259 Bicentennial Drive, Jerrabomberra. The Queanbeyan Art Society in historic O’Neill’s Cottage is exhibiting artistry by young, budding artists aged 8 to 17 years. Drop into the Sculpture Studio at 4/6 Aurora Place to see works in stone, bronze and clay.
Dramatic art at The Q and The B
Beloved Broadway classic, Oklahoma! kicks off its season at The Q Performing Arts Centre on 13 October. The impressive production features songs such as ‘Kansas City’ and ‘The Farmer and The Cowman’. The season concludes on 29 October 2023.
Sister venue space, The B, is featuring the stories and hits of Loretta Lynn and friends on 28 October. Coal Miner’s Daughter is a beautiful tribute by Amber Joy Poulton. Part musical numbers, part comedy and part storytelling, this is a sensational musical salute to the great Loretta Lynn. Hang around after the show to meet the performers.
*Check all opening times prior to visiting. Some exhibitions are only held for the Arts Trail (14–15 October 2023).
Written by Shae Lalor, The Write Path, for Visit Queanbeyan-Palerang.