Sometimes everything just falls into place. Back in August I held three workshops at Meet Gather Collect in Aranda (Canberra). It was the second time I visited this gorgeous store and taught some classes. As we were planning the workshops, Thea the owner, suggested I exhibit some work on the walls as well - and of course, I said yes!
I had just completed 'The Ties That Bind', quite a large series that I'd used for the basis of my 2026 calendar and I thought a small selection of these were the perfect thing for exhibition.
I had also been testing and trialling a different technique for presenting the works, I really wanted to be able to display them without the use of glass and I had been practicing block-mounting my works to panels or boards for some time. Glass can be problematic for a number of reasons and looking at ways to present works on paper without it has become a bit of a passion project for me.
They then got sent off to the framer and got dressed up in the most incredible, delectable, reclaimed blackwood. The richness of colour! They looked amazing.
The artworks absolutely sung on Meet Gather Collect rich mossy green wall (I do love a bold wall colour!) and I'm pleased to say quite a few of them found new homes.
I got to view the exhibition when I flew up to do the classes. It's always such a thrill seeing your work hung beautifully together. I don't think I'll ever tire of that feeing. It was also really nice teaching in that environment as the students were able to get right up close and ask great questions around technique and timing.
The workshops themselves were just fabulous, I loved being there and sharing all my watercolour know-how. We had some gorgeous stems from Anthos Flowers in Gungahlin for inspiration (and they also made the table look absolutely stunning) and I had 3 bunches of wonderful students who dove in and gave everything a red hot go. There were even some familiar faces from last time I was in Canberra and I got to put some faces to names of my online course students.
A big thank you to Thea and Kate for having me, hosting the workshops so beautifully, filling our bellies with homemade cakes and inviting me to exhibit. It was a weekend to remember.
If you're in the Canberra region and currently kicking yourself as you missed out - don't worry! I'm back at the end of February 2026. Bookings now open.
