About the Artist
Valerie Keenan’s journey as an artist and historian is one marked by a deep passion for uncovering stories and preserving heritage.
Her work, an intersection of visual art and historical and cultural research, is not just about creating, but about inspiring others to connect with the past and see its relevance in the present. For Valerie, art is a way to make history come alive, to tell stories that matter, and to offer a platform for voices that need to be heard.
Valerie has been an artist all her life. Her academic path has provided a solid foundation for her career. Valerie’s artistic journey began with a Bachelor of Visual Arts from Queensland University of Technology, followed by an Honours degree and PhD through the University of Southern Queensland. Her academic work, supported by a Scholarship through the University of Southern Queensland, focused on the rich narratives of Queensland’s social history. Valerie’s journey includes ongoing learning including a certificate in Digital Transformations for the Creative Industries, embracing new tools and methodologies to expand her creative practice.
Projects
Valerie’s projects reflect her dedication to bringing history into the spotlight through art. One of her most current endeavors, One Voice – Two Lives, is a reimagining of her 2008 Responsible Heritage thesis. This project revisits the narrative history of William Henry (1876-1907), a local historical figure, and a historical/biographical publication which will incorporate fresh research, creative works and other information is in development.
Another significant series of work, Drawing YOU In – Carl Lumholtz in the Herbert, saw Valerie travel internationally to research at the Natural History Museum and Museum of Cultural History in Norway. It was a project born from her desire to blend art, culture, and history, resulting in an exhibition at Tyto Regional Gallery in 2023, with future plans for a tour in Norway.
Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre
Between 2008 and 2019, Valerie dedicated her time to managing the Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre in Cardwell. During this period, she built a thriving arts program that gave Traditional Owners a platform to showcase their work and tell their stories. Under her guidance, the centre expanded to include full-time positions and traineeships for local artists.
Valerie’s leadership also helped elevate the artists’ profiles, with exhibitions traveling internationally and works being represented in prestigious collections such as the British Museum, National Gallery of Australia, and National Maritime Museum Sydney.
Recognition and Impact
Throughout her career, Valerie has received numerous accolades in recognition of her contribution to the arts. In 2019 she achieved an Achievement Award for Individuals from Museums & Galleries Queensland and the 2019 Vida Lahey Memorial Travel Fellowship managed through the QAG|GOMA Arts Foundation.
Valerie’s impact continues to grow. In 2023 she became a co-founder of an organisation which aims to establish and Arts and Cultural Precinct in Tully and a number of events including and inaugural Book Fair and artists workshops are underway to build the creative capacity of the local community. In 2024 she undertook an Artist in Residency at the Tully Nursing Home, and a QAG|GOMA Art as exchange project to create links between Traditional Custodians, Art Teachers and Artists in FNQ.
Keenan’s works have featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions. Most recently in 2023, her Drawing YOU In – Carl Lumholtz in the Herbert and a CURIOUS Cabinet were launched in Far North Queensland at Tyto Regional Gallery and Sugarama Gallery in Mourilyan. Her art has found home in collections across Queensland and beyond, including the State Library of Queensland and Wesley Hospital’s collection.
Valerie’s commitment to the arts goes beyond creation. She is a dedicated member of organizations like the National Association for Visual Arts, Copyright Agency and Arts Law Australia, organisations which provide more surety for the new generations of artists through providing support and resources they will need to succeed.
During her work at the Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre, Valerie supported artists to share their stories, to achieve recognition and share their work nationally and internationally. Artists had work acquired in major national and international collections, they created major installations, won awards, were inaugural participants in the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) and gained national and international recognition for their work reflected through the creative oral and visual telling of rainforest stories and connection to country.
Keenan’s work has been featured in numerous publications and news articles sharing her vision and stories she uncovers with a wider audience.Through her art, Valerie Keenan continues to honor cultural heritage, tell untold stories, and ignite a sense of wonder in those who experience her work. For Valerie, art is more than just creation—it’s about making a difference, inspiring others, and connecting generations.
