I put forward six entries into the About Sugar Tully exhibition in Tully – three of them were artist books and three were photographic. One of them was a historical narrative, another was an environmental comment and the others referenced contemporary life on the farms, machinery, trains and in the mill. Further images in Gallery Store.
As Chair of the Tully Arts and Cultural Precinct Inc., I developed and co-ordinated events in conjunction with other members to mark 100 years of operation of the Tully Sugar Mill. These events included workshops to create Artist Books led by Dr Anneke Silver, our inaugural art exhibition, About Sugar Tully which opened on May 16, 2025 at the Tully Masonic Centre; Children’s Art Workshop led by Bec MacLean, and the Tully Book Fair. The event attracted 40 local artists to participate, and attendance was fantastic.
The Stratford Branch of the Cairns City Libraries will display a number of my artworks and book from the Drawing YOU in – Carl Lumholtz in the Herbert project during November. I will be doing an author’s talk at 10.30 am on Monday December 2 at the Library and encourage everyone to come along.
November 2024
Art as exchange: Regional access to arts education
I was fortunate to participate in an arts program designed to generate informed discussion about, and creative responses to, the cultural, ecological, historical and contemporary significance of sites of tremendous importance to Queensland. A QAG|GOMA initiative to provide opportunities for art teachers, artists, artsworkers and First Nations cultural knowledge holders and practitioners for an on country experience. In its third year the program was a fabulous opportunity to engage with my peers held on the Atherton Tablelands
October 2024
With thanks to the Flying Arts Regional Arts Fund I travelled to Toowoomba in October to represent the Tully Arts and Cultural Precinct at “Belonging”, the Museums & Galleries Qld Conference being held in Toowoomba. A conference, it would seem, made just for us. Great people great content great location and lots of new ideas.
Saturday’s exhibition at the Tully Nursing Home was the culmination of a Tully 100 Project to work with residents to create artworks reflecting on memory and its connection to place. The project was funded by the Cassowary Coast Regional Development Regional Arts Development Fund and included a bus trip around the area to discover and establish locations for the artists work. The resulting exhibition was a great success with a wide variety of artworks on display. As artist in residence I extend special thanks to the Tully Nursing Home Team who do an enormous job with love and great care, to the dedicated volunteers Sarah, Frank and others who give their time so generously and to the families of those involved. My experience was rewarded not only with the generation of fabulous art but with goodwill and genuine enthusiasm from all involved.
I was thrilled to receive the Works on Paper Award at the 2023 8th Hinchinbrook Birdlife Award at Tyto Gallery. An annual exhibition which attracts entries from across Australia it features a vibrant collection of artwork, photography, and sculptural works, highlighting the beauty and ecological significance of North Queensland’s incredible diversity of birds.
Whether you’re a bird enthusiast, nature lover, or simply looking for an inspiring day out, the Birdlife exhibition at TYTO invites you to experience creative responses from Australian artists. The Tyto wetlands are right next door so take some extra time and wander through the wandering pathways to see some of these incredible creatures up close.
Image: Judges Ruth Chaplain and Cr Donna Mabelli with Valerie Keenan
October 2023
The launch of Drawing YOU In – Carl Lumholtz in the Herbert, Valerie Keenan’s latest book and exhibition, was a special event filled with art, conversation, and inspiration.
At the launch, attendees had the opportunity to hear Valerie discuss her creative journey, the inspirations behind her work, and the process of bringing her unique artistic vision to life in book form.
Drawing You In is more than a collection of drawings; it’s an invitation to explore the world through Valerie’s eyes and to connect with your own creative side. With insights into her techniques and stories behind her pieces, Valerie’s book aims to inspire both seasoned artists and newcomers alike. Join us for an evening of discovery, inspiration, and a chance to meet the artist herself!
May 17, 2023
Image: Lars Erik Johannessen, Bird and Mammal DNA Specialist, Natural History Museum of Norway came out for the exhibition, seen here with Valerie Keenan
Funding acknowlegements:
QAGOMA (Qld Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art) Foundation – Vida Lahey Memorial Travelling Scholarship financed the travel and research component of this project to spend time in Norway at the Natural History Museum (NHM) and the Museum of Cultural History in Oslo.
This project received financial assistance from the Queensland Government through the Visual Art and Craft Strategy, an initiative of the Australian, state and territory governments
This project would not have been posssible without the interest and support of the Natural History Msue, University of Oslo, Norway and its staff.
Dr Valerie Keenan, in her role as Art Centre Manager of Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre in Cardwell, North
Queensland, was announced as Winner for her outstanding achievement in the category of Individuals:
Paid Staff.
Sabbia Gallery at Sydney Contemporary 2018
During my time at the Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre the Girringun Artists were invited to participate in Sydney Contemporary which was staged at Carriage Works multi-disciplinary arts precinct which featured 80 galleries from around the Pacific Rim. It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the artworks from Far North Queensland.
