In pictures: art gallery exhibition launch

Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts celebrated the launch of its third exhibition for 2025, attracting more than 200 guests to admire the creations of Esther Forest alongside works from more than 80 Umbrella artist members.

Kerrie Everett-Horrocks, Meg Allford and Shelly McConochie at the Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts exhibition launch

Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts celebrated the launch of its third exhibition for 2025, attracting more than 200 guests to admire the creations of Esther Forest alongside works from more than 80 Umbrella artist members.

Umbrella Studio emphasises the importance of community support of North Queensland’s arts and invites contributions through its five giving circles.

All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible and directly support local artists.

Every gift helps keep the arts visible, accessible, and thriving in the North.

Umbrella also expressed gratitude to the North Queensland community for their strong support of Umbrella artists during this Members’ Exhibition round.

The winners were announced as follows:

* $1000 art prize sponsored by Bamford Community Care: winner ‘Mark Left Behind’ by Lisa Gianni

* Light Through a Lens Photomedia Prize: three-month free membership to The Studio darkroom: winner ‘The Truth Is Out There’ by Vanessa Zoe Power

* $250 Art Prize Runner-Up sponsored by Wearable Art Creatives: winner, ‘A Mother’s Mark’ by Hannah Aiello

* Highly Commended: ‘Identity’ by Rhonda Stevens, and ‘Lockdown - trust without proof’ by Joy Manly ‘Parallel Play’ by Tom Palmer

‘Proof: 2025 Umbrella Members’ Exhibition’ and ‘littlebunny1111’ by Esther Forest will be on display until Sunday, June 8.

Further details about the exhibitions are available at umbrella.org.au/exhibitions

To donate to the giving circle, visit umbrella.org.au/support/donate

Kerry McIlroy, Jan Hynes and Anne Cole

Jack Handley, Charlotte McDonnell and Ashleigh Richardson

Michelle and Scott Weaver and Tim and Bella Giudes.

Karyn Payne with her work

Esther Forest and sister Matilda Laverack

Umbrella Amanda Sadler + Alexis Prosser

Alison McDonald and Donna Foley

Anneke Silver, Silvia Ditchburn and Ken Ditchburn

Ellie Bock, Anne Lord and Anneke Silver.

Christina Papadimitriou, Daniel Qualischefski, Karen Payne and Alison McDonald.

Originally published as In pictures: art gallery exhibition launch