Award-winning watercolour artist Bruce Griffiths calls for more opportunities for Toowoomba creatives

Toowoomba watercolour artist Bruce Griffiths is staging his 16th solo exhibition, but says more opportunities are needed to showcase the region’s often forgotten artists and provide light to the community in dark times.

Australian watercolour artist Bruce Griffiths is staging his 16th solo exhibition at the Toowoomba Reparatory Theatre, but he wished more Darling Downs artists had the opportunity to showcase their work. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Australian watercolour artist Bruce Griffiths is staging his 16th solo exhibition at the Toowoomba Reparatory Theatre, but he wished more Darling Downs artists had the opportunity to showcase their work.

The award-winning Kleinton artist said there was a groundswell of creatives across the region desperate for avenues to connect with the community.

“You will find there are some tremendous artists here who never see the light of day,” he said.

“Not everyone has the means or time to put their work on a wall.

“We just need to be able to get the message out there.

Australian watercolour artist Bruce Griffiths stands next to his favourite detailed piece (SS Maheno) in his 18th solo exhibition at the Toowoomba Reparatory Theatre.

“We need to realise, if we want to really see what Toowoomba is all about, it’s not just about the Carnival of Flowers, underneath there is a large number of artisans … and they’re all scrapping together little bits and pieces. and they might go to markets.”

He said a large scale event, like a week-long festival, would create an opportunity for artists, from crafts to sculpture, to showcase their work while reflecting the abundant cultural scene of Toowoomba that often went unnoticed.

“Some people will say we have street art, but that’s different because a lot of artists produce work which is actually internal, and they quite often get forgotten along the way,” he said.

Bruce Griffiths’ art exhibition at the Toowoomba Reparatory Theatre. 24/02/24.

“Art is quite often a reflection of the population, of the generation, it sort of typifies where we are in time.

“It defines a period of time.”

The former tradesman said art was more important than ever with the cost of living crisis, as it not only provided an outlet for creatives, but also people seeking comfort, nostalgia, and acknowledgment through art.

“You’re looking for some light to lift you up, and you’ve only got to look at a paper or turn the news on … and it’s all negative,” he said.

“So people are looking for something positive, they come through (the exhibition), and they’ll be reminded of their childhood.

“You can physically see people’s shoulders lift.”

Watercolour artist Bruce Griffiths staging his 18th solo exhibition at the Toowoomba Reparatory Theatre on Saturday, February 24.

Mr Griffiths welcomed the community to see the exhibition before it ended on Sunday, March 3, or to go along and chat with him about upcoming workshops and classes.

The 18-piece show comprises scenes from the Australian outback, the sea, and architecture.