Regional Spotlight returns to Hervey Bay Regional Gallery

Published on 27 August 2026

• Three new exhibitions open during the City Park Whale Festival
• Regional Spotlight showcases nine artists from across the Wide Bay Burnett
• Artist and curator floor talks plus free family-friendly activities

Nine artists from across the Wide Bay Burnett will showcase their work at Hervey Bay Regional Gallery from tomorrow as the annual Regional Spotlight exhibition opens alongside two new exhibitions during the City Park Whale Festival celebrations.

Fraser Coast Regional Council Arts and Culture spokesperson Sara Souvlis said the three exhibitions celebrated both the region's artistic talent and nationally significant contemporary art, giving residents and visitors plenty to discover.

“These exhibitions shine a light on some of our state’s most significant artists and also celebrate the unique perspectives of artists from right here in our region,” she said.

“Regional Spotlight has quickly become one of the gallery's most anticipated exhibitions, celebrating the depth and diversity of artistic talent across the Wide Bay Burnett.

“It is a fantastic opportunity to recognise and promote local artists, and it’s always exciting to see their work alongside nationally touring exhibitions.

“The annual Regional Spotlight exhibition features nine artists whose works explore themes of time, change, culture, identity and the beauty hidden in everyday life.

“Artists Joie Boulter, Emma Brown, Larissa Dabrowski, Karee Dahl, Paul Giudice, Darren Harrold, Simone Haupt, Lilian Horvath and Aurora Pearce present a diverse collection of photography, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, metalwork and other contemporary art forms.

“Throughout the exhibition, participating artists will also deliver workshops, artist talks and information sessions.”

Cr Souvlis said the opening on Friday also includes Matters of Time: Contemporary Metal Practices, a touring exhibition curated by Catherine Woolley that explores contemporary metalmaking through sculpture, furniture, jewelry, drawing and installation.

“Ms Woolley will attend the opening weekend and present a curator floor talk on Saturday morning from 10:30am – 11:15am, offering visitors insights into the exhibition and the artists' work,” she said.

“The third exhibition, Sound-Forms: Whale Song, by Canberra artist Sammy Hawker, explores the connection between art, science and the Fraser Coast's famous humpback whales.

“Sammy Hawker will lead a floor talk from 11:30am to midday, followed by a cymatic instrument demonstration from 12:45pm to 1pm.

“Yvonne Miles will also join the program for a special presentation on whale acoustics from midday, followed by a Q&A with Sammy Hawker.

“The striking black and white photographic works were created using sound vibrations generated from whale song recordings collected during the 1990s by Mark Franklin of The Oceania Project as part of his long-term research into the humpback whales that visit the Fraser Coast each year.

"With the City Park Whale Festival taking place this weekend, it's the perfect opportunity to experience an exhibition inspired by one of the Fraser Coast's most iconic natural attractions.

“Matters of Time: Contemporary Metal Practices will remain on display at Hervey Bay Regional Gallery until 15 November while Sammy Hawker Sound Forms closes 4 October.”

Entry is free. For more information, visit: https://hbrg.ourfrasercoast.com.au

The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between Fraser Coast Regional Council and the Queensland Government supporting local arts and cultural activities.