Elyisan Bloom, Acylic on Canvas Art has always been an important part of Lenny Pennell’s life. As both an artist and educator, creativity is part of her everyday world, with teaching encouraging her to continually explore new materials, processes and ideas. Lenny describes her artistic style as biomorphic, organic and constantly evolving, characterised by flowing forms, repeated patterns, layered textures and shapes that appear as though they could have grown naturally. “I am

Growing up in a home where creativity covered the walls – literally - Gemma Louise Pap was immersed in art from the beginning.

What: Community Creative Space When: Monday to Friday, 9:30am–4:00pm (closed 1:00pm–2:00pm for lunch) Where: Bendigo Community Bank branch, Whitsunday Plaza, Cannonvale Visitors to the Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine branch can now enjoy a fresh exhibition by Whitsundays artist Trudy Hastings, the latest featured artist in Creative Connections Whitsundays' Community Creative Space. Located within the branch at Whitsunday Plaza, the Community Creative Space trans

For more than 30 years, Liz Knight has been transforming glass into artworks that celebrate nature, colour and imagination. From custom stained glass windows to freeform sculptures incorporating driftwood and recycled materials, her work reflects both technical skill and a deep connection to the natural world.

What: Community Creative Space When: Monday to Friday, 9:30am–4:00pm (closed 1:00pm–2:00pm for lunch) Where: Bendigo Community Bank branch, Whitsunday Plaza, Cannonvale A new Community Creative Space has launched at the Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine Branch, bringing local art into everyday community life and making creativity more accessible across the Whitsundays. This initiative, delivered in partnership with Creative Connections Whitsundays, features a rota

This fascination with colour, form, and atmosphere would later become a defining element of her artistic style.

With thousands of portrait commissions under her belt and a thriving studio that welcomes everyone from beginners to seasoned artists, Suzi Hancock has built far more than a business, she’s built a place where people connect.

This month, we're proud to feature local portrait artist James Stickland, a fine artist whose expressive oil paintings are rich with story, subtlety and character. A Creative Spark Reignited James’ journey into professional art began eight years ago, though creativity had always quietly travelled alongside him. For 19 years he ran his sign business, Saber Signs, while raising two children and building a happy life. Still, something felt incomplete. That shift came unexpectedl

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT Azzy’s relationship with art began early and loudly. As a child, he was endlessly imaginative, constantly drawing on anything available. Schoolbooks were covered in scribbles, and one infamous moment involved chalk drawings beneath a school building that left teachers debating whether his work was vandalism, graffiti, or simply play. He remembers giggling as they argued. Growing up largely offline meant being immersed in picture books and storytelling. Artist

This month we're shining the spotlight on Carol Shannon, a lifelong artist whose love of colour, pattern, and design has shaped a successful creative journey. A Lifelong Passion for Art: Carol has been drawing from her early childhood, especially patterns. Her mother was a great influence, and her love was producing drawings similar to Norman Lindsey's life figures. Carol Shannon, Explosion Excelling in art and art history at school, she achieved awards and usually topped th

Pam is a contemporary mixed media artist known for her expressive and eclectic style. She embraces change and experimentation, allowing each piece to evolve organically.

Brigitte describes her style as rooted in realism, a natural fit for her perfectionist tendencies. Recently, though, she’s been exploring more surreal elements in her work. It’s ok to colour outside the lines. Trust the process. Every painting goes through an icky stage - persevere. You’ve got this.

Her style is fluid, dancing between contemporary minimalism and the organic inspiration of the natural world.

Sue Baker,

Capturing Nature's Essence one dot at a time.

Debbie Stephens invites us into her world of creation, where each stroke of her brush or pastel pencil tells a story of resilience and...

22 January 2024, CCW Introducing Trudy Hastings, our current CCW Feature Artist. Head over to her profile to check out her artworks. In the heart of the Whitsundays, the artistic landscape has been graced by the talent of Trudy Hastings, our current Feature Artist. Born in the picturesque island of Bermuda, Trudy's creative roots run deep, with her parents instilling a love for art from an early age. Her father's skills as a pastry chef and sculptor, along with her mother's p