You may not know this but the Quilpie Shire is home to some fantastic local artists and is becoming well known for its creative resident artists, public art and exhibitions.
Make your first stop on your Quilpie Shire art tour the Shire Gallery at the Quilpie Visitor Information Centre. This little gallery hosts 6 exhibitions annually, featuring local artists as well as artists from all over other Country.
The courtyard at the Information Centre is housing some interesting and unique garden art. Keep an eye out for the mob of sheep under the watchful eye of man’s best friend or the family of pigs. You’ll even meet resident Brolga’s Bob and Madge.
Next door to the Information Centre you will find Mural Park, aptly named because of the 45 Metre long mural depicting Quilpie’s history placed squarly at the back of the park. Painted back in 2003 by a local artist, this mural has good company at the park with the locally handcrafted iron picnic tables. Made from old wagon wheel rims, these tables are inlaid with opal and feature mosaic Brolga’s detailed on the tops. Another fine example of our very talented local artists.
Take an afternoon stroll along Quilpie’s Brolga Street and enjoy all the street art scattered along the way. Don’t miss the Gum leaves and gum nut chairs at the Shire Hall or the collection of silhouettes and sculptures of brolgas, sheep, cattle or the drover on his horse in the medium strip. These make great photos and memories of your time in the shire.
Quilpie is also home to the Lyn Barnes Gallery on Sommerfield Road. It is the only privately owned gallery in the Shire and features works from resident artist Lyn Barnes. Lyn is known for her incredible pastel art works which really capture the unique colour’s of the Outback.
Quilpie Shire residents are very creative people and as such there are always workshops being held right throughout the shire. Ranging from pastel, drawing, sewing or photography workshops to sewing, ironwork, furniture restoration and so much more there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.
So plan your 2021 trip to the Quilpie Shire now, and who knows….you may just be here for one of the many fabulous workshops!