Although we look back into our history, we always travel forward, connecting together with new people of all backgrounds. Wherever we walk, we tread in the footsteps of those who have already walked through this land. In our own mediums we show our personal responses to the environment we live in, in the hope that this will be maintained, appreciated and protected for future generations.
Featuring artists: Dianne Bee, Joyce Hogen- Esch, Margaret Gorman and Margie McIntosh (Bee).
13 August - 11 September 2026 | Vancouver Arts Centre
Woman is vessel is an exhibition exploring the rawness of becoming a mother. Through ceramics, lino print and poetry the vessels navigate the tenderness, joy, exhaustion, resilience and love that co-exist within motherhood.
Let's share this moment to honour the unspoken realities of identity and connection.
Exhibition: 13 August - 11 September
Vancouver Arts Centre
85 Vancouver St
M-F 10-4pm
BETWEEN THE MOUNTAIN AND THE SEA
8th - 21st September 2026 | Vancouver Arts Centre
A historical and heritage exhibition exploring the Wellstead District will be presented over two weeks at the Vancouver Arts Centre. The exhibition will feature a 30-minute documentary showcasing the district, located in the eastern reaches of the City of Albany.
Through photographs, artefacts, film and personal stories, Between the Mountain and the Sea reflects on the resilience, innovation and community spirit that continue to define Wellstead today.
Created with the support of the City of Albany, the exhibition explores the people, places and stories that have shaped one of the region’s most significant agricultural districts. It will also premiere a new documentary capturing the memories, experiences and spirit of the Wellstead community.
Many local residents generously contributed their time and stories to the project. While it was not possible to include every interview in the final film, all recorded material will become part of the Wellstead District Historical Archive, preserving these valuable memories for future generations.
From its natural landscape and First Nations heritage to its development as an important agricultural district, Between the Mountain and the Sea brings together the many stories that have shaped the Wellstead community.
Vancouver Arts Centre
85 Vancouver St
M-F 10-4pm
SOUTHERN ART + CRAFT TRAIL
Sat 26 September to Sun 11 October
Running from Saturday 26 September to Sunday 11 October, Western Australia’s premier regional arts event will showcase the talents of over 500 artists across 63 venues throughout the Great Southern and surrounding regions.
Presented by ArtSouthWA, the Trail spans more than 46,000 hectares, offering locals and visitors a vibrant, accessible celebration of the arts during the spring school holidays. Now recognised as a key cultural tourism event in WA, the Trail features a rich variety of artistic mediums—including painting, sculpture, photography, textiles, jewellery, pottery, glasswork, and more.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
As part of this year's Southern Art + Craft Trail, the Vancouver Arts Centre will host five diverse exhibitions:
Breaking Boundaries | Albany Art Group
Our title Breaking Boundaries means that our artists will be challenging themselves and their arts practice to create exciting works. Our artists will explore new ideas, materials and techniques to mount an innovative exhibition.
Transformation | Felters in the Great Southern (FIGS)
Welcome to FIGS stunning display of products created with wool as the main fibre. Come and investigate FIGS versatile use of this amazing fibre. Absorb the colours and textures produced in artworks, sculptures and wearables.
Artist in Residence | Scott Henman
During the VAC residency, Scott will create surreal mirror images of Albany and beyond, transforming everyday scenes into imaginative landscapes, faces and abstract architecture. During the studio trail, Scott will be displaying some of these ‘mirror’ images from around the world. Visitors are invited to sit for a quick, unique portrait using the same technique.
Seasonal Woman | Shannan Nannup
My work examines the space where motherhood meets communal life, exploring how personal identity takes shape through connection with others. Each piece reflects the quiet strength found in belonging, in accepting help, and in the bonds we build with those around us.
What Matters | Quadrant
Helen Fitzhardinge, Pradip Griffiths, Linda Northcott and Rosanna Page present an exhibition of handprinted and mixed media works in which each artist explored themes that arose from the question ‘What matters?’ It was a thought-provoking exercise!
Open times during the Southern Art + Craft Trail:
Mon to Fri: 10am – 4pm
Sat, Sun and the public holiday: 10am – 2pm
Vancouver Arts Centre
85 Vancouver Street, Albany
CARMINE
14 October- 5 November
Carmine brings together a collection of works by women artists held within the City of Albany Art Collection, offering a glimpse into the varied ways artists have observed, interpreted and responded to the world around them.
Spanning different generations and artistic practices, the exhibition brings together works that speak to place, identity, memory, nature and lived experience. Some offer intimate or personal perspectives, while others look outward, capturing the landscapes, people and environments that shape our sense of place.
Presented together, these works create a conversation between artists, artworks and generations. They invite us to look beyond individual works and consider the stories that emerge when they are brought into dialogue.
Carmine is a celebration of the women artists represented in the Collection, and an invitation to discover, reconsider and connect with their work.
Vancouver Arts Centre
85 Vancouver St
M-F 10-4pm