ENCOUNTERS - Exhibition Launch

Selected views from last night’s launch of ENCOUNTERS, an exhibition of works from the Arts and Heritage Collection of City of Maribyrnong. The exhibition, which is spread over two floors, was curated by Lili Belle Birchall and includes my semi-autobiographical linocut The Nature of Things (1994), an affectionate homage to my home town, St. Kilda. (Photos 1 and 5). 

ENCOUNTERS is accompanied by a free illustrated catalogue with an essay by Lilli Belle Birchall. For those who can’t make it to the exhibition, the catalogue is also available online:

https://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/files/assets/arts/v/1/general/catalogue-encounters-web-version.pdf

Photo credit Image 1: Shane Jones

ENCOUNTERS

Maribyrnong Civic Precinct and Community Hub

61 Napier Street, Footscray 

For further information about ENCOUNTERS and The Nature of Things, scroll down to Blog Post Thursday, June 18, 2026.

The exhibition runs to 29 January 2027

ENCOUNTERS

My linocut The Nature of Things, 1994 (Collection: City of Maribyrnong), has been included in the upcoming group exhibition ENCOUNTERS at Footscray Town Hall. 

References to fun fairs and sideshows have periodically appeared in my work since I was old enough to pick up a pencil. This is hardly surprising, as I grew up in Blessington Street, St Kilda, a short distance away from Luna Park. The historic Scenic Railway, one of its most enduringly popular rides, provides part of the backdrop to The Nature of Things.

Curated by Lili Belle Birchall, ENCOUNTERS comprises diverse works drawn from the Arts and Heritage Collection of City of Maribyrnong. 

For further information about ENCOUNTERS, go HERE. 

To peruse the exhibition catalogue, click HERE. 

ENCOUNTERS: Key information 

Location: Fitzroy Town Hall, Civic Precinct and Community Hub, 61 Napier Street, Footscray.

Viewing times: Monday to Friday, 8.30am-5pm, from 24 June 2026 - 29 January 2027.

Curator's guided tour: 11am on the first Wednesday of each month (commencing July 2026). Bookings essential via the link below.

Group bookings: Groups larger than 5 people are encouraged to book a tour via arts@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au or by calling 03 9688 0200.