March 13, 2025
Works by self-taught artist Penny Ruthenberg – better known to Goomeri Pumpkin festivalgoers as the “Pumpkin Fairy” – have taken over the main area at Wondai Regional Art Gallery this month.
This is Penny’s first exhibition and her enthusiasm for being creative was obvious.
She thanked gallery co-ordinator Elaine Madill for encouraging her to show her works while she was still exploring her style and different media.
Penny, an active volunteer in Goomeri activities, was supported on opening night by a bunch of friends from the Goomeri Creatives art collective as well as the town’s unofficial “Lady Mayoress”, Phyllis Hopf.
And the Pumpkin Festival (May 23-25) wasn’t forgotten either, with a festival “cut out” by Penny included in the exhibition.
In the front gallery, well-known watercolourist Sue Lederhose, from Mundubbera, was exploring her “Love Of Country” with a series of stunning landscapes, one of which was named People’s Choice on opening night.
In the back gallery, Kingaroy photographer Richard Henderson filled the wall with his portraits, nature shots and haunting landscapes.
Richard, who has entered a photo in the National Photographic Portrait Prize, has exhibited single items in exhibitions previously but, like Penny, this is the first time he has held a dedicated exhibition.
The exhibitions were officially opened by Gympie Division 6 councillor Cr Warren McEwan.
They will remain on display at the Wondai Regional Art Gallery until 3:00pm on Saturday, March 29.
The gallery is open seven days a week, from 10:00am to 3:00pm, and entry is free.
Footnote: In Kidz Korner this month there are works created by participants in the Queensland Gallery Of Modern Art’s “Kids On Tour” arts workshop at Wondai on March 8. A second free workshop will be held at the Wondai Gallery on April 5. To book, phone the Gallery on (07) 4168-5926.
