Gympie region artist Elly Stern with son Ben, from the Gold Coast … Elly has a selection of works from across her career filling the walls of the main gallery at Wondai

June 11, 2025

A coachload of visitors from Gympie trekked to the Wondai Regional Art Gallery last Friday to support the official opening of a special exhibition by visiting artist Elly Stern.

Elly, who lives at The Dawn (a locality in the Gympie region) is a prolific artist who has been painting for decades.

Individual works have been shown in festivals and regional galleries but her Wondai show – which features about 80 works – is her first solo exhibition.

Elly was accompanied by her husband Geoff, son Ben, other family members, friends and a special guest, Gympie Regional Council Deputy Mayor Dolly Jensen who officially opened the exhibitions.

Her exhibition, “Colours Of My Life”, features paintings, carvings, pottery and ceramics – just a small sample of her work over the past 25 years..

Some have a very African feel, reflecting Elly’s origins in that continent.

Kingaroy artist Sue Warry has a series of works in the front gallery, “40 Days In My Sketchbook”, a selection of quick, easy, simple and not-too-detailed works which capture quick ideas.

“It is a place where we can experiment without any pressure, and just have fun,” Sue said.

“The ideas might turn into something later on, something larger, or they might just remain as that little idea on that page and not go any further.”

Ginny Hague has taken over the back gallery with “Changing Landscapes”, capturing city and country landscapes. 

One of Ginney’s landscapes, The Kimberleys, won People’s Choice on the night.

The exhibitions will remain on display at the Wondai Regional Art Gallery until 3:00pm on Saturday, June 28.

The gallery is open seven days a week, from 10:00am to 3:00pm, and entry is free.

Artist Ginny Hague with her People’s Choice winning triptych, The Kimberleys

Artists Robyn Dower, Greenview; and Lee-Anne Pumpa, Nanango

Gympie Regional Council Deputy Mayor Dolly Jensen with Wondai Art Gallery president Elaine Madill
Gallery patron Cr Ros Heit with Kay Woodall, from Wondai
Gympie Deputy Mayor Dolly Jensen officially opened the three exhibitions at Wondai this month
Artist Sue Warry is sharing works from her sketchbook in the front gallery
Jan and Craig Barnes, who have just moved to Wondai, were taking the opportunity to meet local residents at the gallery opening night

 

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