August 6, 2026
Here’s a positive message for all the high school art teachers out there … you may never know the future talents you’re nurturing!
Kingaroy artist Toni Phillips-Petersen started experimenting with imitation stained glass art while still at Inala State High School.
She then started fusing her glass painting skills with her Gia / Birri Gubba heritage to create stunning artworks and decorated objects, including vases, lamps and jewellery.
Thirty years – and five children – later, Toni is still creating glass art.
“I’m passionate about it,” she admitted.
Toni has become a familiar face at events around the South Burnett region, selling items from her Glass Art Dreaming stall, but this Friday will be extra special … the official opening of her first solo exhibition.
Her works have featured as individual items in galleries and museums – including internationally – but in August they will be filling the front verandah at the Wondai Regional Art Gallery.
The exhibition, “This is ME: My Stories Through Glass”, is more than just a collection of stunning art pieces, it is all about family, connections and community.
There are emotional tributes to several family members who have died in tragic circumstances: her Aunty Sherry, older sister Jacki, father John and nephew Duke.
Toni said she did not create art just to sell it.
“It is also turning trauma into art, helping to heal me within,” she said.
“But it’s not just about myself, it is about my family. My journey is reflected in the glass.”
Toni is also keen to share her skills, and over the years has led many glass art workshops, including for women’s and child safety groups as well as people keen on “upcycling” items such as glass bottles.
“It’s all about family, connections and community,” she said.
Footnote: The Wondai Regional Art Gallery will be opening its August exhibitions at 6:00pm on Friday night (August 7). Toni Phillips-Petersen is in the front gallery; in the main gallery South Burnett artist Mark Ladyman has a retrospective, “Silent Echoes”; and in Gallery 3, Rosemarie Matthews-Frederick will have some of her stunning paper tole works. St John’s Kindergarten will be in Kidz Korner. As usual, there’ll be hot and cold finger foods and punch, glasses of wine, live music and lots of fun socialising. Admission is $5 on opening night. More details? Phone the Gallery on (07) 4168-5926. After opening night, the exhibitions will remain on show from 10:00am to 3:00pm daily until August 29.
