{"id":371070,"date":"2026-04-09T21:20:32","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T11:20:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=371070"},"modified":"2026-04-13T17:25:14","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T07:25:14","slug":"young-artists-blossom-at-wondai","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2026\/04\/09\/young-artists-blossom-at-wondai\/","title":{"rendered":"Young Artists Blossom At Wondai"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Rachelle Gilchrist, 5, from Wooroonden, created this artwork in the interactive art area set up in Gallery 3 … and was keen for it to get some wall space at the Wondai Regional Art Gallery!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

April 9, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wondai’s Autumn Garden Expo is on this weekend, so it’s time again for the Wondai Regional Art Gallery’s now-traditional Garden Expo Art Competition.<\/p>\n

The winners in senior and junior categories were announced on opening night, which was shifted to the first Thursday of the month because of Easter.<\/p>\n

The junior categories were well-supported, attracting entries from many well-known local young artists who have been nurtured over the years at various Wondai gallery activities.<\/p>\n

Winner of the $600 first prize in the Adult category was Hanna Wood, who unfortunately could not be present on opening night.<\/p>\n

Judge Pat Van Kempen praised the work, “I Can Buy Myself Flowers”, for its use of colours “especially the tones and hues of green, and movement”.<\/p>\n

Prizes were presented by Wondai Garden Expo committee president Damion Biltoft.<\/p>\n

The weekend-long Wondai Autumn Garden Expo will be held this Saturday and Sunday at the Wondai Showgrounds in Kent Street, Wondai (NB. Note the change of venue!).<\/strong><\/p>\n

Saturday’s opening hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm, while Sunday will be from 8:00am to 1:00pm.<\/p>\n

Admission is $5 per day or a two-day pass for $8 (under 15s free).<\/p>\n

The Wondai Regional Art Gallery exhibition will remain open until 3:00pm on April 25.<\/p>\n

The gallery is open from 10:00am to 3:00pm, seven days a week. Entry is free.<\/p>\n

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In the chair on opening night for the first time … well-known Murgon artist Maureen Irving has taken over from Elaine Madill as president of the Wondai Regional Art Galley; Elaine retired as president at the last AGM of the association but has remained on the committee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Eboni Quirke’s “Straight From The Garden” multi-media work depicting bees, honeycomb and honey was voted the People’s Choice winner on the evening<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Diane Moore, from Wondai, with pianist for the night, Graham Mitchell, from Clouds End Farm<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Lyn and Bob Felsman, from Kingaroy, with Lyn’s entry in the competition, “Country Cottage & Garden”, a memory of the former Artist’s Cottage complex opposite Kingaroy Airport<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Gallery volunteers Hec Dionysius, Leigh Moore and Karen Chambers with Cain Chambers, at back<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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April, Gemma and Eboni Quirke were making their own art in the interactive art area set up in Gallery 3<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Ben Parker, from the Gold Coast, with Wondai Gallery patron, Cr Ros Heit<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Wondai Garden Expo Committee president Damion Biltoft with his wife and committee secretary Jodi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Val Parker, from Wondai, with Elaine Madill who was enjoying her first opening night without having to worry about being gallery president<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Cr Ros Heit, Sean Nicholson, Mayor Kathy Duff, Cherbourg Council CEO Chatur Zala and his son Diya<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Garden Expo Art Competition Winners<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Well-known South Burnett artist and art teacher Pat van Kempen judged the competition entries.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adult:<\/strong><\/p>\n