Evoke: Exhibition by Modern Studio painters and potters
2026-06-04 10:00 - 2026-06-28 14:00 (Australia/Brisbane)
Art on Yabba welcomes eight artists from the Modern Studios to display their new exhibition Evoke from 4-28 June at the Imbil fine art gallery.
The contributing artists push the boundaries of their personal styles in this collection of 2D and 3D works.
They attend Wednesday morning sessions at the Forshaw and McGannon Studios at Doonan. Their shared belief is that every artist’s path is unique; their role is to provide the technical expertise and the industrious space needed for those aspirations to take physical form.
Since 2015, the modern gallery and workshop space in Doonan has served as a cornerstone for technical mastery and creative exploration. Founded by ex-TAFE educators Dennis Forshaw and Cheryl McGannon, the studio is built on a foundation of professional art education and a lifelong passion for specialized creative disciplines.
The official exhibition opening will be held on Saturday 6 June at 2:00 PM. NB: Note time change. Bookings required.
Art on Yabba is open from Thursday – Sunday from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Image credit: Om Mandala by Lisa Stanton.
Artists

Cheryl McGannon | An accomplished Sunshine Coast-based mixed media artist and educator with a career spanning over 33 years. Holding a Master of Creative Arts from James Cook University, Cheryl’s practice is an ongoing exploration of “The landscape of the subconscious,” translated through the luminous and tactile layers of cold wax and oil. Her work is characterized by a sophisticated interplay between her roots in traditional printmaking and her contemporary mastery of cold wax medium.
Michelle Mann | A mixed media artist and illustrator living in the Sunshine Coast. Her vibrant, joyful and whimsical artworks are inspired by nature, spirituality and a colourful imagination. Michelle has held two solo exhibitions and her work is held by collectors both nationally and internationally. Most days you will find Michelle in her home studio in Woombye playing with colour.
Lisa Stanton | An abstract artist also based on the Sunshine Coast. Her creative journey has taken her from the traditional folk art of her Ukrainian heritage to the photographic realism of landscapes and seascapes, still life, close-focus flowers, and botanical art. This collection of works for Art on Yabba is influenced by her passion for using crystals in meditation.
Dennis Forshaw | Originally from the UK, Master Potter Dennis Forshaw blends technical rigor with artistic discovery, a path forged by his background in engineering and TAFE teaching. This foundation of precision underpins his command over the volatile alchemy of the kiln. He creates exquisite Raku and saggar fired vessels. The metamorphic qualities in his work are about growth, change, and enlightenment, reinforcing the power and beauty of life.
Lyn McBain | In 2017, Lyn transitioned to the Sunshine Coast, a move that marked a significant evolution in her creative practice. After years dedicated to ceramics, she pivoted from the tactile nature of clay to the versatile world of cold wax and oils. This shift allowed her to explore depth and history through a different lens, trading the kiln for the rich, translucent layers of wax. More recently, Lyn has expanded her repertoire by delving into mixed media and experimental techniques through her involvement with the Evoke Modern collective.
Alyssa McBain | Alyssa has explored many different mediums and styles, transitioning from realism and surrealism to oils, acrylics, and eventually mixed media with a more abstract expression. She exhibited in Melbourne on several occasions prior to moving to the Sunshine Coast. Alyssa finds solace in the beauty of the ocean and the ever-changing shapes created by sand and water.
Margaret Builder | Margaret is an abstract painter, having completed several bodies of paintings. She was a private art student with Stanislau Rapotec for six years and continued her tutelage with Australian abstract artist, Peter Griffen while living in New South Wales. Recently Margaret has continued her tutelage and guidance with Australian artist, Cheryl McGannon where she was introduced to cold wax and oils which she continues to paint with today.
Shirley Top | Based in the Noosa hinterland, Shirley’s ceramic practice explores the quiet beauty of handmade objects through simplicity, texture, and organic form. Working predominantly with soft celadon and muted teal glazes, she is a multidisciplinary artist working across ceramics, painting, and watercolour. Her practice is inspired by the surrounding coastal landscape, quiet everyday moments, and a love of understated beauty and simplicity.

Mary Valley Art Festival 2026
2026-07-23 10:00 - 2026-07-26 15:00 | Imbil Public Hall, Edward Street, Imbil, Queensland, Australia
UPDATE: We have extended the deadline for entry forms until midnight on 13 July!

The Mary Valley Art Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary on 23-26 July at Imbil, Mary Valley!

One of the South-East Queensland’s most established regional arts events, the festival continues to attract strong participation, with more than $10,500 in prize money and hundreds of artworks displayed across a wide range of categories, including a dedicated youth section.

Highlights include the Best in Show Award, supported by the Gympie and District Community Bank, and a full program of events with an awards night and Sunday artisan markets.

Entries open on 18 May and close on 6 July.

Day pass $5 per day | Under 14 free Opening and awards night | Fri 25 July | $25 | Book now! $10,500 in prizes up for grabs!

Image credit: Pat Cale.

Gympie Region Studio Trails

Mary Valley Art Festival and the fine art gallery Art on Yabba proudly feature in the 2026 Gympie Region Studio Trails in the Gympie and the South trail.
The art festival is open from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM on 25 and 26 July at the Imbil Public Hall, Edward Street, Imbil, while the gallery will also open from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM on those days.
Join the inspiring journey and meet the artists of the Gympie region, exploring their creative spaces, from studios to galleries.
This unique event invites you to uncover a world of artistic possibilities, showcasing a diverse range of mediums and practices. Engage with talented local artists, learn about their techniques, and appreciate their creativity firsthand.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply curious, this is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the vibrant creative community in Gympie.
