Entertainment
11 June, 2026
Nature in colour and culture
A BURST of colour, culture and creativity filled the Innisfail Shire Hall as the Cassowary Coast’s emerging and established First Nations artists came together for the region’s third annual First Nations Art Show during Reconciliation Week.
More than 85 visitors moved through the hall across the day, meeting artists, hearing the stories behind their work, and taking home unique pieces of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.
Hosted by Cassowary Coast Regional Council, the event featured 11 stallholders highlighting a diverse range of talent from painting and weaving to contemporary craft and cultural workshops. The show offered the community a chance not only to view artworks but to learn about the traditions, influences and personal histories that shape each creation.
National Reconciliation Week, held from 27 May to 5 June, encourages all Australians to reflect on shared histories and consider how they can contribute to meaningful reconciliation.
This year’s theme, ‘All In,’ reinforces that reconciliation is a collective effort built on learning, relationships, and action.
Self-taught artist Lea Stevens, who began painting in 2007 and gained inspiration for her art from her 88-year- old mother, as well as the landscapes and wildlife of the places where she has lived.
Her display featured canvas works, magnets, bookmarks, and small easel paintings.
“I enjoy telling stories in colour from what I’ve seen in nature, such as crocodiles, brolgas, cassowaries, kangaroos, emus, turtles, dolphins and my unique ideograms and colours represent different things and have significant meanings,” she said.
Freda Masina from Jitta Art and Viv Edwards ran weaving workshops using raffia and Viv Edwards, while Katherine Fischer demonstrated weaving with coconut palm leaves to make bags and fans.
Mandubarra elder Bernice Drahm, who began painting in her late 30s and holds a Certificate III in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Art, displayed works inspired by North Queensland’s sea and country.
“My paintings depict the sea and country in vibrant blue hues, featuring turtles and fish,” she said.
“More recently, I have started making and selling my unique painted handbags, and I am proud to have my ‘North Johnstone’ painting take out first prize in the Cairns Show.”
Young artist Susan Nona, who has been painting for around four years, said her work drew from her Torres Strait Islander, Indigenous and Samoan heritage, as well as the natural environment.
Read More: Innisfail