Entertainment
16 April, 2026
Paint and clay combine
TWO Mission Beach artists who found their creative voices later in life are stepping into the spotlight with their first joint exhibition, ‘Colour & Clay Over Time’, a vibrant celebration of growth, experimentation, self-expression and the joy of making art with intention.
Painter Judy Brady and potter Hilary Tredgett each came to their craft through life experience, curiosity and a desire to express something deeper.
Now, their works will share the gallery walls at Mission Arts in an exhibition that honours both the finished pieces and the personal journeys behind them.
Judy Brady, a contemporary painter known for her whimsical impressionist style, captures the colour, rhythm and spirit of tropical life.
Working mainly in acrylic on canvas, she often incorporates collage to add texture and playfulness.
She began painting in her 60s while working alongside people with diverse cognitive abilities, whose uninhibited creativity encouraged her to explore her own.
“Painting is my meditation and connection to the outer worlds,” she said.
“My art is an expression of joy, and wild is my favourite colour.”
Her work draws inspiration from meditation, daily life, flowers, bees, people at play, as well as the natural landscapes of land and sea.
Ms Brady has exhibited in Cairns, Mission Beach, Tully, Mareeba, Ingham and Agnes Waters.
For potter Hilary Tredgett, clay became a grounding force, meditative, relaxing, and at times delightfully challenging.
“Clay connects my hands, heart and imagination,” she said.
“Each piece tells a story of touch, patience and transformation through earth, water, fire and time.”
Her work is shaped by her travels, her years in rural and remote Australia, ancient civilisations and the rugged beauty of natural forms.
She holds a Certificate III and Diploma in Visual Arts and has previously exhibited in Cairns, Ingham and Mission Beach.
Their exhibition invites viewers to appreciate not only the art itself, but the unfolding stories behind the pieces.
The Colour & Clay Over Time exhibition opens on Friday, 24 April at 6pm at Mission Arts. Entry is free, with nibblies provided and an EFTPOS and cash bar available. For catering purposes, bookings are appreciated and can be made via www.bit.ly/3Q0hfUC
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