Yawa (Long Journey) by Maree Clarke
Berninneit cultural centre, Cowes, Phillip Island
Bass Coast Shire Council, 2025Role: Curator and Project Manager, Bass Coast Shire CouncilPermanently displayed in the Grand Hall, Yawa (Long Journey) consists of thirty Murrini glass panels, shaped and suspended to form a stunning glass canoe overhead. Patination on the glass captures the microscopic elements of the river reed and reflects the play of light and colour of the wetlands and ocean that surround Millowl, Phillip Island. The canoe references the long connection to waterways and history of travel to the island by First Nations people.
Over 300 community members contributed to the creation of these patterns in glass, during public workshops led by Maree Clarke and three generations of her family, Kerri Clarke, Wade Mahoney, Mitch Mahoney, Molly Mahoney and baby Yarran Clarke-Mahoney, in January and February 2025. The panels created in these community workshops were then sent to Canberra where they were fused and fabricated into their final form by Canberra Glassworks.

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Hidden Ecology
Coal Creek Museum, 2025Role: Curator, Toora Arts NetworkHidden Ecology explores the layered beauty of Toora, a small town nestled on the edge of South Gippsland on the land of the Gunaikurnai people and home to an internationally significant wetland. Ecology is a study of the relationships between humans, living organisms and their environment. This exhibition, exploring a hidden ecology, endeavours to reveal the deep connections the artists hold to the flora and fauna of the wetlands from the view of the Toora Bird Hide.The Toora Bird Hide and its surrounding ecosystems are central to this exhibition. The wetlands became internationally significant under the Ramsar Convention of 1975, highlighting its importance for conservation and biodiversity. The wetlands serve as breeding grounds for several migratory bird species that travel approximately 13,000 kilometers from the Arctic Circle each spring to breed. Drawing inspiration from this significant site, the exhibiting artists visited the Toora Bird Hide where they became observers of the expansive wetlands, prolific birdlife and protected flora.This exhibition also comes together through printmaking. At the heart, is the Little Toora Press, reintroduced to the community through the Toora ArtCubes in 2024 where it was first purchased in 2001 for the once thriving Toora Village Community Arts Centre. Reigniting the town with creative enthusiasm, the ArtCube project brought together many local artists to once again collaborate and experiment new ways of making art.The exhibiting artists were tasked to reflect on the ecology of Toora and the wetlands. Through a series of workshops, they came together to share knowledge and further learn the meticulous process of monoprinting guided by artist Sue Gilford.The works displayed here are infused with stories of the artists and their connection to the environment —an enduring presence and unique environment that has shaped the very ecology that we see there today.Featuring artists Wendy Davidson, Sue Gilford, Cameron Hayes, Gary Jackson, Lisa Kennedy, Kim McDonald, Deborah Read, Hilary Skelton, Ellen Taylor, Megan Williams and Page Williams. Curated by Sue Gilford, Jasmin McNeill and Ellen Taylor and the Toora Arts Network, established in 2024 in response to the community enthusiasm for more arts driven activities after the Toora ArtCubes project.

Of the Earth
Berninneit Art Gallery, 2025Role: CuratorCelebrating the raw beauty of earth-made materials, Of the Earth features local artists Sue Gilford, Lucy Hersey, Paul Kolac, Olivia O’Connor and Ellen Taylor. Showcasing the aesthetic diversity of natural materials, this exhibition features homegrown gourds as natures pottery, earth pigment paintings, pottery crafted with locally sourced clay, carvings shaped from native woods and sculptural installations with wild plants. The artists are both inspired and dictated by nature, with the final form of their works inherently tied to the organic properties, textures, colours and shapes of their materials. This exhibition honours a collaborative and respectful relationship between art and the natural world through sustainable practices, celebrating our profound connection to earth.

ArtCubes Toora,
Toora Arts Network
South Gippsland Shire Council, 2024 and 2025-2026Role: Curator and Project Manager, Toora Arts NetworkArtCubes Toora is a pop-up residency and exhibition project aimed at providing professional development to local artists in the regional town of Toora, South Gippsland, Victoria. The project is a South Gippsland Shire initiative that tours converted shipping containers across South Gippsland. Presented by Toora Arts Network, a volunteer and community-driven collective that supports and promotes artists and art projects in and around the region. The Network aims to bring community together, through supporting professional development and funding and creating opportunities for exhibitions, workshops and events.

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Storied Country: Lisa Kennedy & Helen S. Tiernan
Meeniyan Art Gallery, 2024Role: Independent CuratorStoried Country celebrates artists Lisa Kennedy and Helen S. Tiernan living and working on Bunurong/Boon Wurrung and Gurnai Kurnai country, presented during NAIDOC Week 2024.The exhibition is a celebration of the layered narratives presented in both Kennedy and Tiernan's works while reflecting on the role of the language, shaping perception and influencing views on a shared past.

Celebrating Gippsland Women
Meeniyan Art Gallery, 2023Role: Independent CuratorTo celebrate International Women’s Day 2023, Meeniyan Art Gallery presents Helen Tiernan, Susan Purdy & Rosaline Atkins, and Catherine BlameyArtist in Conversation: Helen Tiernan, Susan Purdy & Catherine Blamey with Curator, Jasmin McNeill

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