Current Exhibition
'Community Dreaming'
An Exhibition by Susan Cook and Wendy McNeil
“Community Dreaming”
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"It is a privilege to have Susan Cook and Wendy McNeil exhibit their art at our Gallery for a second time. Their exhibition this time last year was to fill a place at short notice, after another artist had to cancel. They didn’t just fill the space of course; they wowed us with their art, their stories and their passion.
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​The stories accompanying each artwork bring a deeper understanding of the twins and their journey; some are confronting, but all are from the heart, and many learned from their beloved great grandmother, Maggie Dunn.
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"Rain Flowers"
Wendy McNeil​
"Community Dreaming"
Susan Cook​
Once again, visitors are invited to connect with each painting by running their hands over the canvasses. The unique style that the twins have adopted has resulted in a 3D effect, whether it be the dots themselves, or the baby turtles crossing the sand on their way to the sea!
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Take the time to come and meet Wendy and Susan at their Opening Event on Saturday 31st January and better still, stay overnight and attend their workshop the following day. Details are on the flyers in the “Events and Workshops” section.”
"Life's a Balance"
Wendy McNeil​
"Ah See Lagoon"
Susan Cook​
Susan Cook and Wendy McNeil were born twins in 1955, growing up with no awareness of their Aboriginal heritage. At 18 years of age, they moved to New Zealand where they involved themselves in art, raised their families and ran a successful art and craft shop called “Something Different”.
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On returning to Australia some 20 years ago, they reconnected with Australian relatives and finally learnt of their Aboriginal Ancestry. They traced their ancestry back to the Iman people from the Taroom area in Banana Shire, Queensland.
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Susan and Wendy have completed a number of exclusive and shared exhibitions in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, culminating in a 2-year Artist in Residency contract for them both at the prestigious Birrunga Art Gallery in Adelaide Street, Brisbane.
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On completion of the Residency in 2019, the ladies have been busy exhibiting in a number of Galleries in Queensland, winning several art awards between them including 1st and 2nd prizes at the Taroom Art Show and 1st prize (Murri Award) at the prestigious Gladstone Martin Hanson Memorial Art Award (Wendy), Finalist at the Moreton Bay Art Gallery (Susan) and Finalist at the national “John Villiers Outback Art Prize” (Susan 2023).
"Meeting Place"
Susan Cook and Wendy McNeil​
What a wonderful opportunity to be able to own and cherish these 3 original miniature paintings by Susan Cook.
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Raffle tickets are on sale at the Gayndah Art Gallery for the duration of the exhibition
as well as at the Opening Event on Saturday 31st January at 3pm.
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We'd Love To See You There.
​2026 Exhibition Dates
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Due to circumstances beyond our control, we have two changes to our 2026 programme.
Elizabeth Dau will be exhibiting between 10th March and 2nd May.
Sandy Lee Artistry will be exhibiting between 20th October and 15th December.
Mark Salta has had to withdraw, due to pressure of work that comprises an ever-growing list of commissions. What a great situation for him to be in! Well done Mark and we hope you will exhibit with us at some point in the future.
For Exhibitors
The Gallery provides opportunities for artists working in all genres, to display their artistic skills as well as showcasing the region’s art and culture to visiting public. Bringing long term benefits to individuals and the community at large.
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2026 and 2027 are fully booked and we are now taking bookings for 2028. If you are interested in exhibiting at Gayndah Art Gallery, we would love to hear from you.
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Please contact the Gallery to discuss your requirements and available dates.