2020
2017
76TH ANNUAL EXHIBITION - SEPTEMBER 9TH & 10TH 2017
The Annual Exhibition was conducted in the HDGA's own studio this year, and attracted 96 entries in the General Exhibition and 24 entries for the Lambert Wall. Members who volunteered on both days wore a "uniform" consisting of a black top, a hat and a red scarf or bandanna - the effect was great! The hat was worn as a nod to our founding members, who always wore a hat and gloves to meetings.
The first day of the Exhibition was held in conjunction with the second annual Art in the Park Event. Held in the Studio grounds, the event featured several market stalls, a coffee van and cake stall, sausage sizzle and cold drinks, a free selfie booth, a free portrait sketch by member Trevor Downes, and a hands on activity centre for children and carers (thank you Wendy Allen), as well as a "graffiti wall" for children to draw on. Patrons enjoyed sitting in the shade with their refreshments and wandering amongst the art and craft stalls whilst listening to the lovely live music presented by Gemma Johnson and Dylan Skene (thank you to this talented singer/guitarist duo).
A big thank you to all who purchased raffle tickets in the three paintings and one print that were up for grabs! The lucky winners' names have been published at News/General News.
Thank you too to all who voted in the People's Choice Awards. When the votes were tallied on Sunday afternoon, a clear cut winner couldn't be determined and so all entrants were deemed winners!
The first day of the Exhibition was held in conjunction with the second annual Art in the Park Event. Held in the Studio grounds, the event featured several market stalls, a coffee van and cake stall, sausage sizzle and cold drinks, a free selfie booth, a free portrait sketch by member Trevor Downes, and a hands on activity centre for children and carers (thank you Wendy Allen), as well as a "graffiti wall" for children to draw on. Patrons enjoyed sitting in the shade with their refreshments and wandering amongst the art and craft stalls whilst listening to the lovely live music presented by Gemma Johnson and Dylan Skene (thank you to this talented singer/guitarist duo).
A big thank you to all who purchased raffle tickets in the three paintings and one print that were up for grabs! The lucky winners' names have been published at News/General News.
Thank you too to all who voted in the People's Choice Awards. When the votes were tallied on Sunday afternoon, a clear cut winner couldn't be determined and so all entrants were deemed winners!
The Lambert Wall - The theme for 2017 was "A Memory from Childhood" and the resulting entries gave a glimpse of the varied backgrounds of the artists as well as of some of the usual childhood activities.
Click here for a slideshow of the: Lambert Wall.
Click here for a slideshow of the: Lambert Wall.
Photos taken over both days:
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Our 71st ANNUAL EXHIBITION 2012
The official Opening was by our patron, the Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency, Ms Penelope Wensley AC, who was accompanied by her husband, Mr Stuart McCosker.
Again, apart from the general section of artworks a feature of the exhibition was a fabulous 'mosaic' of 50 same-size paintings assembled to form one huge artwork 5 metres wide . The theme was ... "Blue" ... any subject, any medium, but predominantly blue.
Above are photographs showing the assembling of the Lambert Wall, and guests enjoying the Opening night. The exhibition was opened by our patron, the Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency, Ms Penelope Wensley AC (centre directly above, with the Presidents of the Half Dozen Group and the RQAS on either side, respectively, Wendy Allen and Kay Kane). Her husband Mr Stuart McCosker, again purchased a painting by Sandy Foreman and also one by Paula Moore. Her Excellency delivered one of her ever-well-prepared and enjoyable speeches which is currently available on the Internet -
www.govhouse.qld.au/the_governor/121116_dozen_spch.aspx
70 years since the first exhibition of the Half Dozen Group of Artists in 1941 at the Brisbane City Hall.
THE 70th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION EXHIBITION
18 - 23 NOVEMBER 2011
CIRCLE GALLERY, WEST END, BRISBANE
The OPENING: The Circle Gallery was packed. The evening began with a musical interlude by the Momentum choir, introduced by one of the singers (our Acting-Treasurer, Tim Foley). It included a special rendering of 'Starry Starry Night'. This was followed by an introductory speech by our President, Wendy Allen, and a delightful and well-researched speech by our patron, Her Excellency, the Governor of Queensland, Ms Penelope Wensley AC. The cutting of the cake established the celebratory spirit of the exhibition.
'Long Live the Half Dozen Group!'
See the Celebration Wall below. This was an exhibition to be remembered.
The Celebration Wall below was a special feature, 7m x 2m, compiled by over 50 artists of the Group - 70 paintings, one for each year of our existence - assembled to form a wall that also celebrated the diversity, the shared passion and the collaborative spirit of the Group.
THE CELEBRATION WALL
2010
Last year the traditional FOLIO SALE was held for 6 days in conjuction with a two-room exhibition by Jeffrey Martin. These were held in the Circle Gallery, West End, Brisbane. The main space in the gallery had been generously donated to the Half Dozen Group by Jeffrey, a long-standing member. An enjoyable casual Opening night was held on Friday 19 August with live musicians entertaining the crowd. Photographs below.
THE ANNUAL EXHIBITION
This exhibition was held at the Auditorium, Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens. Our patron, Her Excellency, Ms Penelope Wensley AC, the Governor of Queensland and her husband Mr McCosker honoured us with their presence and shared their interest in the arts and warm friendliness with the members. The exhibition was a celebration of longevity for the Half Dozen Group of Artists, now 70 years old, so the exhibition was opened by Audrey Gibbs, one of our long-standing artists, now a magnificent 90 years old. Audrey is still a prolific painter. Watercolour demonstrations and a 'walk-in workshop' were also held in the Auditorium during the week. Members of the Group are to be congratulated for the show of 82 pieces of artwork. Every work submitted was on display making an interesting and diverse exhibition of good quality.

Her Excellency Ms Penelope Wensley AC Governor of Queensland, our patron,
stands with Audrey Gibbs at the Anual Exhibition in the Mt Coot-tha Botanic
Gardens Auditorium.
More photgraphs below.
stands with Audrey Gibbs at the Anual Exhibition in the Mt Coot-tha Botanic
Gardens Auditorium.
More photgraphs below.
Photo top left: Tony demonstrates watercolour; Dixie also demonstrates water-colour; Audrey stands with her son, Patrick, and member, Nereda Watkins; at the Annual Exhibition, Mt Coot-tha Auditorium.
Copyright (c) The Half Dozen Group of Artists Inc. 2009-2017
THE ARTFUL CODGER -JULY 2013

The work of Artists in their 80’s & 90’s was a great success. Well done to all.
FEATURING:
Jack Hollingworth, Audrey Gibbs, Harry Milner, Dell Harrington, Dixie Lambert, Paula Moore, Rose Malyon, Lloyd Hemming, Mavis McConaghy
FEATURING:
Jack Hollingworth, Audrey Gibbs, Harry Milner, Dell Harrington, Dixie Lambert, Paula Moore, Rose Malyon, Lloyd Hemming, Mavis McConaghy
ART IN THE GARDENS EXHIBITION,
and GOVERNMENT HOUSE OPEN DAY: JUNE 6 - 8, 2013
Richard Randall Art Studio, Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens. Mt Coot-tha Rd, Toowong.
A Lively Crowd Attended The Art In The Gardens Exhibition On Thursday June 6 At The Richard Randall Studio. Many HDG Members Were Joined By Long Time Supporters To Celebrate Recent Work From About 40 Of The Groups Artists. There Was Lots Of Discussion About The History Of The Group, The Different Styles Represented, And The Creative Process And Many People Bought Raffle Tickets
On The Days The Exhibition Was Open, There Were Many Visitors. Many Had Read About The Exhibition In The Local Media, Others Were Passing By, And Were Lured Into The Studio By The Signs Outside, And The Buzz Of Activity Inside. Long Time HDG Artist And Committee Member, Dell Harrington, Said It Was One Of The Best Attended Exhibitions She Could Remember.
A Selection Of The Works Were Moved To Government House For The Annual Government House Open Day. Officials Reported Good Crowds This Year, With Many Visitors Walking To The Pavilion To See The HDG Works.
On The Days The Exhibition Was Open, There Were Many Visitors. Many Had Read About The Exhibition In The Local Media, Others Were Passing By, And Were Lured Into The Studio By The Signs Outside, And The Buzz Of Activity Inside. Long Time HDG Artist And Committee Member, Dell Harrington, Said It Was One Of The Best Attended Exhibitions She Could Remember.
A Selection Of The Works Were Moved To Government House For The Annual Government House Open Day. Officials Reported Good Crowds This Year, With Many Visitors Walking To The Pavilion To See The HDG Works.
Annual Exhibition 2014
Exhibition highlights
November Folio Show and Sale
Another successful Folio Show and Sale was conducted on 7th and 8th November at the Richard Randall Studio, Mt Coot- tha Botanic Gardens. Despite the number of exhibitors being slightly down from the May event, sales were strong, with approximately 200 visitors perusing the work on display.
Another successful Folio Show and Sale was conducted on 7th and 8th November at the Richard Randall Studio, Mt Coot- tha Botanic Gardens. Despite the number of exhibitors being slightly down from the May event, sales were strong, with approximately 200 visitors perusing the work on display.
ANNUAL EXHIBITION
Conducted at the Richard Randall Studio, Botanic Gardens, Mt Coot-tha, 7th to 12th July 2015
Conducted at the Richard Randall Studio, Botanic Gardens, Mt Coot-tha, 7th to 12th July 2015
The 2015 Annual Exhibition was a huge success. 52 artists exhibited a total of 105 works, excluding the Lambert Wall which comprised a further 45 works based on the theme of "Mainly Monochrome with a splash of colour".
The exhibited works received many complimentary comments, with some visitors even posing for photos against the backdrop of the Lambert Wall (below, left). The Lambert wall was again a major highlight, with contributing artists using a variety of mediums in depicting the wide-ranging subject matter exhibited on the wall.
The exhibited works received many complimentary comments, with some visitors even posing for photos against the backdrop of the Lambert Wall (below, left). The Lambert wall was again a major highlight, with contributing artists using a variety of mediums in depicting the wide-ranging subject matter exhibited on the wall.
This year, visitors and members also enjoyed being able to vote for their favourite artworks - people's choice. Many artworks were nominated by a large number of voters and the results were very close. Congratulations go to:
The winner: Wendy Stevens for her "Portrait of Pam"
Second: Shared by Carolyn Farbach for "Wyuna", and Col Watford for "The Silent Splash"
Third: Gaye Cook for "Dragon with Attitude" and Gaye Cook again for "Come on in the Water's Fine"
Congratulations to all and a big thank you to everyone who took the time to select a favourite artwork and vote!
Thank you also to Col Watford, who donated the raffle prize. The winners were delighted when informed of their success!
Below are some photos of the general section of the exhibition.
The winner: Wendy Stevens for her "Portrait of Pam"
Second: Shared by Carolyn Farbach for "Wyuna", and Col Watford for "The Silent Splash"
Third: Gaye Cook for "Dragon with Attitude" and Gaye Cook again for "Come on in the Water's Fine"
Congratulations to all and a big thank you to everyone who took the time to select a favourite artwork and vote!
Thank you also to Col Watford, who donated the raffle prize. The winners were delighted when informed of their success!
Below are some photos of the general section of the exhibition.

Another feature of the 2015 exhibition was a tribute wall for longtime member Audrey Gibbs, who passed away in June. See photo at left and also General News.
Opening Night was a great success with many members and their guests enjoying a lovely evening catered for by Trevor Webb. President Anna Reynolds welcomed all and paid tribute to Audrey Gibbs and also Charles Ludlow who had only passed away very recently. Please see General News for more details. Special guests were Audrey's youngest child, Patrick, and his family. We thank Patrick for helping us pay tribute to Audrey, especially during such a sad time for his family.
May 2015 Folio Exhibition and Sale
The group's first Folio Exhibition and sale for 2015 was held on the weekend of May 2nd and 3rd, at the Richard Randall Studio, Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens. Despite the dismal weather outlook on the preceding Friday, members' support was wonderful with 21 artists exhibiting. It was very pleasing to see the large numbers of viewers, and resulting strong sales, over the two day event.
The group's first Folio Exhibition and sale for 2015 was held on the weekend of May 2nd and 3rd, at the Richard Randall Studio, Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens. Despite the dismal weather outlook on the preceding Friday, members' support was wonderful with 21 artists exhibiting. It was very pleasing to see the large numbers of viewers, and resulting strong sales, over the two day event.
75TH ANNUAL EXHIBITION - JULY 5TH TO JULY 10TH 2016
A total of 112 paintings and 3 sculpted works were on display at this year's exhibition, which was again conducted at the Richard Randall Studio at the Botanical Gardens, Mt Coot-tha.
The Lambert Wall theme of "Exposed: A figure study which reveals aspect/s of the human form an/or the human condition" resulted in a colourful display and a diverse range of interpretations of the theme.
The Lambert Wall theme of "Exposed: A figure study which reveals aspect/s of the human form an/or the human condition" resulted in a colourful display and a diverse range of interpretations of the theme.
Opening night was conducted on Friday 8th July and a great night was had by the large crowd in attendance. Cr Nicole Johnston officiated at the opening ceremony and was warmly welcomed by all. In her speech, Nicole provided a brief outline of the HDGA's history and emphasised the importance of the HDGA group to the community and of its contribution to the overall culture of the city. She also commended the wonderful work carried out by Anna Reynolds in her capacity as President of the HDGA.
Trevor Webb's fantastic culinery treats were also very much appreciated by members and guests. |
The winner of the People's Choice was John Kelly for his oil painting "Sunrise at Streaky Bay SA". The public also favoured his paintings, "Flinders Range" and "Cattle in the Kimberleys SA".
Linda Olsen's Lambert Wall entry featuring an old Chinese lady, Ruth Jaskolski's "Pounce" and Helen Grant-Taylor's "Tilos" were also well appreciated by voters. |
A selection of photos from opening night:
FOLIO SHOW AND SALE - APRIL 30TH AND MAY 1ST
The HDGA's first Folio Show and Sale for 2016 was a pleasing success for artists and buyers alike. A total of 19 HDGA members exhibited work at the Richard Randall Studio, Mt Coot-tha over the weekend.