Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Catherine Clark Dowden’s Brushstrokes of the Bush exhibition will bring 42 rural-inspired artworks to Mackay’s Jubilee Community Centre this month from 12th - 29th October 2026.
Artist Catherine Clark Dowden is celebrating the magic of childhood on the land with Brushstrokes of the Bush – a collection created over two years, inspired by the freedom, curiosity, mischief and joy of growing up in the country.
Catherine says she feels incredibly privileged to have grown up on a farm in the north of England, surrounded by animals, open spaces, vibrant landscapes and the simple adventures of rural childhood.
Those early experiences earned a special place in her heart and continue to shape the artist she is today.
Catherine’s original vision was to create 26 paintings, each inspired by a childhood memory of growing up on the land. But then, she put out a call for photographs on the theme and received an unexpected response.
More than 860 treasured images were shared by families from near and far.
What began as 26 paintings ultimately became 42, each celebrating muddy boots and dusty roads, animals and adventures, family traditions, hard work, mischief, freedom and the simple pleasures of rural life.
Alongside each painting is a story sharing the personal memory behind the image.
“My hope for Brushstrokes of the Bush has always been to create more than an exhibition,” said Catherine.
“I wanted to create an opportunity for conversation and connection – to encourage grandparents to share memories with grandchildren, parents to tell stories from their own childhoods, and children to discover a little more about the lives their families lived before them.”
“Because memories have a wonderful way of travelling through generations.”
“A photograph can remind us of a moment, but a story can bring it back to life.”
Through the paintings, Catherine hopes to evoke nostalgia, happiness and reflection.
“I hope that when you view the artworks, you don’t just see paintings”
“I hope you see childhood.”
“I hope you remember.”
“And most of all, I hope you find a little piece of your own story within these Brushstrokes of the Bush.”
Catherine extended her gratitude and thanks to her family, friends and supporters, as well as RADF Mackay for its grant support.
Brushstrokes of the Bush will be exhibited at the Jubilee Community Centre in Mackay from the 12th - 29th October 2026, with the official opening featuring special guest Graeme Connors. The exhibition will then travel to the Coalface Art Gallery in Moranbah from 10th February to 19th March 2027.
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