Create. Connect. Whitsunday

Lenny Pennell photo supplied

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Beyond the Exhibition: Where Artistic Journeys Begin  

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Last year, Lenny Pennell entered the Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition for the very first time. Twelve months later, she returned to win the People's Choice Award with Beauty in Creation.  

In just one year, her artistic career has grown dramatically, with new collectors discovering her work, increased online attention and exciting opportunities that continue to unfold.  

Lenny's journey is a wonderful reminder that an exhibition can be much more than four days of displaying artwork. It can be the beginning of something extraordinary.  

"Being selected as a finalist last year gave me the confidence to believe in my work and to keep creating. The opportunities that have followed have been incredible, and winning this year's People's Choice Award has taken that journey to another level.” said Lenny.  

“If you're thinking about entering but you're not sure if your work is good enough, just do it. Entering the Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition changed my artistic journey."  

Lenny's story is exactly why Creative Connections Whitsunday is passionate about presenting this exhibition.  

This year we welcomed several artists exhibiting publicly for the first time, along with an exciting group of finalists aged just 16 to 18. Every established artist was once a first-time exhibitor, and providing a platform where emerging artists can exhibitalongside experienced creatives builds confidence, creates opportunities and strengthens our region's creative future.  

None of this would be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Their investment helps us deliver a professional exhibition, provide meaningful prize opportunities and, most importantly, create experiences that can genuinely change an artist's future.  

Through the Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition and the Creative Connections Community Art Gallery in Proserpine, we're proud to provide local artists with opportunities to exhibit, sell their work and continue growing their artistic careers throughout the year.  

If you've ever wondered whether your work is good enough to enter, take Lenny's advice and give it a go. You never know where that first exhibition might lead.  

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Celebrating local creativity, connection, and community  

Whitsundays Writers Festival  
Richard Evans  
Festival Director and President  
hello@whitsundayswriters.com  

Book your ticket now for the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival, 13 September at whitsundayswriters.com/2026-programme-speakers  

Creative Connections Whitsunday  
Glenda Brown  
President  
info@creativeconnectionwhitsunday.com  

Creative Connections Whitsundays supports and celebrates the region's arts community by creating opportunities for artists to connect, exhibit, learn, and thrive through partnerships, cultural events, and creative programs.  

Get in touch!  
If you would like to submit a poem, creative writing piece, profile suggestion, event information, or share your creative story, please contact hello@whitsundayswriters.com  

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Give the Gift of Local Art  

Looking for a gift that is thoughtful, unique and supports local artists? The Creative Connections Whitsundays Community Gallery in Proserpine offers plenty of inspiration, with an ever-changing collection of original artworks and locally made gifts.  

Among the artists featured is Margaret Burgess, whose handmade jewellery has plenty of character. Her collection includes sea glass earrings, bracelets and earrings made from reimagined cutlery, and distinctive pendants – each piece with its own story.  

Desma Munroe’s hand-painted watercolour greeting cards have also been proving popular. Each card is individually created, making it a small piece of original art that is almost too beautiful to give away.  

For something sculptural, take a closer look at the ceramics and sculptures of Linda Forrester. A multidisciplinary Whitsundays artist, Linda creates hand-built pieces that explore form, balance and texture. Her work evolves through experimentation and a hands-on connection with the materials.  

And if colour and light catch your eye, Libby Humphrey’s stained-glass creations are well worth a look. Inspired by the natural beauty of the Whitsundays, Libby combines heritage, reclaimed and contemporary glass to create distinctive pieces that have been popular with gallery visitors.  

Not sure what to choose? A Creative Connections Whitsundays Community Gallery Gift Card allows the recipient to select their own special piece from the gallery’s collection of artworks, jewellery, ceramics, prints, handmade gifts and more.  

It’s a gift that supports local creativity while giving someone the pleasure of choosing something they genuinely love.  

Community Gallery

192 Main Street, Proserpine

Monday–Friday: 9am–4pm

Saturday: 9am–1pm  

Pop in, browse the collection and discover something made right here in the Whitsundays.  

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Artists to Take Their Creativity Outdoors at Stories by the Sea  

Visual artists will have the opportunity to create alongside writers when a new Plein Air Challenge becomes part of the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival’s free Stories by the Sea community event on Sunday, 13 September.  

The challenge will see Creative Connections Whitsunday members create an original work on location at the Whitsunday Marine Club, responding to the coastal setting and atmosphere of the day.  

Festival-goers will be able to watch the artworks take shape throughout the challenge before viewing the completed works later that afternoon, and then be invited to vote for their favourite, with the People’s Choice Award announced at 4pm during the festival’s closing celebrations.  

The completed artworks will also be offered through a silent auction, with 100 per cent of sales going directly to the participating artists.  

Whitsundays Writers Festival Director Richard Evans said the challenge reflected the festival’s commitment to celebrating creativity in all its forms.  

“Stories aren’t told only through words. Artists capture the places, people and moments that shape our communities just as powerfully,” he said.  

Creative Connections Whitsundays President Glenda Brown said the challenge would give artists an opportunity to create, connect and engage with the community.  

“Plein air painting is about responding to a place in the moment. It encourages observation, creativity and connection, and we’re delighted to bring visual arts into this year’s festival.”  

The Plein Air Challenge is part of Stories by the Sea, featuring more than 20 regional authors, book sales and swaps, children’s activities, live music, open mic readings, a gold coin BBQ and refreshments.  

Plein Air Challenge: 11am–3pm, Sunday 13 September

‍People’s Choice Award announcement: 4pm

‍Where: Whitsunday Marine Club, Cannonvale  

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