Along the Molonglo Art Exhibition and Competition

Capturing the Spirit of the Molonglo

Four major waterways of the Molonglo catchment, the Queanbeyan and Molonglo Rivers and Burra and Jerrabomberra Creeks, combine to provide the lakeside setting for our national capital. Perhaps less well-known is that their valleys also support vulnerable and endangered ecosystems such as box-gum woodlands and natural temperate grassland. Such ecosystems harbour endangered plants and animals and a fascinating range of more common native plants and animals. The Molonglo has been significant in aboriginal culture for tens of thousands of years, and European heritage for almost two hundred years.

Each year, the Molonglo Catchment Group through the Queanbeyan Art Society and the Artists Society of Canberra challenges artists to capture The Spirit of the Molonglo, revealed not just in the waters of the catchment, but in the richness of its plant- and animal-life, and the vibrancy of its cultural heritage.

Along the Molonglo Art Exhibition and Competition is held in conjunction with
Queanbeyan Art Society each year in June, and in conjunction with the Artists Society of Canberra in September.

There were 82 entries in the Queanbeyan exhibition, which was opened on Sunday 6 June by Rainer Rehwinkel. The first prize was awarded to
Phillip Greinke's work, Water for Life.  Works remain on display at the Queanbeyan Art Gallery, in Trinculo Place (beside the bridge), until 25 June, except for the winning entries which will be displayed in the Door C corridor at The Q from 15 June.  The winner entries will then be moved to shop windows adjacent to the Riverside Plaza main Monaro Street entrance.

It is through the generosity and continued support of sponsors, Village Building Co, ACTEW, Holcim Australia, and the Monaro Conservation Society for the prizes at the Art Exhibition and Competition that we are able to foster interest in the Molonglo and promote an understanding of its environmental assets through art.