Learn the stories behind the tattoos of Defence personnel, meet a real knight, immerse yourself in the works of Australian artist Ian Friend and more on a journey of exploration across Moreton Bay City Council galleries, libraries and museums in Autumn.

There’s a fascinating line-up of free experiences across the region for all ages to enjoy.

Galleries

Art Collection up close

PINE RIVERS ART GALLERY, MARCH 23-JUNE 15, FREE ENTRY

What comes to mind when you think of an artwork?

Art can take on many forms, including printing, sculpture and performance.

Because of its infinite possibilities, art is an excellent way to learn about ourselves and the places we live in.

Come along and meet a few artists from the City of Moreton Bay’s Art Collection.

Through their works and our free activities, you will learn about the artist’s homes, families, and communities.

This family-friendly exhibition will have you thinking about art and why artists create in a whole new way.

OPEN Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm

One foot on the ground, one foot in the water

CABOOLTURE REGIONAL ART GALLERY, MARCH 9-JUNE 1, FREE ENTRY

At a time when many are experiencing complex feelings about the frailty of life and future uncertainty, One foot on the ground, one foot in the water explores the subject of mortality and the inseparable link between life and death.

The exhibition presents paintings, sculptures, installations, and sound works that challenge us to reckon with death and dying as an inherent part of life, invoking experiences of loss, impermanence, transience, remembrance, memorialisation, and varied expressions of grief.

OPEN Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm

Intimate Immensity

REDCLIFFE ART GALLERY, UNTIL MAY 11, FREE ENTRY

Intimate Immensity is an exhibition of works by Australian artist Ian Friend.

Friend's works are an exploration of materials, combining layers of ink, gouache, crayon, and pencil.

They are both intimate and vast. They also reflect his passion for jazz, classical music, poetry, and architecture.

Intimate Immensity will feature works on paper alongside new paintings and sculptures from the past five years.

Barely Wearable: Body adornment for the age of overconsumption

BRIBIE ISLAND SEASIDE MUSEUM, MARCH 15-JUNE 9, FREE ENTRY

Ruth Downes has a passion for reappropriating everyday materials and objects to celebrate their intrinsic beauty.

Materials for these ‘wearable’ artworks have been gleaned from a diverse range of sources, ranging from aircraft headsets to coffee capsules.

By reimagining these materials Ruth has created works that transcend their practical function, casting them in a fresh light.

The works question our accepted values and how we award status by projecting these everyday materials into the realm of art.

1X4

PINE RIVERS HERITAGE MUSEUM, UNTIL APRIL 14, FREE ENTRY

Museums use objects to tell stories. It sounds simple but it is complicated.

Objects can tell multiple stories from many points of view.

So who chooses the story? Which story is the truth?

In museums, curators choose an interpretation but 1X4 turns this upside down.

Each object in this exhibition tells four distinct stories.

Every story is the truth about the object and is a valid way to view the object, but they are all different.

Ink in the Lines

REDCLIFFE MUSEUM, UNTIL MAY 12, FREE ENTRY

Behind every tattoo is a story of remembrance, mateship, identity, and healing.

Tattoos are a conversation starter.

Many members and veterans of the Australian Defence Forces have tattoos.

While their reasons for getting tattooed are as varied as the people themselves, self-expression and belonging play a part.

They also share a common purpose in getting inked: to remember.

Hear the stories behind the tattoos in the Ink in the Lines exhibition; showcasing Australia’s modern veterans and their families, who through their tattoos commemorate the people, events and experiences which shaped their lives.

Libraries

Meet a knight

MORETON BAY REGION LIBRARIES, April 2-9

What was it like to be a knight in Medieval times?

At Moreton Bay Libraries this April you will get the chance to meet a knight in person, wear real armour, and learn all about life as a knight!

This free event has been produced in collaboration with The Abbey Museum and promises to be an exciting experience for all kids over 7.