14 JAN - 27 FEB 2027  THE GROVE GALLERY

SIDE BY WONDER CHILDREN RESPONDING TO ARTWORK

Side by Wonder: Seeing Things Differently

What happens when we look at an artwork that hasn't quite captured everyone's attention? Could a fresh pair of eyes, a curious mind and a little imagination reveal something wonderful?

For this new edition of Side by Wonder, we're inviting children to explore artworks from the Southern Downs Regional Council Collection that may have been overlooked or haven't traditionally been audience favourites.

Rather than selecting the artworks that are immediately appealing, we're turning the challenge around. Children will be invited to spend time looking, thinking and wondering about a selected artwork before creating their own response to it.

Perhaps they'll find a story hidden within it, imagine what might be happening beyond the frame, respond to its colours, shapes or textures, or take an entirely unexpected creative direction.

There are no right or wrong answers, and no expectation that their response needs to look anything like the original. The challenge is simply to look a little closer, think a little differently and discover where their imagination takes them.

After all, sometimes all an artwork needs is a different perspective to be seen in a whole new light!

Public programs:

Official Opening