Emerging Indigenous artists are gaining hands-on experience and public recognition through the Young Indigenous Printmakers program, a regional initiative bringing cultural expression into the spotlight.
Senior students from North Queensland communities including the Torres Strait, Coen, Cairns and Townsville joined the program, taking part in a two-day printmaking workshop led by artist mentors Margaret Robertson and Ricky Emmerton.
Participants were guided through techniques such as lino carving, printing, and editioning - first at their school and then in the professional studio space at Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts.
Their finished works are now on display at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery as part of a group exhibition running until 3 May.
The exhibition appears alongside 'In the Heart of the North (Part 1)' and 'Mintjapuni: Ricky Emmerton'.
Year 12 Townsville Grammar School student Peah Messa reflected on the confidence the workshop helped build.
"I have some experience print making already and the workshop reminded me that I can actually create successful artworks," Ms Messa said.
"Lino printing is a very satisfying process but also challenging because you need to have patience and steady hands."
Townsville Grammar School teacher Meg Taylor said workshops like this expanded the horizons of young North Queensland artists.
"Opportunities like this are important for young artists as they get to interact with and learn from industry professionals, using industry standard equipment and processes and see their work exhibited in a professional space alongside practising artists' work," Ms Taylor said.
"The printmaking workshop was also extremely beneficial for some of the older students as it built their skills in the medium which they can then use to enhance and complement their own practice at school and into the future.
"It has also been very exciting to see Tai Ahmat's work displayed as part of the promotional material for the gallery's current exhibitions and has certainly given her a boost of confidence as a talented young artist."
Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts deputy director Daniel Qualischefski praised the enthusiasm of the young artists.
"Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts is proud to partner for another year with Townsville City Galleries to deliver the Young Indigenous Printmakers outreach program," he said.
"For many students, this is their first experience working in a professional studio and publicly presenting their work. It can be genuinely transformative and helps young people imagine pathways that might not have previously felt accessible.
"Young Indigenous Printmakers fosters confidence, skill and camaraderie that can carry well beyond the classroom."
The program is designed to strengthen cultural identity, encourage artistic growth and provide pathways into the arts sector.
The gallery is open daily, with full accessibility and entry open to all ages.
