our history.


In a vibrant celebration of creativity and history, former 1770 Art show President David Allen provides a history of the exhibition. From stunning paintings to evocative sculptures, each piece invited visitors to journey through a rich narrative of cultural resilience and innovation. Join us as we honour the vision of a leader who understood that art is not merely an expression but a powerful tool for change, dialogue, and community building.

OUR MISSION.

The 1770 Art Show strives to ignite creativity, connect communities, and celebrate the unique talents of artists. The mission is to provide an inclusive, inspiring space that promotes creativity, cultural exchange,and lifelong engagement with the arts. With a focus on honouring heritage, supporting local businesses, and promoting environmental stewardship, the organisation is crafting a lasting cultural legacy.

Our MAJOR SPONSOr.

Our VALUED SPONSOrs.

Our Team.

  • Prue Brown

    PRESIDENT

    Prue is committed to helping bring ongoing community access to and engagement with all forms of creativity. Using her qualifications in the areas of art and museum practice and education, Prue has worked and volunteered across Australia and overseas. ​ From being the Secretary of the Weipa Arts Council more than 20 years ago to teaching and supporting creative endeavours and institutions in Japan, India, Mongolia and Indonesia, Prue returns to Agnes Water to live after first visiting in the 1970’s.

  • Tash Hobbs

    SECRETARY

    Tash is a dedicated mixed media artist who is deeply passionate about nurturing creativity within individuals and the community. She believes that everyone has the potential to discover their inner artist and that embracing imperfection is part of the journey.

     As a valued member of the 1770 Art Show committee, Tash plays a crucial role in bringing their artistic vision to life. With years of volunteer experience at local festivals and local not for profit groups she applies a diverse skill set to enhance the 1770 Art Show. When she's not volunteering her time, you can find Tash immersed in painting or enjoying a good book in her garden.

  • Melissa Smith

    TREASURER

    Melissa manages the local visitor information centre, where her love for all things local and her knack for organisation shine. She supports local artists by showcasing their art while thriving on spreadsheets and staying organised. A proud mum of two, Melissa spends her spare time crafting practical, lasting gifts and art from various mediums. She also finds joy in gardening and unwinding with 1770’s breathtaking sunsets, celebrating life’s simple and beautiful moments.

  • Lynne Tye

    COMMITTEE MEMBER / QUILTING REPRESENTATIVE

    Lynne and her husband have been resident of the Agnes Water community since building a home in 2005 after their 3 children had finished school. They had a block for many years and “paradise” was where they wanted to settle after many years moving for work. ​ Always a crafter and sewer, Lynne took up quilt making as a creative outlet ... designing and learning new techniques from workshops and fellow quilters. In 2016, Lynne joined the Bundaberg Textile Art Group (TAG) to further her skills and challenge her creativity in the field of fibre art. Lynne has had Textile Artworks shown in Brisbane Craft and Quilt Fair 2018, 2019, 2021, 2023, Bundaberg Quilt Show quilts and fibre arts. ​ Lynne has been on the 1770 Art Show and Agnes Water Quilting Group committees for a number of years - both as a Committee Member and then as Secretary for 6 years. Lynne has also been the Quilting Show Co-ordinator for 10 years

  • Karen Thompson

    COMMITTEE MEMBER

    Karen has been a resident of Agnes Water for 18 years, following 30 years in Tennant Creek, NT, where her passion for the arts flourished. As President of the NT Arts Council, Karen coordinated tours of musical, dramatic, and artistic events and was actively involved in the CWA Art Show—one of the region’s major events. Each year, the CWA acquired a piece of art for the Tennant Creek Council’s gallery, contributing to a collection spanning over 45 years.

    Since moving to Agnes Water, Karen has supported the 1770 Art Show in various roles, from setup and catering to sponsorship of the Junior Sections. With over 40 years in education, she is passionate about encouraging young artists, particularly through the Schools Project, which she and her husband have proudly sponsored for eight years. Karen enjoys witnessing the creativity and growth of this section.

    Her personal artistic interests lie in textiles, particularly Quilting and Textile Art. As part of the Quilt Show, which runs alongside the 1770 Art Show, Karen values the opportunity to add another dimension to the artistic experience. She remains proud to support the hard-working committee and their plans for the future.

  • Donna Cahill

    COMMITTEE MEMBER

    Donna Cahill is passionate about supporting strong and thriving communities and is thrilled to be a new member of the 1770 Arts committee. With over 10 years of experience in community development and therapeutic practice, Donna has an appreciation of the Arts and the benefits to individual and collective wellbeing. Through art initiatives, supporting local artists and the 1770 Art Show  (1770 Arts) strategic plans, Donna is looking forward to being a part of the working group promoting art, artists and the art culture in the community.

OUR 2025 ART SHOW JUDGE.

Tracey Heathwood

Artspace Mackay Gallery Director

Tracey has worked in the regional arts sector in Queensland for more than 20 years including positions with Flying Arts Inc., Artspace Mackay, Crossroad Arts Inc. and Mackay Regional Council. Her appointment as Director of Artspace Mackay in January 2018 saw her return to regional galleries after working as a freelance curator, project manager and arts consultant. In her role as Artspace Mackay Gallery Director, Tracey leads a team of professional gallery staff in providing a high-quality community facility; an inspirational exhibition program; a growing, relevant art collection and engaging public programs. Tracey holds a Bachelor of Visual Arts in Fine Art from the Queensland College of Art and is a practicing printmaker. She believes in the arts’ ability to act as a catalyst for social change and is passionate about seeing the Queensland regional arts and cultural sector thrive.