JOY has opened at Luminance Art Gallery in Port Macquarie, showcasing an end-of-year exhibition of artworks by young people from the Mid North Coast.
The gallery issued an open call earlier this year and waived all entry fees to remove barriers to participation.
More than 30 young artists submitted work, and the gallery shortlisted 22 pieces for exhibition.
The show features artworks by under fifteens alongside a small group of established artists who anchor the exhibition.
“The JOY exhibition says to young artists: there’s space for you and for your creativity,” says Luminance Gallery director Dr Dominic O’Grady.
“By adding experienced local artists to the mix, I hope to illuminate some of the pathways available to young people who want to follow their vision.”
The exhibition fills the gallery with colour, movement and raw creative energy.
It also establishes a pathway for young local artists to experience the full cycle of submitting, exhibiting and speaking about their work in a professional setting.
A new work by 16-year-old Luke Baker, who won the 2025 Luminance Young and Emerging Artist Prize in the 15 to 25-year age category, is among those on display.
Dr O’Grady said the exhibition reflects the gallery’s mission to encourage emerging talent while keeping the space accessible to the community.
“I’m keen to exhibit good art, support local talent, and if I cover costs then it’s mission accomplished.”
Any proceeds generated by the show contribute directly to gallery rent, electricity and insurance.
Luminance does not take a commission or profit from its exhibitions, a model that allows young artists to grow without financial pressure.
JOY runs through the summer period, giving local families, visitors and schools the opportunity to see the creativity coming through the region.
Dr O’Grady hopes the exhibition will inspire more young people to create and to continue developing their skills, with plans to expand similar youth-focused projects in 2026.
By Sis HIGGINS
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