Celebrate NAIDOC Week with live art by Rod Gardner: honouring culture, legacy, and creative connection.
As part of NAIDOC Week 2025 celebrations, QVMAG is proud to welcome the return of Tasmanian Aboriginal artist Rod Gardner to the Museum at Inveresk and Art Gallery at Royal Park for a series of free, live art sessions.
NAIDOC Week is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture, and achievements. 2025 marks a powerful milestone: 50 years of honouring and elevating Indigenous voices, culture, and resilience.
This year's theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, celebrates not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of our young leaders, the vision of our communities, and the legacy of our ancestors.
Join Rod as he moves throughout gallery spaces on the day, using the essence of plein air painting to inspire a series of sketches and paintings responding to the current exhibitions.
Visitors will have the unique opportunity to see Rod bring the site to life through his watercolour artworks. By observing his creative process, participants can gain insight into his artistic journey and connect with his stories as a Tasmanian Aboriginal.
A friendly and chatty artist, Rod welcomes the chance to meet new people. "The best thing about painting outdoors is when I look at my paintings, they come with the memories of the people that I met that day," he said.
Join in an open dialogue with Rod as he creates on site, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of his art and the rich cultural heritage he represents.
No bookings are required in this free open session.
About the artist
Rod Trip Gardner, an emerging Aboriginal artist, finds inspiration in various aspects of painting. His primary subjects include members of the Aboriginal community and the picturesque river and streetscapes of Launceston. Rod currently works with watercolors and charcoal, favoring the plein air style—painting outdoors.
Rod is self-taught, learning through online resources and practical experience. Additionally, he was fortunate to receive a grant from Arts Tasmania, which allowed him to be mentored by the renowned Tasmanian artist, Jonathan Bowden.
Recently, Rod has become part of the teaching staff at Brisbane Street Art School, where he provides professional art instruction to fellow Tasmanians.
Dates:
Through Someone Else's Eyes - Day 1
Wednesday 9 July, 11am to 1pm
Museum at Inveresk, 2 Invermay Road, Launceston
Through Someone Else's Eyes - Day 2
Saturday 12 July, 11am to 1pm
Art Gallery at Royal Park, 2 Wellington Street, Launceston
Through Someone Else's Eyes - Day 3
Sunday 13 July, 11am to 1pm
Museum at Inveresk, 2 Invermay Road, Launceston
Also—join us for other NAIDOC Week events at QVMAG:
Possum Skin Cloak workshops
Possum Skin Cloak - Storytelling Workshop 1
Monday 16 June, 10:30am to 12:30pm
Art Gallery at Royal Park, 2 Wellington Street, Launceston
Possum Skin Cloak - Storytelling Workshop 2
Friday 20 June, 1pm to 3pm
Museum at Inveresk, 2 Invermay Road, Launceston
Possum Skin Cloak - Storytelling Workshop 3
Saturday 21 June, 10:30am to 12:30pm
Art Gallery at Royal Park, 2 Wellington Street, Launceston
Possum Skin Cloak - Stitching It All Together
Monday 23 June, 1pm to 3pm
Museum at Inveresk, 2 Invermay Road, Launceston
NAIDOC Week Morning Tea
Join us for our free morning tea celebrating the start of NAIDOC Week and the grand reveal of the newly-expanded Possum Skin Cloak.
NAIDOC Week Morning Tea
Sunday 6 July, 10:30am to 11am
Museum at Inveresk, 2 Invermay Road, Launceston
Yarning and Making
Sit, weave, and yarn with friends old and new in this relaxed, hands-on activity celebrating culture, creativity and connection.
Yarning and Making - Day 1
Sunday 6 July, 11am to 1pm
Museum at Inveresk, 2 Invermay Road, Launceston
Yarning and Making - Day 2
Monday 7 July, 1pm to 3pm
Art Gallery at Royal Park, 2 Wellington Street, Launceston
Yarning and Making - Day 3
Thursday 10 July, 11am to 1pm
Art Gallery at Royal Park, 2 Wellington Street, Launceston
Yarning and Making - Day 4
Friday 11 July, 1pm to 3pm
Museum at Inveresk, 2 Invermay Road, Launceston