The Friends Botanical Art Group holds regular tutored meetings and have also conducted workshops with external tutors since commencing in July 2022.
The group has:
– held the successful exhibitions in 2023, 2024 and 2025 “Perceptions of Nature: Images inspired by Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens” at Robina Art Gallery
– exhibited at three Botanic Gardens Open Days in 2023 and 2024 and 2025
– participated in the “Framing Nature” exhibition in Maleny in September 2024.
The Group began with several beginners just a short time ago. Each artist has responded to the Botanic Gardens environment in a very different and individual way, working in traditional forms such as botanical art, drawing and painting, or, in more expressive ways – in acrylics, jewellery and porcelain.
The key messages of the Friends of the GCRBG, conservation, education and engaging the community in an appreciation of our regional plants, are all embodied in their work highlighting art as an important means of sharing the delights and significance of the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens.
The Botanical Art Group particularly enjoys being able to meet and work within the Botanic Gardens, with ready access to the Living Collection, the Orchid House, the Herbarium and Friends’ flora and fauna experts.
Classes and Events in 2026
The group meets at the Friends Centre in the Gardens on Thursday afternoons from 1.30-4pm. There are two Semesters each year with a mid-year break during June and July.
Semester One meeting dates in 2026 are as follows:
February 19
March 5, 19
April 9, 23
May 7, 21
Exhibitions
Flora Nature’s Gift – National Botanical Art Exhibition, Broadbeach 2026
In July 2026 the Botanical Art Society of Australia (BASA) and the Royal Qld Art Society Broadbeach (RQAS) are holding an exhibition of work from artists across Australia. This is the first time such an event has been held on the Gold Coast. Members will be able to enter their work in the exhibition.
Projects
Each year the group undertakes a major project for their art work. We will prepare a 2027 calendar of paintings of plants and animals found in the Gardens.
For more information contact Cathryn Coutts, Coordinator on:
cathryn.coutts@gmail.com
Artwork by Cathy Coutts