RARE AND ENDANGERED PLANTS

The Rare and Endangered Plants Group, has as its objective to paint rare and endangered plants of Queensland. Prerequisite to membership of the group is a technical interest in identification of rare species, preparedness to undertake field trips and regular liaison with the Queensland Herbarium. The leading painters in this group are Janet Hauser, Jane Thompson and Gwenda White.

THE GARDENS PROJECT

The 'Gardens Project' has as its objective to illustrate plants that are found in the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens and the Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens. The plan was to offer digital images of artwork and illustrations to the Gardens for the (non-exclusive) use. Ray Steward is the Convenor of the Group.

HERITAGE PROJECT - 'A Brush with History - A Botanical Perspective'

This two year project focused on plants used in the Brisbane and surrounding areas in the days of early settlement prior to 1915. Participating members researched their local areas for suitable plants in order that an exhibition of artworks accompanied by historical anecdotes would be the outcome of the project. The range of plants depicted was quite diverse: from roses to pumpkins, edible native lilies to exotic flowering plants and from majestic pine trees to classified weeds. Each plant was represented by the artist in such a way as to highlight its historical significance and enhance its endearing or other features. The highly successful exhibition opened at Redland Museum in June 2006 and was also shown at Floressence later in the year.

Once research began, it was realized that documentation of such plants was very limited, and collection and recording of such information by the Society would provide a valuable record for the future. It was therefore decided to apply for a Gambling Community Benefit Fund Grant to support the project. A grant was received for framing and didactics.

During the project, Society members were surprised and encouraged by the interest and support that was generated by individuals as well as community and government groups. Museums, Libraries, Local History Societies and Garden Societies were actively involved in providing and accessing information as well as informing others about the project in order to assist the Society, and, at the same time, enhancing their own knowledge and resources.

Participating members gained significant expertise in the art form while preparing this challenging work. For many of the artists, to diversify into the realm of research to this extent was a huge learning curve, but one which encouraged them to continue to research their local area for historically significant plants with a view to further documentation through botanical illustrations and historical anecdotes.

HAYS INLET

In 2007, the Society was invited by Pine Rivers Shire Council Environmental Department to hold an art exhibition in conjunction with the Hays Inlet Awareness event in May / June 2008. As the Hays Inlet / Pine Rivers catchment area stretches from rainforest to the coast, the flora of the region is very diverse and has thus allowed the artists to present a wide variety of artworks as well as providing an opportunity to inform people about the flora of the area.