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From Canvas to Community: Silent Art Auction

Don’t miss our Silent Auction, featuring three stunning original artworks by renowned Sunshine Coast artists John Nelson and Marie Farr. These pieces aren’t just beautiful—they’re a celebration of our unique landscape, creative talent, and the spirit of our community.

Art That Gives Back: Bid to Own a Local Masterpiece

Looking to brighten up your home or office with something truly special? 

Whether you're a seasoned collector or just love supporting local talent, this is your chance to own a one-of-a-kind piece that captures the colour, light, and essence of the Sunshine Coast.

And the best part? Every dollar raised supports our grassroots community movement for a better future.

Bid generously – and proudly take home a piece of local art that stands for something more. Art that looks good and does good—now that’s something worth bidding on.

The artwork will be on display at our Election Launch Saturday 12 April and you're also welcome to view it in our office ahead of time by appointment. 

You can also hear both the artists talk about their work on our YouTube Channel

John Nelson

John Nelson, born in 1951, is an Australian postwar and contemporary painter based in Buderim. His work has been showcased in various galleries and museums, including the Pratt Institute's Manhattan Gallery. In early 2021, his exhibition "The Floating Crust #2" was displayed at the Banana Shed Gallery from January 29 to February 24. He has been busy preparing a new collection for an upcoming exhibition in Canberra in April.

Painting 1 -  Back Home on the Motorway - measures 167 x 120 cm

Reserve starting price: $1,000

 

Painting 2 - Mapleton state forest walk - measures 140 x 107 cm

Reserve starting price: $1,000

Hear John speak about his artwork 

Marie Farr
Marie Farr is a printmaker and artist based in Flaxton. She studied at the Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne, where she focused on painting with Gareth Sansom and printmaking under the guidance of printmaker Bea Maddock. Her artist books, "Memory: a fractured history" and "Traces - Presence in Absence," were selected by the jury for the InkMasters International Print Exhibition in 2021 at the Tanks Art Centre in Cairns. 2021 the print “Kimberley, Land and Language” was selected by a jury for the Awagami International Miniprint Exhibition, Japan.

2022, her multi-plate lithography titled "Bella...deadly Belladonna" was featured in the Compact Prints exhibition at Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts.

The Hippos of Troy 4/8 ed. 2022
PRINT DIMENSIONS 700 X 500 mm
Unframed
3 stencil screenprint and gold leaf
Edition of 8 prints

This beautiful print can be safely rolled and shipped in a sturdy cardboard postal tube, making it easy to send anywhere in Australia—or beyond.

Watch Marie talk about her artwork and process here.

CURRENT BID: $450.

How to Bid in the Silent Auction

Bidding is easy – and every bid helps power our community movement!

Here’s How It Works:

View the Art
Visit the display at our event on Election Launch Saturday, April 12, or contact us to make an appointment to view the pieces in our office beforehand. You can also these short videos of Francine speaking with Marie and John to learn more about their inspiration and process.

Place Your Bid
To place a bid, simply email us with:

  • Your name

  • The artwork you are bidding on
  • Contact details

  • Your bid amount

We’ll update the website regularly with the latest bid amounts (displayed anonymously).

Bid as Often as You Like
Keep an eye on the website for updates.

We’ll also notify bidders via email, so feel free to increase your bid anytime during the auction period.

Every bid supports the cause—and boosts your chances of taking home a beautiful local artwork!

Winning Bids Announced
If your name is the highest bidder you’ll be contacted as the winning bidder and can organisation collection. 

All proceeds go directly to supporting our local independent Francine Wiig's campaign and building a better future for Fairfax.

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