25/09/2026
Children’s Gallery Wrap Up – What an incredible two weeks
Over 520 visitors discovered the Children’s Gallery this year — hearing about us through social media, print media, school newsletters and friend and family recommendations. We were also delighted to welcome sculpture lovers who return time after time, continuing their tradition of visiting the festival. Our little gallery drew visitors who lived far beyond the valley.
More than 100 young artists aged 2–12 took part in our free workshops, and we welcomed three school tours alongside home schooling groups who filled the space with curiosity, creativity and the joy of seeing things through the eyes of a child.
Across the festival, children (and some adults who couldn’t resist the opportunity) built three collaborative group outdoor sculptures using recycled and reclaimed materials — transforming everyday discarded items into imaginative, layered artworks that grew day by day as new hands added new ideas.
Weekend and weekday workshops offered opportunities for free expression, guided sculpture, and intricate lantern making, giving children the freedom to explore the joy of creating.
Congratulations to our small team of dedicated creative volunteers who ran the gallery, inspired the children, and brought the vision to life — with new friendships forged and existing friendships strengthened along the way.
A sincere thank you to the Wollombi School Association, Wollombi Valley Landcare, and the Club Cessnock Community Grant for their support — helping us create a vibrant, welcoming space for young artists across the valley.
At the Children’s Gallery, sculpture thrived in the hands of our youngest creatives, whose imagination and energy brought the space to life.
