News
29 November, 2025
Somerset on show in ‘Canvas & Quilts’
The colours, textures and stories of the Somerset region are taking centre stage at the Lowood Open Door Gallery, where a new joint exhibition, Somerset Country – Canvas & Quilts, is now open.
The colours, textures and stories of the Somerset region are taking centre stage at the Lowood Open Door Gallery, where a new joint exhibition, Somerset Country – Canvas & Quilts, is now open.
Running until 14 December, the seven-week showcase brings together the work of two long-time local artists, painter Noela Lowien and quilter Jodie Wade, whose combined creative histories reflect more than half a century of contribution to the region’s arts community.
Described as “an artistic showcase woven from pigment on canvas and textile with thread,” the exhibition highlights the landscapes, histories and rural life that have shaped the artists’ lives.
Jodie, who has lived in the Esk and Toogoolawah area for about 56 years, has spent the past 35 years immersed in patchwork and quilting—a passion she credits to her mother.
A member of the Queensland Quilters, Vision Patchworkers Ipswich and founding member of the Upper Valley Stitchers, she is also an accredited teacher with Queensland Quilters and has exhibited widely at local shows.
Her quilts have earned multiple prizes, including a champion exhibition at the Toogoolawah Show with her Baltimore Quilt, later displayed at the Brisbane Exhibition.
Noela, a painter from Kilcoy, brings an equally deep connection to Somerset’s heritage.
A descendant of five pioneering families, she has long documented the region’s history through her work with local historical societies, including contributing to around 16 published local books and leading the Kilcoy History Trail signage project.
Her paintings draw heavily on the region’s landscapes, hills, valleys, waterways and historical scenes, combining “nostalgia-laced interests of history and art.”
A multi-award-winning artist, Noela has exhibited at district shows for many years, with her pieces displayed at venues across the region.
The exhibition is showing at the Open Door Gallery, 45 Railway Street, Lowood, with opening hours on Thursdays 9:30am–12:30pm and Saturdays and Sundays 9:30am–2pm.
