Featured Events in Launceston in February, 2025 (June Updated)

Our next Arts on Site workshop draws inspiration from art, history and nature to examine the representation of women in the arts. Join artist Amber Koroluk-Stephenson to share in the transformative power of art through the lens of metamorphosis. Inspired by her work and the intersections of feminism and art history, this workshop invites you to contribute to a more inclusive art historical narrative through your creations. The session begins with a focus on Australian Painted Ladies at Mills Plains, Tasmania. This stunning piece by Amber is an examination of identity and place, created for the 2023 Glover Prize and recently acquired by QVMAG. Amber combines a gloved hand and endemic butterflies with an anamorphic (fisheye) panorama of Patterdale Farm, originally painted by John Richardson Glover (1789–1868), the son of artist John Glover. Through this work, Amber acknowledges colonial ideals imposed on Tasmania's landscape and the recreation of 'home' elsewhere, overlaid with perceptions of femininity and domesticity. Engage with Amber's artistic vision as you explore collage and mixed media techniques. Develop your technical skills while creating a unique contemporary artwork that blends observation, imagination, and personal interpretation. Amber will also share insights into her artistic practice and personal experiences, discussing her intention to “make visible what is out of sight.” She’ll reflect on the historic underrepresentation of women in art museums and galleries and share her perspective on increasing visibility for female artists today. This workshop is an opportunity develop your artistic abilities while exploring the power of art to challenge norms, create inclusion, and inspire meaningful change. About the workshopThis workshop is suitable for adults of all experience levels who are curious about art, art history and gender theory.The registration fee includes all materials.The workshop's location is the Queen Victoria Art Gallery, at Royal Park, 2 Wellington Street, Launceston.About the artistAmber Koroluk-Stephenson is a visual artist, facilitator and educator based in the Huon Valley in southern lutruwita/Tasmania. Working across painting, sculpture, collage and installation, her practice examines the value and significance of identity, place and belonging, and ways cultural significance is constructed and exchanged, but also sometimes lost. Informed by an ongoing fascination with the intersections between natural and built environments, and slippages between histories, fictions and popular culture, her work seeks the human desire for connection and to make visible what is out of sight. About the exhibitionThe Discovery Collection 23/24 exhibition highlights a selection of acquisitions made over the past two years, including significant historical objects, rare natural specimens, and remarkable works of art by both established and emerging local artists. Since 1842, QVMAG has been dedicated to showcasing Tasmania’s diverse natural and cultural heritage. As the largest regional collection in Australia with over 1.5 million objects, the Collection stands out for its scale and multidisciplinary focus. Each object offers something unique to experience—whether valued for its originality, beauty, rarity, or historical significance. The exhibition also offers insights into the often behind-the-scenes acquisition process, which plays a vital role in preserving the past and shaping the future. Through its wide-ranging collection spanning natural sciences, history, and visual art, QVMAG continues to connect communities to Tasmania’s history while offering perspectives on future possibilities. DISCOVERY COLLECTION 23/24 Art Gallery at Royal Park | 2 Wellington St, Launceston 28 September 2024 — 2 February 2025 Free entry | Open daily | 10am to 4pm | January 10 am-5pm About QVMAG's Arts on Site programOur ongoing series will immerse you in a vibrant blend of art techniques, taking inspiration from our current exhibitions and with expert guidance from our passionate facilitators. With monthly workshops held across our two sites at the Queen Victoria Art Gallery at Royal Park and the Museum at Inveresk, participants can explore photography, sketching, drawing, watercolour painting, oil painting, textile design, and interior design. Arts on Site provides the perfect opportunity for seasoned artists and curious beginners alike to elevate your artistic skills and connect with a community of creators. Find out more about this exciting series at www.qvmag.tas.gov.au/Arts-on-Site Image: Amber Koroluk-Stephenson, Australian Painted Ladies at Mills Plains, Tasmania 2023, oil on linen. Purchased with funds from the QVMAG Arts Foundation. Information Source: QVMAG | eventbrite

In the first of these special exhibition workshops, explore the questioning and soulful eyes of the creatures in Michael McWilliams' paintings. McWilliams' landscapes teem with wildlife, with native and introduced species that seem to speak to us through their piercing stares. Are they questioning us? Judging us? Or simply observing? While their expressions carry humour and curiosity, they also convey a subtle accusation: a reminder that it is us, the humans, who continue to effect change on the environment. The workshop begins by exploring Gentle Protagonist: Art of Michael McWilliams, currently on display at the Art Gallery at Royal Park. Focusing on The Usurpers, McWilliams’ 2016 Archibald Prize finalist artwork, choose a creature that resonates with you and study its eyes, posture, and composition. What story do they tell? How does McWilliams evoke such depth and connection? Guided by Launceston artist Manuela Pilz, you'll create your own interpretation of the chosen animal. As you engage deeply with the artwork, reflect on your personal relationship with the subject and how to translate that into your creation. At the end of the session, you will have the opportunity to showcase your artwork on QVMAG's social media platforms, with an exciting chance to win an exclusive Michael McWilliams merchandise pack from the QVMAG Shop. Spaces are limited, so book early to secure your place in this inspiring exploration of one of Australia’s most celebrated artists. About the workshop This is the first of three workshops in a series celebrating Michael McWilliams' current QVMAG exhibition. Adults can also book for the remaining two workshops: Wednesday 12 February 2025, 10:30am-12:30pm — The World of McWilliams: The Thylacine (ages 18+)Sunday 16 February 2025, 11am-1pm — The World of McWilliams: From Darkness to Light (ages 18+) Please note: separate bookings are required for each workshop.This workshop is open to artists, including young people aged 14 and over, of all experience levels who are curious about drawing and art in general.The registration fee includes all materials.This workshop will be held at the Queen Victoria Art Gallery, 2 Wellington St, Launceston.About the artist Born in Berlin, Manuela Pilz was raised in Sydney and now calls Launceston, Tasmania, her home. She is an artist specialising in drawing and painting, with a particular passion for working directly from life. Manuela began her fine art training at Sheffield Hallam University in the UK and further honed her artistic skills at the prestigious Florence Academy in Italy and Julian Ashton Art School in Sydney. She is a qualified art teacher from Greenwich University and has taught at universities, high schools, and primary schools. Manuela draws inspiration from both the expressionistic works of artists like Käthe Kollwitz and Degas and the classical drawings of Europe. Her art is an exploration of mark-making and the representation of light to reveal form using various media. Since relocating to Tasmania, Manuela has found new inspiration in the people, wildlife, stories, and landscapes of her adopted home. Her work reflects the human condition and particularly the emotions of creatives living in Tasmania. Currently, Manuela imparts her skills and passion for art by teaching drawing at her school online and in central Launceston. She inspires teenagers and a new generation of young artists to engage in the art of drawing from life and to immerse themselves in the act of observation and creation. About the exhibition QVMAG presents the first-ever public exhibition of the works of much-loved Tasmanian artist, Michael McWilliams. McWilliams is one of Australia’s most successful and widely recognised artists. His quirky and whimsical landscapes, depicting wildlife and domestic and feral species in Tasmanian bushland, farmyards, gardens, and houses, have captivated audiences around Australia and internationally. His works project a great affection for his subjects and, while often humorous, can also carry a darker observation on human effects on the environment. The exhibition is the first holistic survey of McWilliams’s art, exploring his life and career, his place in the canon of Australian and international art, and his empathy with the wildlife and natural environment of Tasmania. This is a must-see experience for all Tasmanians and anyone who loves the Tasmanian countryside. But be prepared to be watched. GENTLE PROTAGONIST: ART OF MICHAEL MCWILLIAMS Art Gallery at Royal Park, 2 Wellington Street, Launceston 14 December 2024 — 23 March 2025 Free entry | Open daily | 10am to 4pm - January: 10am to 5pm Image: Michael McWilliams, A Pointed Reminder 2021. Acrylic on linen, 100 x 120cm (Private collection, Tasmania). Information Source: QVMAG | eventbrite

In the second of these special exhibition workshops, explore the depiction of one of Michael McWilliams' most favoured subjects: the thylacine. McWilliams' landscapes teem with wildlife, with native and introduced species that seem to speak to us through their piercing stares. Are they questioning us? Judging us? Or simply observing? While their expressions carry humour and curiosity, they also convey a subtle accusation: a reminder that it is us, the humans, who continue to effect change on the environment. The workshop begins by exploring Gentle Protagonist: The Art of Michael McWilliams. Discover his iconic portrayal of the thylacine and tour the exhibition to spot one that resonates with you the most. How do you feel, gazing into its eyes? What is the artist's purpose of featuring this extinct creature in so many of his works? As you consider these questions, you'll have the unique opportunity to draw your favourite thylacine right in the gallery. Connect with this extinct species through McWilliams' artistic perspective under the expert guidance of Launceston-based artist Manuela Pilz. Spend time sketching, reflecting, and immersing yourself in both the thylacines and McWilliams' creative process, all within a calm and contemplative setting. At the end of the session, you will have the opportunity to showcase your artwork on QVMAG's social media platforms, with an exciting chance to win an exclusive Michael McWilliams merchandise pack from the QVMAG Shop. Spaces are limited, so book early to secure your place in this inspiring exploration of one of Australia’s most celebrated artists. About the workshop This is the second of three workshops in a series celebrating Michael McWilliams' current QVMAG exhibition. Book here for the remaining two workshops: Sunday 9 February 2025, 2pm-4pm — The World of McWilliams: Animal Eyes (ages 14+)Sunday 16 February 2025, 11am-1pm — The World of McWilliams: From Darkness to Light (ages 18+)Please note: separate bookings are required for each workshop. This workshop is open for adults (18+) of all experience levels who are curious about drawing and art in general.The registration fee includes all materials.This workshop will be held at the Queen Victoria Art Gallery, 2 Wellington St, Launceston.About the artist Born in Berlin, Manuela Pilz raised in Sydney and now calls Launceston, Tasmania, her home. She is an artist specialising in drawing and painting, with a particular passion for working directly from life. Manuela began her fine art training at Sheffield Hallam University in the UK and further honed her artistic skills at the prestigious Florence Academy in Italy and Julian Ashton Art School in Sydney. She is a qualified art teacher from Greenwich University and has taught at universities, high schools, and primary schools. Manuela draws inspiration from both the expressionistic works of artists like Käthe Kollwitz and Degas and the classical drawings of Europe. Her art is an exploration of mark-making and the representation of light to reveal form using various media. Since relocating to Tasmania, Manuela has found new inspiration in the people, wildlife, stories, and landscapes of her adopted home. Her work reflects the human condition and particularly the emotions of creatives living in Tasmania. Currently, Manuela imparts her skills and passion for art by teaching drawing at her school online and in central Launceston. She inspires teenagers and a new generation of young artists to engage in the art of drawing from life and to immerse themselves in the act of observation and creation. About the exhibition QVMAG presents the first-ever public exhibition of the works of much-loved Tasmanian artist, Michael McWilliams. McWilliams is one of Australia’s most successful and widely recognised artists. His quirky and whimsical landscapes, depicting wildlife and domestic and feral species in Tasmanian bushland, farmyards, gardens, and houses, have captivated audiences around Australia and internationally. His works project a great affection for his subjects and, while often humorous, can also carry a darker observation on human effects on the environment. The exhibition is the first holistic survey of McWilliams’s art, exploring his life and career, his place in the canon of Australian and international art, and his empathy with the wildlife and natural environment of Tasmania. This is a must-see experience for all Tasmanians and anyone who loves the Tasmanian countryside. But be prepared to be watched. GENTLE PROTAGONIST: ART OF MICHAEL MCWILLIAMS Art Gallery at Royal Park, 2 Wellington Street, Launceston 14 December 2024 — 23 March 2025 Free entry | Open daily | 10am to 4pm - January: 10am to 5pm Image: Michael McWilliams, A Pointed Reminder 2021. Acrylic on linen, 100 x 120cm (Private collection, Tasmania). Information Source: QVMAG | eventbrite

TICKETS INCLUDE: 3 Course Meal, Beer, Wine and Soft Drink, Live Performance from Stephanos Pelekanis and his band, Live Music, Dance Performances Cypriot Style Entertainment is hosting traditional Cypriot singer - from Cyprus - for a night of live music, dance performances and more at Melrose Events on the 14th of February 2025. Proudly sposored by: Victorian Trailers Information Source: Cypriot Style Entertainment | eventbrite

Showcasing the venue this guided Arena Tour will include a tour of the Stadium, an introduction to Jimmy Hill and access to the Home Dressing Room, Media Centre and Pitchside. We'll share with you some of the history of the Arena as Coventry's leading multi-purpose venue across its 20 years lifetime (the good, the bad and the colourful!) and as the proud home of Coventry City Football Club. After your tour relax and dine in our on-site Sports Bar, The Anecdote, and enjoy 20% off your food bill with your tour pass (excluding drinks) What’s included? Arrival refreshmentsFully guided Arena Tour touching on the history of the venue, Coventry as a city and the Football ClubOfficial Arena Tour Lanyard and PassBehind the scenes access to the press room, home dressing room, dugouts and pitchQ&A session and a photo opportunity with some of our special guests - former players of Coventry City FC10% discount at the CCFC Club Shop for on the day purchases (New season kit and training wear excluded)20% discount in The Anecdote bar on food for on the day dining (excluding drinks, pre-booking advisable)Complimentary car parking, 1 vehicle per booking Information Source: Coventry Building Society Arena | eventbrite

In the last of these special exhibition workshops, explore Michael McWilliams' mastery of form, light and texture in his depiction of humans and creatures. McWilliams' landscapes teem with wildlife, with native and introduced species that seem to speak to us through their piercing stares. Are they questioning us? Judging us? Or simply observing? While their expressions carry humour and curiosity, they also convey a subtle accusation: a reminder that it is us, the humans, who continue to effect change on the environment. The final workshop of the series begins with an exploration of Gentle Protagonist: The Art of Michael McWilliams. Wander through the exhibition and select an expression of an animal or human that resonates with you. Focus on this section of the artwork. Then, under the guidance of Launceston-based artist Manuela Pilz, and using a variety of coloured and toned papers, you’ll create close-up drawings that emphasise form, light, and texture, depicting an animal emerging from the darkness. These drawings will serve as the foundation for a piece you can complete at home, inspired by your gallery experience. At the end of the session, you will have the opportunity to showcase your artwork on QVMAG's social media platforms, with an exciting chance to win an exclusive Michael McWilliams merchandise pack from the QVMAG Shop. Spaces are limited, so book early to secure your place in this inspiring exploration of one of Australia’s most celebrated artists. About the workshop This is the final workshop in a series celebrating Michael McWilliams' current QVMAG exhibition. Book here for the remaining two workshops: Please note: a separate booking must be made for each workshop. Sunday 9 February 2025, 2pm-4pm — The World of McWilliams: Animal Eyes (ages 14+)Wednesday 12 February 2025, 10:30am-12:30pm — The World of McWilliams: The Thylacine (ages 18+)Please note: separate bookings are required for each workshop. This workshop is open for adults (18+) with some drawing experience who are curious about drawing and art in general.The registration fee includes all materials.This workshop will be held at the Queen Victoria Art Gallery, 2 Wellington St, Launceston.About the artist Born in Berlin, Manuela Pilz was raised in Sydney and now calls Launceston, Tasmania, her home. She is an artist specialising in drawing and painting, with a particular passion for working directly from life. Manuela began her fine art training at Sheffield Hallam University in the UK and further honed her artistic skills at the prestigious Florence Academy in Italy and Julian Ashton Art School in Sydney. She is a qualified art teacher from Greenwich University and has taught at universities, high schools, and primary schools. Manuela draws inspiration from both the expressionistic works of artists like Käthe Kollwitz and Degas and the classical drawings of Europe. Her art is an exploration of mark-making and the representation of light to reveal form using various media. Since relocating to Tasmania, Manuela has found new inspiration in the people, wildlife, stories, and landscapes of her adopted home. Her work reflects the human condition and particularly the emotions of creatives living in Tasmania. Currently, Manuela imparts her skills and passion for art by teaching drawing at her school online and in central Launceston. She inspires teenagers and a new generation of young artists to engage in the art of drawing from life and to immerse themselves in the act of observation and creation. About the exhibition QVMAG presents the first-ever public exhibition of the works of much-loved Tasmanian artist, Michael McWilliams. McWilliams is one of Australia’s most successful and widely recognised artists. His quirky and whimsical landscapes, depicting wildlife and domestic and feral species in Tasmanian bushland, farmyards, gardens, and houses, have captivated audiences around Australia and internationally. His works project a great affection for his subjects and, while often humorous, can also carry a darker observation on human effects on the environment. The exhibition is the first holistic survey of McWilliams’s art, exploring his life and career, his place in the canon of Australian and international art, and his empathy with the wildlife and natural environment of Tasmania. This is a must-see experience for all Tasmanians and anyone who loves the Tasmanian countryside. But be prepared to be watched. GENTLE PROTAGONIST: ART OF MICHAEL MCWILLIAMS Art Gallery at Royal Park, 2 Wellington Street, Launceston 14 December 2024 — 23 March 2025 Free entry | Open daily | 10am to 4pm - January: 10am to 5pm Image: Michael McWilliams, A Pointed Reminder 2021. Acrylic on linen, 100 x 120cm (Private collection, Tasmania). Information Source: QVMAG | eventbrite

Experience an extraordinary fitness challenge at the Couch 25k Carrick on Shannon event taking place at Aura Leisure Centre in Carrick-On-Shannon on February 17, 2025. Participants can push themselves to new limits with a 25k run, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. Tickets are priced at €25, offering a rewarding and invigorating opportunity for individuals looking to enhance their physical endurance and stamina. Don't miss out on this exciting event that promises to test your limits and inspire you to achieve new fitness goals.

Showcasing the venue this guided Arena Tour will include a tour of the Stadium, an introduction to Jimmy Hill and access to the Home Dressing Room, Media Centre and Pitchside. We'll share with you some of the history of the Arena as Coventry's leading multi-purpose venue across its 20 years lifetime (the good, the bad and the colourful!) and as the proud home of Coventry City Football Club. After your tour relax and dine in our on-site Sports Bar, The Anecdote, and enjoy 20% off your food bill with your tour pass (excluding drinks) What’s included? Arrival refreshmentsFully guided Arena Tour touching on the history of the venue, Coventry as a city and the Football ClubOfficial Arena Tour Lanyard and PassBehind the scenes access to the press room, home dressing room, dugouts and pitchQ&A session and a photo opportunity with some of our special guests - former players of Coventry City FC10% discount at the CCFC Club Shop for on the day purchases (New season kit and training wear excluded)20% discount in The Anecdote bar on food for on the day dining (excluding drinks, pre-booking advisable)Complimentary car parking, 1 vehicle per booking Information Source: Coventry Building Society Arena | eventbrite

Our next Arts on Site workshop draws inspiration from the thylacines—many hidden in plain sight—featured in the exhibition Gentle Protagonist: Art of Michael McWilliams. About the workshop Led by felt artist Melinda Hill, this two-day workshop invites you to recreate the extinct thylacine using needle felting techniques while exploring McWilliams’ captivating works. Workshop highlights Day 1: Saturday 22 February, 10am-3pm Begin with an exclusive tour of the first public exhibition of the acclaimed Tasmanian artist, Michael McWilliams. As you wander through the gallery space, uncover the many thylacines hidden within the iconic artworks and take note of their physiology, expressions and presence.Return to the Creativity Centre to learn the foundations of needle felting with Melinda, creating a base structure for your thylacine using wire and wool.Day 2: Sunday 23 February, 10am-3pm Rejoin your fellow workshop attendees to bring your creation to life by completing the body of your thylacine.Revisit the exhibition to connect with the spirit of the thylacines—are they observing you or looking away? Reflect on your role and perspective as a viewer, and consider your relationship to the artwork.Return to the Creativity Centre to infuse your felted thylacine with emotion and expression, refining your creation to take home as a unique piece of art.This workshop offers an enriching opportunity to develop your needle-felting skills while gaining a deeper appreciation of Michael McWilliams’ art. Join us and ignite your imagination, giving new spirit to the thylacine in this engaging and reflective workshop. About the workshopThis 2-day workshop is suitable for adults with some experience in needle felting and are curious to explore art and develop their skills.Participants must attend both sessions to complete their thylacine.The registration fee includes all materials.The workshop's location is the Queen Victoria Art Gallery at Royal Park, 2 Wellington Street, Launceston.About the artistMelinda Hill Inspired by a profound love of animals, Melinda began needle felting in 2022 and she has been felting every day since. She found the technique to be highly therapeutic and quickly developed a passion for creating and working with wool. As her skills advanced, her creations became remarkably lifelike, leading her to sell them at local markets and online. Her artistic style blends realism with whimsy, capturing the inquisitive and soulful expressions of the animals she sculpts. For Melinda, there is nothing more gratifying than witnessing an animal 'come to life' from the wool. About the exhibitionGentle Protagonist: Art of Michael McWilliams QVMAG presents the first-ever public exhibition of the works of much-loved Tasmanian artist, Michael McWilliams. McWilliams is one of Australia’s most successful and widely recognised artists. His quirky and whimsical landscapes, depicting wildlife and domestic and feral species in Tasmanian bushland, farmyards, gardens, and houses, have captivated audiences around Australia and internationally. His works project a great affection for his subjects and, while often humorous, can also carry a darker observation on human effects on the environment. The exhibition is the first holistic survey of McWilliams’ art, exploring his life and career, his place in the canon of Australian and international art, and his empathy with the wildlife and natural environment of Tasmania. This is a must-see experience for all Tasmanians and anyone who loves the Tasmanian countryside. But be prepared to be watched. Gentle Protagonist: Art of Michael McWilliams Art Gallery at Royal Park | 2 Wellington St, Launceston 14 December 2024 — 23 March 2025 Free entry | Open daily | 10am to 4pm | January 10 am-5pm About QVMAG's Arts on Site programOur ongoing series will immerse you in a vibrant blend of art techniques, taking inspiration from our current exhibitions and with expert guidance from our passionate facilitators. With monthly workshops held across our two sites at the Queen Victoria Art Gallery at Royal Park and the Museum at Inveresk, participants can explore photography, sketching, drawing, watercolour painting, oil painting, textile design, and interior design. Arts on Site provides the perfect opportunity for seasoned artists and curious beginners alike to elevate your artistic skills and connect with a community of creators. Find out more about this exciting series at www.qvmag.tas.gov.au/Arts-on-Site Information Source: QVMAG | eventbrite