Beacon
An exhibition Produced by Arts Access Victoria and presented at Counihan Gallery.
An exhibition Produced by Arts Access Victoria and presented at Counihan Gallery.
Melissa, Untitled, drawing, 2025.
Beacon explores concepts of disability, safety and connection through light, colour, people and place.
The work is a response to the idea of a beacon. A light that pierces through the darkness as a warning, signal, or celebration. It can also be a symbol of hope, an aspiration or the destination at the end of a long journey. Artstop studio artists have created works that explore what guides them, what shines brightly in their lives and ask you to think about your own beacons.
Beacon asks ‘What does it mean to live as Deaf and Disabled people? And how do our personal experiences affect the ways we think about and navigate the world?’
Beacon features the work of 15 Artists in our Artstop studio.
Artists: Caroline Alcalde, Claire, Danny Do, Hui, Josephine Lazidis, Lisa Pownall, Maree G, Margaret Bold, Melissa, Michael Buckley, Roslyn, Stefano Conti, Teague Leigh, Theo Psathas and Kelly Wright.
Artstop Studio is a visual arts studio run by Arts Access Victoria (AAV) in Brunswick. Artists meet weekly to connect, learn new skills and develop their arts practices. Find out more about the AAV studios.
Join us for the opening of Beacon on Saturday 9 August, 2 – 4 pm. The opening will be Auslan interpreted and Live streamed.
The exhibition is on: Saturday 9 August – Sunday 26 October
Gallery open hours: 11 am – 5 pm Wednesday to Saturday and 1 – 5 pm on Sundays
Where: Counihan Gallery is inside Brunswick Town Hall, 233 Sydney Road, Brunswick.
Visit the Merri-Bek website to find out how to get to Counihan GalleryCheck out photos of the exhibition and browse the artists work one by one.
Beacon exhibition featuring work by Danny Do, Josephine Lazidis, Theo Psathas, Lisa Pownall, Maree G and Claire, 2025. Photo by Christo Crocker.
Beacon exhibition featuring work by Maree G, Lisa Pownall, Stefano Conti, Teague Leigh and Caroline Alcalde, 2025. Photo by Christo Crocker.
Beacon exhibition featuring work by Roslyn, Lisa Pownall and Margaret Bold, 2025. Photo by Christo Crocker.
Beacon exhibition featuring work by Caroline Alcalde, Kelly Wright, Hui and Michael Buckley, 2025. Photo by Christo Crocker.
Beacon exhibition featuring work by Caroline Alcalde, Hui, Teague Leigh, Kelly Wright and Michael Buckley, 2025. Photo by Christo Crocker.
Beacon exhibition featuring work by Kelly Wright, Teague Leigh, Melissa and Lisa Pownall, 2025. Photo by Christo Crocker.
Beacon exhibition featuring work by Maree G, Lisa Pownall, Stefano Conti, Teague Leigh and Caroline Alcalde, 2025. Photo by Christo Crocker.
‘I started making art when I was 18, I did an art elective at school. I most enjoy doing painting. Themes I have explored with my art are around fantasy world.’
Caroline's artwork
Caroline, collection of paintings, acrylic on canvas and watercolour on paper, 2025. Photo by Christo Crocker.
Claire Bowen, Wanda sank, Pencil, acrylic, collage and embroidery on paper, 2025. Photo by Christo Crocker.
Claire has been making art for over 10 years and has a Diploma of visual art at CAE. She has a background in etching, painting and collagraphs. She is now exploring mixed media using drawing painting collage and embroidery.
Claire's artwork‘At the moment, I’m interested in drawing and cardboard sculpture, with a focus on digital painting. I’m inspired by Macro Furry’s art and Asian and South American market cars.’
Danny's artwork
Danny Do, Fre-uwu, Mixed media installation, 2025. Photo by Christo Crocker.
Hui, collection of paintings, watercolour on paper, 2025. Photo by Christo Crocker.
‘I like to make art because its interesting and I love art.
I find watercolour easy to use.
I find landscapes of mountains interesting.
I use the drawing videos to assist me.
When I make art I feel comfortable.’
Hui's artwork‘I make art because I love it and I can. I only paint when I feel happy. I express myself best through my artworks, as people sometimes find it hard to understand me when I talk.’
Josephine's artwork
Josephine Lazidis, 2025. Photo by the Brunswick Voice.
Kelly Wright, Movement, 2025, Wire and wood sculpture, 2025. Photo by Christo Crocker.
‘I have a passion for creating art using various mediums such as graphite, watercolor, oil, and acrylic. My work often involves depicting imaginative scenes or portraits of people, animals, and objects.’
Kelly's artworkLisa’s work concerns itself with environmental issues and often focuses on endangered birds. She is inspired by scientific Botanical illustration and Ornithology, the study of birds.
Lisa's artwork
Maree G, photographs, 2025. Photo by Christo Crocker.
Maree is a multidisciplinary artist, known for her work in painting and sculpture. This exhibition marks her debut in publicly presenting photography and multimedia in combination with her original music.
Maree's artwork‘I didn’t go to art school, as adult I participated in the Nunawading mural project for youth and I also became interested in photography when my mother gave me a Kodak Instamatic at ten years old.’
Margaret's artwork
Margaret Bold
Melissa, Lighbox Pencil on graph paper, 2025. Photo by Christo Crocker.
Melissa is a dedicated and imaginative artist who has been creating unique, hands-on artwork for the past two years. Her artistic journey includes painting a wide variety of objects, crafting colourful collages through cutting and pasting, designing sparkling gem art, and experimenting with bold colouring techniques.
Melissa's artworkMichael Buckley is a filmmaker, performer and visual artist. He was recognised for his innovative approach to practice with a Writing Fellowship (2000) and a New Media Fellowship (2002) from Creative Australia. He is a member of the legendary vocal performance group’ Arf Arf’ who have an extensive performance history in Australia and Europe.
Michael's artwork
Michael Buckley
Roslyn, collection of drawings, Watercolour on paper, 2025. Photo by Christo Crocker.
‘I have personally making art since high school, I tried pottery and some painting. At the moments I enjoy doing watercolour painting… I love the aesthetic, rich and pastel colours.’
Roslyn's artwork‘When I do something I like, I feel good and alive. The process of making visual art I feel satisfied after the process.’
Stefano's artwork
Stefano Conti
Teague Leigh photographed by Aera Bradley.
Teague Leigh is an autistic queer trans man from planets unknown. He presently resides in Naarm. Teague has performed erotic words around the country. His literary works are found in various formats. Due to acquired disabilities he is now a landscape photographer. He has won many awards for his photography. Teague is also a mixed media artist. His work celebrates the environment he loves.
Teague's artwork‘I have been coming to Artstop since it started for 13 plus years and also participate in Merri Health art program. I like painting, drawing and making sculptures.’
Theo's artwork
Theo Psathas, 2025. Photo by the Brunswick Voice.