Artist Bio's

At Art and Crafts Mudgee, every piece has a story—and so does every artist. Our cooperative is made up of passionate local creators, each bringing their own unique style, skills, and inspiration to the gallery.

George Dobrovsky

I started working on silver and gold jewellery as an outlet for creativity I could not use in my employment. I have been using silver, gemstones and alluvial gold by constructive methods and wax casting, I also make cards with photos of Mudgee. Member since 1989.

Marcella Dobrovsky

I enjoy combining shapes and colours while making my own designs of bead jewellery using glass, crystal, ceramic and wood. All earring hooks are made of sterling silver. Photography has been my interest for many years. While in Mudgee I attended course of photography at local TAFE. Member since 1994.

Shirley Fisher

I owned a florist shop in Caulfield in Melbourne and during this time, started drawing and painting flowers, particularly using watercolours. I joined Arts & Crafts Mudgee to display my work and I love painting in watercolour. Member since 2021.

Jenny Beechey

Jennifer Beechey was born in Hampshire England. However, since coming to Australia when she was 16, she has been closely associated with the Australian bush. This is reflected in her oil paintings where she demonstrates her feeling for the beautiful Australian landscape and its animals. Jennifer has won awards in many Shows throughout Australia and has her paintings in private collections in USA, Canada, Japan, Holland, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Scotland and England. Her pictures are always in demand in galleries in Sydney and throughout country centres. Member since 1992.

Deirdre Butler

Art, in watercolour, acrylic, mixed media, Textiles, journals, notebooks, visual diaries, card prints from original art, recycled jeans bags, cushions, bookmarks. Member since 2013.

Penni Cheetham

Having an artistic mother & grandmother seems to have helped me in my interest in art & craft. I dabbled in patchwork & ceramics while my 2 children were young & also did some handicrafts, mainly to give the kids a creative outlet. As a cub & scout leader in Mudgee for 16 years I taught a lot of local children a variety of craft. I have now settled on mosaics & resin work to fill my artistic avenue. Member since 2019.

Jill Gardiner

I love to create and express myself through knitting, crocheting and spinning. I come from a talented artistic family and learnt at a young age to appreciate the beauty of nature as well as the importance of natural renewable fibres. Member since 2018.

Mavis Harris

I create hand-embroidered ladies’ shirts, aprons for all ages, and unique hand-embroidered gift items. Member since 2003.

Octavia Lawrence

Popular in the 17th century, pyrography, this unique art form has kept me inspired for 15 years. My interest is in nature, especially native birds and local flora and fauna are a constant source of creative influence. Member since 2010.

Jenny Macnaughton

l am an Artist painting in Watercolour, Pastels and pen and wash. I also create original coasters and mugs with each being individually painted. Cards of my works are also available. Member since 2017.

Jenny Maloney

I paint mainly traditional watercolours of buildings and animals. I have branched out into contemporary acrylics mainly in landscapes. Also create original hand painted cards and bookmarks. Member since 2021.

rory meyer

Rory has been a knitter and crocheter for as long as she can remember. Rory began Spinning in 1981. A short time later a loom became available and Rory bought it and has been weaving ever since. Now the owner of 5 looms to enable her to weave a variety of yarn weights, pure wool and silk being the favourites. Since joining the group Rory’s scarves, wraps and handspun, hand knit jumpers have gone all over the world. Member since 1989.

Christina Paterson

I have created many articles of jewellery, using glass beads, metal and wood. I also make sock toys, monkeys, dogs, cats, rabbits and elephants as well as clothe dolls and teddy bears. Member since 2003.

Kim peach

I began making jams on our farm, using the abundant seasonal fruit for family and friends. After modifying recipes to my taste, I entered the Mudgee Show, winning several awards, which led me to compete at the Sydney Royal Easter Show from 2009, earning Firsts and Seconds. This success inspired me to start making jams, relishes, and more to sell and share. I produce small batches (2–12 jars) using all-natural ingredients with no artificial colours or preservatives. Member since 2017.

Gai Rayner

I have always enjoyed craft & started fabric colouring/painting in the early 2000’s. I use natural fibres and particularly enjoy working with silk. I also make jams & pickles but this is a chore; painting is a pleasure. Member since 2019.

John Read

John is a retired Science Teacher with a creative mind who has applied his skills to produce authentic and individually created wire wrapped jewellery form natural and recycled resources. Member since 2024.

Kathryn Sloan

I draw/paint pictures of animals, flowers and buildings. I also knit and crochet small items - socks, hats and scarves with the occasional cardigan. Member since 2010.

sue snape

I have a passion for gardening and growing plants and have taken this along with my love of birds into my painting. The colours of the outback are very inspirational, and I take this experience also into painting. I also do basket weaving out of locally harvested material. Member since 2021.

rosalie swords

Retired Visual Arts Teacher and keen potter and sculptor. I've been a member of the co-op for several years and work mainly with clay creating works that are both functional and purely decorative, using wheel thrown and hand built techniques. Most of my inspiration comes from the unique Australian landscape, the colours and textures found there. Member since 2002.

Christina Tomlinson

With a heart brimming with creativity, from stunning paintings, bags & bookmarks to handpainted journals & cards. Christina's treasures are one-of-a-kind. Each piece reflecting her artistry & creativity. Member since 2011.

Karen West

I am a long time member of Art and Crafts Mudgee. I make chainmail, tatting, jewellery and wooden jigsaws. Member since 1998.

Gary Wood

I create custom-made furniture, now working almost exclusively with recycled timbers due to the cost and availability of fine-quality wood. Member since 2009.

Trudy

Over the years I’ve explored many crafts, but I now focus mainly on eco-printing on silk, wool, cotton, and linen. I'm also sewing and felting specialising in scarves, brooches, hats and bags. Member since 1992.

Kevin Thomas

My drawings are based on medieval and surrealistic art. I use mixed media, such as coloured pencils, markers, oil and soft pastels. Member since 2025.