Sharing a love of art
Natureworks is proud to have been involved in the Heart Gallery project at Toowong Village shopping centre in Brisbane. The project supported SE Queensland artists, provided an inspirational experience for visitors, and raised money for a number of local charities.
Our role in the project involved creating ten giant heart sculptures, each 2 metres high. These sculptures, designed by Natureworks’ David Joffe, became a canvas for ten local artists to unleash their creativity. One of these artists was Lisa James, also a member of the Natureworks team.
The heart sculptures were hand-painted, mounted on a plinth, and displayed in a temporary gallery within the shopping centre from March to May, 2023. The exhibition was officially opened on 30 March by Nina Schrinner, the Lady Mayoress of Brisbane and Chair of the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust.
Raising funds for charity
During the two month exhibition, the heart sculptures were offered for sale via an online auction. Proceeds raised from the sale of each heart went to a charity nominated by the artist. When the auction ended, the owner of a heart could choose to keep it or donate it to the charity for display, bearing a plaque with their name.
So that visitors could learn about the artists and charities, each of the heart sculptures included a QR code with information and a link to the online auction.
Toowong Village promoted the exhibition, charities, and artists throughout the campaign, using billboards, social media, and signage. Customers, art lovers, budding artists and the broader community were encouraged to come and view the exhibition, take photos with the heart sculptures, and enjoy the amazing talent on display.
"Our goal was to maximise funds raised for the charities, and provide an amazing opportunity for local artists.”
Heart sculptures painted by Qld artists
Each of the ten heart sculptures was hand-painted on both sides by an individual local artist, as shown in the gallery below.
The auction raised a total of $31,700, which went to ten local charities.
Charities supported by the artists
- Ann Nguyen supported RBWH Foundation
- Bernadette Twomey supported GIVIT
- Russell Fenn (Sofles) supported Camp Quality
- Travis Vinson (Drapl) supported Share the Dignity
- Lisa James supported Small Steps 4 Hannah
- Kath McDonald supported RSPCA Qld
- Kathy Sullivan supported ICON Cancer Foundation
- Michelle Grayson (Sprout Gallery) supported Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust
- Peta Harvey supported Baby Give Back
- Zowie supported Mater Foundation
Project details
| Client | Toowong Village, Retail First Pty Ltd |
| Project | 10 heart sculptures for Heart Gallery |
| Audience | Artists, charities and the local community in Toowong, Brisbane |
| Location | Toowong Village, Qld (heart sculptures are no longer on display) |
| Date | March – May 2023 |
| Related products | Custom mural art, Giant Starfish Public Art |
| Related catalogues | Big Things |
| Similar projects | Weir School Serpent, Power of Public Art, Cloud Reef sculpture |
Collaborative art
This project is a great example of artists, non-profits and commercial enterprises working together for mutual benefit. Natureworks loves supporting projects that promote artists and connect communities.
If you are inspired to do something similar, we can design and fabricate just about anything you can imagine, and lots of things you can’t! For an idea of how to get started, see our custom design process or contact Natureworks to discuss ideas for your project.
