YAM: October

EXHIBITIONS

Terri Butterworth: Small Worlds, Until 11 Oct Small Worlds presents intimate paintings that explore landscape, emotion and the interconnectedness of nature. Through observation, painting and experimentation, Terri Butterworth uses gesture, line, shape, colour and texture to create evocative compositions that reflect the shifting qualities and ever-changing nature of the landscape around us.

Murray Fredericks: The Salt Lake, Until 22 Nov In 2003 photographer Murray Fredericks first visited Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre, one of the world’s largest salt lakes, located in the deserts of central Australia. He has since returned 31 times to develop works that traverse time and place, frequently utilising weather, reflection, perspective, light and darkness to convey a profound sense of scale, isolation and transcendence. Blurring the boundaries between land, sky and horizon, his images transform the salt lake into a contemplative and otherworldly space that invites reflection on our relationship with the natural world.

SPECIAL EVENT: Film screening and artist talk, Sat 17 Oct from 2pm

Petrina Hicks: Snakes and Mirrors, Until 22 Nov Petrina Hicks works with photography to create large-scale photographs that draw from mythology, fables, and historical art imagery to reframe the contemporary female experience.

In Snakes and mirrors Hicks challenges the traditional human centred vision of the world to emphasise the interconnectedness of humans and animals.

The Huxleys: Bad Sports, Until 22 Nov Will and Garrett Huxley (AUS and Gumbaynggirr/Yorta Yorta) are Melbourne based collaborative performance and visual artists. Bad Sports reflects upon the ostracisation you can feel when growing up in a country that values sporting achievement above all else. It can be a real struggle, especially for a creative, shy queer kid searching for kindred spirits. A love of music, art, fashion and the dark underworld is perceived to offer eventual artistic salvation.

The Salt Lake, Snakes and Mirrors, and Bad Sports are Museum of Australian Photography (MAPh) touring exhibitions.

Coastal Claymakers: FLUX, 15 Oct – 15 Nov An exhibition of work by members of Coastal Claymakers that explores transformation, movement, and the imprint of memory through clay. In ceramics, flux is a substance that promotes melting, enabling the fusion of glaze and body. In a broader sense, it evokes movement, change, and the fluidity of artistic expression. This exhibition captures that spirit, showcasing works that explore the tension between permanence and impermanence, tradition and innovation, form and function.

OPENING EVENT: Thu 15 Oct, 5:30 – 7pm, free event, all welcome

PROGRAMS + WORKSHOPS

Free school holiday art-making

There’s magic hiding all over Coffs Harbour these spring school holidays, you just have to know where to look! Visit YAM for free art-making everyday inspired by the current exhibitions. Drop in, no bookings required.

Family Day at YAM: Sat 10 Oct, 10:30 – 1pm 

Join us on Saturday 10 October, from 10.30am to 1pm, for FREE hands-on creativity and discovery for all ages. Explore the interactive exhibition Yaamanga (around here) with a kids’ guide and uncover stories from the Coffs Coast’s past, then be inspired by contemporary Australian photography. Plus, the first 50 visitors will receive a free YAM bag. Drop into the workshop for creative fun inspired by The Huxleys exhibition Bad Sports and join artist Emma Louise Davies in creating playful, sports-inspired wearable sculptures using colourful paper, metallic card and markers. Design a headband, cuff, badge or medal, imagine the sport you would compete in, then strike a pose in our green-screen photo studio to capture your wild invention!

Botanical Printmaking and Drawing Workshop: Sat 10 Oct 10:30 – 12:30pm  

Join Marc Renshaw for a nature-inspired printmaking workshop exploring monoprinting, eco-printing, natural inks and alternative print processes while responding creatively to the natural local environment. Suitable for adults, beginners to advanced. Cost: $30 adult / $10 seniors/concession, all materials provided, bookings essential.

Take a Moment in October: Wed 28 Oct

Take a creative pause in the middle of your busy week on Wednesday 28 October from 12 –1:30pm. This FREE creative wellbeing program invites you to slow down, recharge, and reconnect through art. Experience a guided exhibition tour or artist talk, and a hands-on creative session designed to spark inspiration and nurture mindfulness. Free program with bookings encouraged.

Studio Kids @ YAM Term 4, Wednesdays, 8 week program

Young artists will work with local artist Flossy-P to capture movement through line and colour, experiment with mixed media, develop expressive mark making, and create artworks inspired by the exhibitions at YAM. With time spent working both freely and on easels, young artists will build confidence, develop skills and be encouraged to explore their own ideas in a supportive and imaginative environment. Term bookings essential.

Teeny Tours: Every Friday during school term

Immerse your child in artful conversations, cultural exploration and creative play in Teeny Tours. These free sessions are fun, adventurous and engaging for both children and their carer’s. They include an exhibition tour, artmaking, story time and creative play, with a different exhibition explored each week. Teeny Tours are held every Friday from 10am –11am. Bookings are required. Suggested for ages 3–6 years. Strollers, snacks and drinks are welcome. 

YAM Young Creatives

As a YAM Young Creative, young people aged between 12 and 25, learn from artists, participate in workshops, contribute to programs and gain both personal and professional insights into creative industries and working in a gallery or museum. This is a free program, enrolments essential.

For general visitor information and exhibition details, visit: yamcoffs.com.au Follow @yam.coffs on socials for updates. Sign up to our newsletter for exhibition invites, programs, artist opportunities and special announcements.

Artwork by: Murray Fredericks, Salt 300 (Tent & Bike), 2005, image courtesy of the artist and ARC ONE Gallery, Melbourne