A Retrospective Journey

Twenty-five years after sharing studios, critiques and creative discoveries at Lismore TAFE, the Fine Arts Class of 2001 is reuniting for a special exhibition at Serpentine Community Gallery.

A Retrospective Journey brings together former students, teachers and artistic mentors whose encouragement, friendship and shared passion for creativity left a lasting impact on everyone involved. More than a reunion, the exhibition celebrates the artistic journeys that began in those classrooms and continue today.

The exhibition is open to everyone who was part of the 2001 Fine Arts course—whether they have continued to make art professionally, pursued creativity in other ways, or haven't picked up a paintbrush since graduating. Works spanning the past 25 years will tell the story of where life and art have taken each participant.

What made the class so memorable was its extraordinary diversity. Students ranged from teenagers to elders, creating an environment where friendships flourished across generations. It became more than a class; it became an art family. Many classmates have remained lifelong friends and creative colleagues, while others maintained relationships with their teachers, whose mentorship continued to inspire and encourage their artistic practice long after TAFE.

The exhibition is also a heartfelt tribute to those teachers who fostered curiosity, experimentation and confidence. Through imaginative projects and thoughtfully designed lessons, they encouraged students to explore new materials, develop technical skills and discover their own artistic voices. For many, Lismore TAFE was more than a place to study—it was a place where creative lives truly began.

As with any journey spanning 25 years, not everyone is able to return. Some classmates and teachers now live overseas, while others have sadly passed away. Their influence, friendships and contributions remain an important part of this shared story and will be remembered throughout the exhibition.

Featured exhibiting artists include Trinity Leonard, Michelle Jones Steve Giese, René Bolten, Carolyn Russell, Tom Fitzgerald, Simon Falomir, Bob Lippet and Ian Pearson.

Michelle Jones reflects on the lasting impact of her time at TAFE: "My TAFE days were a really formative experience for me. Not only did we have some of the best teachers in the area to learn from, but we were such a close-knit class. Everyone supported one another and, even though we've all gone in different directions creatively and personally, it will be wonderful to reconnect."

Michelle's artistic practice has evolved into deeply personal self-portraiture exploring disability, body image, sexuality and joy. Her painting The Wedding Veil, featured in the exhibition, celebrates one of the happiest moments of her life. "For me," she says, "it is a light-filled, joyful self-portrait holding my wedding veil to the light. Marrying my husband was such a special time, and I wanted to capture that in a painting."

Join the artists for the opening celebration on Friday 21 August, 5.30–8.00pm, at Serpentine Community Gallery. A Retrospective Journey continues until Saturday 5 September 2026.