The Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre will open a month-long public exhibition at the Shellharbour Civic Centre on Monday, August 3, showcasing artworks created by women participating in its healing programs.
Running until Friday, August 28, the We Are exhibition brings together a collection of paintings, clay, stitching, and mixed-media works developed through therapeutic group sessions.
It celebrates the power of creativity and sisterhood in healing from domestic, family and sexual violence with artworks created by women engaging in the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre’s programs.
The pieces offer insight into the lived experiences of participants, highlighting themes of resilience, identity and recovery.
See the full list of artworks appearing in the exhibition below.
As part of the exhibition, community members are invited to explore their own creativity through two free artist-led workshops at Shellharbour Civic Centre. Whether you’re trying something new or returning to a favourite creative practice, these sessions provide a welcoming and supportive environment for all experience levels.
Clay Workshop
Wednesday 26 August | 10am – 12pm
Facilitated by Zeynep Testoni from South Coast Ceramics, this hands-on workshop introduces participants to the calming and creative process of working with clay.
Drawing Workshop
Thursday 27 August | 10am – 12pm
Facilitated by Anthea Da Silva, this workshop welcomes beginners through to experienced artists.
The session is designed to be a shared, respectful and inclusive creative experience.
Many of the pieces of art on display are for sale.
You can register your interest in purchasing a piece here.
This painting captures the energy, movement and strength of nature.
While a wave can appear overwhelming and intimidating, the artist found beauty within its power.
The work invites viewers to see that even life’s most formidable moments can hold wonder, grace and possibility.
Created using render and acrylic paint, this artwork began as a palm tree but took an unexpected direction.
Frustrated with the process, the artist began sweeping paint across the canvas, discovering beauty in the imperfections.
The textured technique, reminiscent of patching a wall or icing a cake, became a reminder that creativity can flourish through letting go.
This painting marked the artist’s first attempt at capturing reflections on water.
Through the process, she discovered that painting is simply colour, lines and shapes coming together. It became a reminder not to overcomplicate life or become trapped by overthinking.
Sometimes, what seems difficult is simply a collection of small, manageable moments.
This colourful Tree of Life reflects the many twists and turns of life’s journey.
Its vibrant branches represent the wide range of emotions, experiences and challenges that shape the artist’s path.
Inspired by the renewal of spring, the tree symbolises growth, resilience and the hope that new beginnings can emerge after difficult seasons.
This painting celebrates freedom, self-expression and acceptance.
The artist’s wild, flowing hair reflects a sense of being unrestricted and completely herself while creating the work.
Through the painting, she hopes viewers experience that same feeling of freedom—the confidence to embrace who they are without judgment or limitation.
This painting represents the belief that every person carries an inner source of beauty, creativity and peace.
Like a blossoming tree, that positivity grows from the heart to the mind, inspiring hope and self-expression.
The woman reflects a positive outlook on life, sharing the inner peace she carries with the world around her.
This painting reflects the artist’s vision of an ideal world, where kindness, compassion, empathy and love bring people together to create a better future.
At the top, the artist has painted herself in a place where she feels safe and at peace.
For her, it is a paradise free from negativity, and a reminder that everyone deserves to find their own place of peace.
This painting captures the artist’s favourite way to begin the day.
Waking to the sound of birds singing outside fills her with gratitude, love and a deep appreciation for nature.
Their songs bring a sense of peace and joy, reminding her of the beauty of creation and helping her greet each morning with a grateful spirit.
This artwork reflects the special bond the artist shares with her kitten.
His gentle companionship brings comfort, trust and a deep sense of peace.
In caring for him, she has found a loyal friend who listens without words and reminds her of the healing power of connection, kindness and unconditional love.
This gem art piece took two weeks to complete, with every gem carefully placed by hand to create its intricate design.
The slow, detailed process became a relaxing and mindful activity, helping the artist maintain positive mental wellbeing while creating something beautiful.
Requiring patience, precision and care, the artwork is a reflection of dedication and perseverance.
These Christmas-themed gift bags combine gem art with hand-painted details to create colourful, festive keepsakes.
Most of the design is formed by carefully gluing individual gems into place before each bag is sealed for durability.
Inspired by the joy of Christmas, the artwork reflects the happiness, warmth and celebration the season brings.
This painting captures the quiet beauty of Port Kembla Beach on a cool, uncrowded day.
The peaceful emptiness creates a dreamlike sense of escape, while the birds bring the scene to life.
The large grey bird at the centre, resembling a young albatross, is a favourite subject, one the artist could happily watch for hours.
Inspired by driving through heavy rain, this acrylic painting captures the movement of raindrops streaking sideways across the window.
Created in a moment of frustration, the artist used a squeegee to drag paint across the canvas.
The spontaneous technique transformed emotion into movement, revealing unexpected beauty within the storm.
This painting was inspired by a bird the artist found that appeared lifeless.
After receiving care from a vet, it recovered and was released back into the wild.
Moved by its resilience and beauty, the artist created this work as a reminder of hope, healing and the freedom that can follow compassion.
This mixed-media portrait, created with Posca pens, watercolour and acrylic, explores healing rather than growth.
The artist challenges the idea that people must become “better,” instead suggesting they are already enough.
Inspired by Mother Nature, the flowering side symbolises renewal, while the light in the eye reflects hope, strength and the healing we carry within.
This painting depicts a person sitting on a swing beneath the moon with a cat and a dog, gazing into the infinite night sky together.
Their quiet companionship represents love, comfort and belonging.
For the artist, the scene is a symbol of hope and the peace found in sharing life’s journey with those we cherish.
This painting reflects the miracle of a woman’s life and the inner strength she carries within.
The artist believes a woman’s inner power guides her through every stage of her journey, helping her live a meaningful and purposeful life.
It is a celebration of resilience, hope and the strength that comes from within.
