Artist Collective on exhibition in Kempsey Central

Four distinct voices, one creative showcase at Central Kempsey Art Hub

The Central Kempsey branch Art Hub is currently home to a vibrant and inspiring exhibition that brings together the work of four talented artists whose styles and stories offer a rich and varied artistic experience.

Featuring Pauline Roods, Deb Broughton, Simone Atkins, and Madeleine Hassan, the exhibition celebrates creativity across generations, techniques, and perspectives. Each artist brings a deeply personal approach to their work, yet together they form a cohesive and engaging showcase that invites visitors to pause, reflect, and connect.

Port Macquarie-based artist Pauline Roods presents a striking collection of realist paintings. Known for her meticulous attention to detail, Roods creates lifelike scenes that feel immersive and emotionally resonant. Her work goes beyond visual accuracy, instead drawing viewers into each moment, sparking imagination and evoking a strong sensory response. Standing before one of her paintings is akin to stepping directly into the world she has captured. See more of Pauline's work on her Instagram page.

In contrast, Deb Broughton offers a burst of colour and joyful expression. Having nurtured her creativity since childhood, Broughton’s work resists conventional categorisation. Her pieces are often described as “happy art,” and for good reason, each canvas radiates warmth, positivity, and an infectious sense of optimism. Her vibrant palette and uplifting compositions provide a refreshing counterpoint to more contemplative works. See more work by Deb Broughton on her website.

Simone Atkins brings the raw beauty of the Mid North Coast landscape to life through her expressive and dynamic style. Drawing inspiration from the river's changing moods, the rhythms of farm life, and the coastal charm of Crescent Head, Atkins captures both movement and atmosphere with remarkable energy. Her work reflects a deep connection to the natural environment, offering viewers a sense of place and the ever-changing character of land and water. More of Simone's work can be found on her Instagram page.

Completing the exhibition is Madeleine Hassan, whose artistic journey began later in life. Taking up painting after the age of 60, Hassan explores the interplay of colour, light, and movement through intuitive techniques such as acrylic pouring and layered compositions. Guided by the natural flow of paint, her work embraces spontaneity and discovery, resulting in pieces that feel organic, fluid, and deeply expressive.

Together, these four artists demonstrate that creativity is both limitless and deeply personal. The exhibition highlights not only technical skill but also the diverse ways in which art can tell stories, evoke emotion, and connect communities.

Visitors to the Central Kempsey branch are encouraged to take time to experience the exhibition, where each piece offers a unique window into the artist’s world. Whether drawn to realism, vibrant abstraction, expressive landscapes, or intuitive experimentation, every viewer will find something to captivate.