The Wombat Factor is an art and wildlife education project which was first held in 2012 with outstanding success.

The Wombat Factor involves a weekend immersion for a selected group of artists from the Gladstone Region with Australian Animals Care and Education Inc (who operate a native wildlife breeding and care facility).  The immersion weekend includes spending time observing and learning about the wombats, bridled nail tail wallabies, and other native animals – their habitat, care and challenges, as well as some workshops from local artists.  Following the weekend, participating artists will produce a series of art pieces based on their observations and experiences. This will culminate in an exhibition and auction of the art works to raise awareness and funds for some of Australia’s endangered species.

This project will run for a second year as the Wombat Factor 2 in 2013. The 2013 exhibition will be held at the Tondoon Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre Gallery in June in conjunction with Ecofest celebrations.

Expressions of Interest are now being sought from local artists to attend the weekend immersion on 16 and 17 March 2013.  The 2013 immersion will be held with Australian Animals Care and Education at their new state of the art facility at Mt Larcom.  A maximum of 12 artists from the Gladstone Region will be selected to participate.

Immersion weekend news and pictures.

Wombat Factor 2 –  Exhibition Opening

The Wiggles have painted a wombat for the exhibition.

Further information is available in the project brief, which can be downloaded here.

Key Dates

Workshop Artists’ Profiles

Rosemary Anderson – Limestone Carving Workshop

Rosemary sculpts on stone, metal and wood and paint in acrylic and mixed media.

She has won numerous awards for sculpture and exhibits her work locally, regionally, in Toowoomba and with Sculptors Q in Brisbane. She has sold many paintings and had a painting acquired in 2010 by the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum.

Rosemary teaches stone sculpture regionally and ever year creates an environmental installation with associated children’s craft activities at Ecofest in the Tondoon Botanical Gardens.

Kim Cooke – Photography Workshop

Kim is a graphic designer by trade but always had the love of photography.  She is a self taught photographer and loves to combine her design and photography skills together to create that something extra special.  Kim has worked with, industry, local businesses, families, individuals animals, children, and sports teams.  Being behind the camera is Kim’s life and love.

For examples of Kim’s work please see her website www.kimcookephotography.com