Golden celebration in community art

The Inala Multicultural Art Gallery is inviting the community to celebrate Vietnamese art, culture, and history.
In recognition of Multicultural Month and 50 years of Vietnamese resettlement in Australia, the gallery is presenting a special exhibition featuring the works of two Vietnamese Australian artists, Anh Thi and Ngoc Phan.
What began as quiet creativity at home has now grown into a public showcase, offering these artists the chance to share their talent with the wider community.
Both Anh Thi and Ngoc Phan are members of the community whose art is deeply inspired by their heritage and surroundings. The exhibition provides a platform for their voices to be seen, valued, and celebrated.
Anh Thi, who was born and raised in Australia, paints with a vision that reflects two worlds: the natural beauty of her surroundings and the richness of her Vietnamese heritage.
Her work weaves together landscapes, memories, and family stories, carrying deep cultural meaning while also speaking to universal experiences. Through her paintings, she invites viewers to connect with history and identity across generations.
Ngoc Phan, based on the Sunshine Coast, takes her inspiration from everyday life and the quiet, often-overlooked moments that bring calm and reflection.
Her delicate watercolours and expressive oil paintings explore themes of connection and emotion, offering a gentle pause from the fast pace of modern life.
Each piece is created with mindfulness and intention, encouraging viewers to slow down and reconnect with beauty in its simplest forms.
Adding to the colour and charm of the exhibition, the gallery also features a long-term display of handmade crocheted flowers and animals by local artisan Hanh Vuong.
Secretary of the Multicultural Art Gallery, Buck Lam, has been part of the gallery since its early days and believes strongly in the power of art to strengthen communities.
“It is important to continue supporting artists, whether they are painting at home, as a hobby, or professionally. Everyone deserves to have their work showcased, as each piece is unique and special in its own right,” he said.
“We are a vibrant and growing community with diversity at the heart. Art helps heal, tells our history, and, most importantly, brings a smile.
“All works in this exhibition are for sale, so the community is encouraged to visit, learn about culture, and perhaps be inspired to pick up a pencil or brush themselves — they may be the next artist with their own exhibition.”
Residents of Inala, Richlands, and the wider Brisbane community are encouraged to drop in, enjoy the artwork, and celebrate the stories, history, and creativity of the Vietnamese community.
It is a tribute to heritage, a bridge between cultures, and a reminder of the vibrant bonds that make the community stronger.
The Inala Art Gallery, located at the Inala Civic Centre, is open Tuesday to Friday from 9 am to 1 pm, with Saturdays dedicated exclusively to exhibitions.