"The collages were heaps of fun to make," she says. "After a while, subtle themes started to emerge around politics, gender and social issues that concerned me during the past six months that I have been making, as well as lighter-hearted images that are a bit creepy and fun. The paintings are more about feelings. You know, those intense feelings that you can't find words for."

Visit Friday, April 16 (6-9pm) and Saturday, April 17 (10am-4pm); 6 Torpey Pl, Hamilton.

The Athenian group opens their new exhibition in the mix from Friday, April 16, until Sunday, May 2, at Back to Back Galleries, 57 Bull Street, Cooks Hill. As the title suggests a wide variety of art is represented by this group of ten women artist including ceramics, printmaking, sculpture and textiles.

Bruce Rowland is currently exhibiting a collection of soft pastel drawings focused on ballet in Young Dancers until April 26. The exhibition is being held at Cooks Hill Galleries, 65 Bull Street, Cooks Hill.

Rowland says, "My particular focus is not only on the personality ... but also on the the wonderful textures of hair, skin, and costume of the dancer."

Gallery hours are Monday, Friday and Saturday; 11am to 5pm.

Sydney-based artist Charlie Sheard PAINTINGS opens at University of Newcastle Gallery, University Dr, Callaghan on Saturday, April 17, between 2pm and 4pm. His masterly skill in composition is well-known and respected around the world and is on display in this momentous exhibition. View until May 14; Wednesday to Friday, 10am to 5pm or Saturday 12noon to 4pm.

The closing event for the Hunter-based artist group, The Circle is being held at Gloucester Gallery, 25 Denison Street, Gloucester on Sunday, April 18 between 12noon and 2pm. Visit Thursday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm and Sunday, 10am to 1pm.