Bel's Framing Studio

Bel's Framing Studio IS still open, just working from a different location! Visit belsframingstudio.com.au to make an appointment, or call 0447736474. Looking forward to seeing you soon!

The Spring Curation Team have been hard at work at The Chapel Gallery, and our Spring Exhibition is now ready to enjoy! Join us at the official launch on Saturday 6th September 2pm-4pm. Grab your free ticket at https://www.trybooking.com/DEZHN

Exciting news, Dalby! Bel's Framing Studio is visiting Gallery 107 at Dalby this Friday, 22nd August, to bring your favourite memories to life through custom picture framing. Secure your spot by booking an appointment at belsframingstudio.com.au today!

Fabulous work ladies 💖😍

A Canvas on a Creative Journey

Sometimes the best creative projects start with a gift. For the Oakey Art Group, that gift came in the form of a large, ready-to-go canvas — an impressive two metres by 1.2 metres — generously donated to the group.

As members of the Oakey Art Group, we (Kath & Sue) immediately saw its potential. Our plan is a two-fold adventure: first, to transform the canvas into a vibrant floral painting to promote the Spring Exhibition at The Chapel Gallery during the Carnival season, and then to take it out to Oakey to help advertise our October exhibition.

In true creative spirit, we’re painting with what’s on hand — lots of little house paint sample pots from brands like British Paints and Dulux (not an endorsement, just what’s in the cupboard!). The result will be a loose, joyous floral design — full of colour, movement, and life — that connects two towns, two exhibitions, and two art-loving communities.

From Carnival in September to October in Oakey, this one canvas will tell a story of creativity, collaboration, and celebration.

Annabel’s Journey: From Trumpet Notes to Gallery Walls

Annabel’s artistic roots may not be in paint and canvas, but in music. As a talented trumpet player and multi-instrumentalist, she spent many years immersed in the world of instrumental music, describing her creative path as “painting with sound.”

Her connection to visual art came through family. While in Chinchilla, Annabel’s mother learned the craft of picture framing — a skill that became a family affair. Annabel worked in the family business during her holidays, but life took her in a different direction into music teaching. Still, the art connection never truly faded.

When her eldest child, a gifted young artist, began creating pieces worth framing, it made more sense to invest in framing equipment than in framing fees. That home-based studio quietly ticked along in the background of her life as a music teacher and mother.

Years later, while teaching at Highlands Christian College and living in Highfields, Annabel decided to take a leap — opening a small shopfront in the back of a local complex. The idea was simple: move the framing gear out of home, rent a modest space, and see how it went. The framing business blossomed quickly, soon outgrowing the little shop.

When a larger space became available — the beautiful old church that is now The Chapel Gallery — Annabel moved the framing business up to its current location and considered inviting one or two artists to share the rent. But word spread quickly (Annabel admits she “likes to talk”), and before long, 21 to 25 artists had expressed interest in being part of the space.

Today, while the gallery still has a framing selection area, the framing equipment and production side of the business are located off-site. What began as a practical move for her framing gear took an unexpected turn, evolving into The Chapel Gallery — a vibrant, supportive, and creative hub for the local arts community.