Celebrating local art, community and the beauty of the Northern Rivers

Over the first weekend of December, Ramada Hotel & Suites Ballina had the pleasure of hosting the Wonderful Waterways Art and Craft Exhibition in the Fenwick Room. This special event brought together local artists and makers in a celebration of the rivers, coastline and natural environments that shape life in the Northern Rivers.

This year’s exhibition was led by renowned local artist Kim Toft, whose passion for the region’s waterways and marine life has long been reflected in her artwork. Kim’s vision and coordination were central to bringing the event to life, curating a collection that honoured both artistic talent and environmental connection.

A successful opening night

The exhibition launched on Friday 5 December with an opening night that drew a fantastic crowd of locals, visitors and supporters of the arts. Guests enjoyed the chance to meet the artists, hear the stories behind their work and experience the Fenwick Room transformed into a bright and engaging gallery space.

The sense of community throughout the evening was a standout, with Kim Toft and the participating artists sharing the inspiration behind their pieces and the deeper message of protecting our waterways.

Supporting a great cause

All profits from the exhibition were donated to Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue, a local organisation dedicated to protecting and rehabilitating marine wildlife across the Northern Rivers. Their work is closely aligned with Kim Toft’s own artistic focus on the ocean and its creatures, making the partnership a meaningful fit for this event.

Ramada Ballina is proud to host events that not only celebrate creativity but also support important environmental initiatives within our community.

Open throughout the weekend

Following the successful opening night, the exhibition continued across the weekend, welcoming guests on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm. Visitors had the opportunity to browse, purchase artworks and learn more about the inspiration behind the pieces on display. The diversity of styles and mediums highlighted the depth of talent within our region.

Thank you to the artists and to Kim Toft

A heartfelt thank you to the talented artists involved and especially to Kim Toft for her dedication as the main organiser. Her creativity, leadership and commitment to sharing the beauty of our waterways made this event truly special.

We look forward to supporting more community-driven artistic events at Ramada Ballina in the future.

For updates on upcoming events, keep an eye on our website and social channels.