Gumtree Gallery Studios

Art has a way of finding us, even in the middle of the outback.

Today was another day spent immersed in creativity, surrounded not by the walls of a studio but by the wide-open landscape of Evelyn Downs. As artists volunteering as caretakers, we've traded canvases for aluminium signs, yet the process remains the same—careful planning, thoughtful composition, steady brushstrokes, and a vision slowly coming to life.

The three of us spent the day painting the larger feature signs that will soon become part of the homestead, each layer adding colour, character, and a sense of place. It's will incredibly rewarding knowing our art will greet visitors, tell stories, and become part of the everyday life of this remarkable property.

Art isn't always about creating something to hang on a wall. Sometimes it's about using creativity to serve a community, preserve a place, and leave behind something both beautiful and practical.

As we put the finishing touches on these signs, we're reminded that every brushstroke carries a little piece of the artist with it. It's a privilege to leave that piece here, in the heart of the Australian outback.
Bush Heritage Australia
InStudio Art Trail
Gumtree Gallery Studios
Artists of Crows Nest
Linda Galligan
Lyn Johnston
Deborah Burton
Pop'd Art Hub

The Artists in Residence

Another muddy day at the homestead meant the tracks remained closed to vehicles, so our world stayed close to home. While we couldn't head out into the landscape, we found ourselves immersed in a different kind of creative journey.

With the winter chill settling in, the three of us gathered around the warmth of the indoor fire and continued working on our homestead sign project. What began as a practical task has evolved into something much more meaningful. Each sign carries a little piece of all three artists. Together we're creating something that is both functional and personal, leaving behind small works of art that will welcome and guide future visitors.

I love how our creativity isn't confined to a canvas. Sometimes it lives in collaboration, in shared conversations by the fire, in the careful brushstroke on an aluminium sign, or in the practical work of improving a place for those who will come after us.

Even though the rain kept us close to the homestead, it gifted us something just as valuable—time to create together, to share our individual talents, and to leave a small artistic legacy woven into the heart of this remarkable landscape.
Gumtree Gallery Studios
Linda Galligan
Lyn Johnston
Deborah Burton
InStudio Art Trail
Artists of Crows Nest
Pop'd Art Hub

A New Chapter Begins

Today was the day we have been looking forward to for such a long time.

After enjoying morning tea in Coober Pedy, we pointed the car north and travelled 218km along the incredible Painted Desert Road. The colours of the landscape seemed to change with every kilometre; rich reds, soft ochres, creamy whites and golden yellows stretching to the horizon.

This afternoon, we arrived at Evelyn Downs, the place that will be home for the next few weeks as we begin our role as caretakers.

Evelyn Downs is an extraordinary place. Covering almost 235,000 hectares; an area close to the size of the Australian Capital Territory. Up until 2024, it was a working cattle station and is now Bush Heritage Australia's largest reserve.

The property protects spectacular Painted Desert landscapes, ancient creek systems, and habitat for dozens of rare and threatened plants and animals, while also holding deep cultural significance for the Antakirinja Matu-Yankunytjatjara and Yankunytjatjara people.

Knowing that this remarkable landscape is being restored and cared for for future generations makes us feel incredibly privileged to play even a small part in its story.

We've unpacked, settled into our new house, and are soaking in the silence and the endless outback sky.

Tomorrow morning our induction begins, and we can't wait to discover what adventures, challenges and special moments await us over the coming weeks.
Bush Heritage Australia