Art, community and creativity come alive this summer at Berninneit

This summer, the Berninneit Art Gallery in Cowes will once again come alive with colour, conversation and creativity as Phillip Island Contemporary Exhibition Space (PICES) unveils its vibrant 2025-2026 Summer Exhibitions.

Running from December 12 to February 1, 2026, the program brings together 64 artists from across Bass Coast and beyond, showcasing an inspiring range of contemporary artworks - all available for purchase.

Now in its seventh year, PICES continues to strengthen its role as a champion of local creativity. With the ongoing technical support of Bass Coast Shire Council, the volunteer-led organisation is set to present three distinct exhibitions, introduce new talents, and host engaging public events throughout the summer season.

The program opens with the much-anticipated Small Works Exhibition, running from December 12 to January 1, 2026. Building on the success of last year's popular 50 x 50 Exhibition, this year's display features 140 beautifully crafted small artworks, all priced affordably - perfect for a unique Christmas gift.

With a "first in, first served" approach and the option to take artworks home immediately, visitors are encouraged to get in early to secure their favourites.
January ushers in the curated Contempora 1 and Contempora 2 exhibitions.

Contempora 1: January 4-15
Contempora 2: January 17 - February 1

These two showcases highlight 18 emerging and established artists, offering an exciting mix of painting, printmaking, pottery, woodturning, sculpture, photography and collage. Together, they promise a rich journey through contemporary artistic expression.

To deepen the connection between visitors and artists, PICES will host Artist

Insights 1 and 2 at 2pm on Sunday January 4 and Sunday January 18, where exhibiting artists will speak about their creative process, themes and inspirations. These free talks are a rare chance to hear directly from some of the region's most engaging artistic voices.

The Small Works Exhibition features contributions from: Marlene Abela, Sian Adnam, Elizabeth Allen, Josephine Allen, Peter Balfe, Joy Brentwood, Lesley Bretherton, Helen Broad, Sonia Camm, Sofia Csernatony, Ken Fisher, Gail Franks, Janie Frith, Stephen Glover, Annie Green, Wendy Habraken-Flack, Susan Hall, Mary Henry, Sandra Lamerton, Deborah Hill, Sue Hoare, Myra Holmes, Richard Horstman, Ying Huang, Carolyne Jane, Andrew Keir, Joe La Pira, Julie Lundgren Coulter, Guilio Marcolongo, Annette Marshall, Lisa McClure, Jillian Mitchell, Gay Mosby, Jackie Moss, Bronwyn Parry-Fielder, Sandra Peeters, Karen Preston, Jo Quirk, Marian Quigley, Owen Rye, JoJo Spook, Renee Sterling, Janice Taylor, Candida van Rood, Peter Walker, Chelsea Watson, Deb Watson, Rain White, Rebecca Wilbourne, Cassandra Williams, Kim Wood, Denise Woodley and Martine Zajacek.

Contempora 1 (January 4-15) includes: Helen Broad (painting), Mandy Gunn (printmaking), Melinda Holt (painting), Carolyne Jane (painting), Julie Lundgren Coulter (painting), Gay Mosby (pottery), Ann Parry (painting), Helen Philipp (sculpture) and Kylie Watson (printmaking).
Contempora 2 (January 17 - February 1) features: Guillaume Dillee (painting), Chris Farrell (painting), Stephen Glover (painting), Richard Horstman (painting), Chris Lawry (printmaking), Guilio Marcolongo (woodturning), Jillian Mitchell (photography), Rain White (painting) and Martine Zajacek (collage).
With an impressive lineup and something to inspire every visitor, the PICES Summer Exhibitions promise a season of creativity not to be missed.

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