Cooktown Art Gallery and talented Cooktown Artists

Cooktown has many talented people and this is evident when you visit the Elizabeth Guzsely Gallery in Charlotte St.(Ph (07)4069 5322). We have selected some of the paintings portraying Cooktown scenes and we will let the artists tell you about their art work.

The Story of Elizabeth Guzsely tells how she and her husband fled from Hungary and eventually arrived in Cooktown, and how Elizabeth's efforts led to the construction of the gallery and the development of art-on-canvas.

Three Bridges over the Annan - by Alex Poberay
Alex records the construction of the new bridge over the Annan River.

Fishing off the Annan Bridge - by Elsie Meyer
Many locals and visitors have a relaxing time fishing off the old bridge, and Elsie captures the mood.

'Lotus Lilies' Kings Plains - by Olive Wilson
This site has a special attraction for Olive and other artists because of its natural surroundings which allows the artist to feel they are part of nature.

At the Post Office - by Jean Haack
The Post Office in a small town without a house-to-house mail delivery, is always a gathering place. Jean has chosen to paint the mail movers.

Where Eagles Soar - by Trevor Maudsley
The sheer ruggedness, and at the same time, the quietness of the land was Trevor's inspiration to capture it and the soaring eagles.

Nature's Giant - by Olive Wilson
Although the inspiration for this painting came from further south, similar trees exist around North Queensland.

Politics Can Be Boring - by Elsie Meyer
This depicts how little the events of the World impact on the day-to-day lives of some of Cooktown's inhabitants and visitors.

RSL Memorial Club Mural - by Trevor Maudsley and Annette Bristow-Stagg
The RSL contacted the Art Gallery committee and requested they consider painting a mural on the wall of the RSL's new extension to their premises. In response, Trevor prepared a design which was accepted by the RSL. Trevor enlisted the help of Annette and between them they painted this magnificent mural.

Lower Charlotte St - Cooktown - by Trevor Maudsley
An historical painting of Cooktown in 1878. The artist captures what must have been the situation on that late summer afternoon.

Charlotte St 1874 - by Lorraine Norris
This attractive works is an oil on canvas and was painted from an old black and white photograph taken in 1874 by an unknown photographer.

Fire Coming - by Trevor Maudsley
A wonderful painting which captures the drama of a quiet bush scene, about to be turned into an inferno. The kangaroos sense of impending danger is clearly brought home.

Other Paintings: Not all paintings are done by trained artists, and some are done as a means of paying for food and shelter(and beer!). A few of the artists have passed through Cooktown's West Coast Hotel over the years. Have a look at:
                               * Captain Cook's Arrival
                               * Early Days of Cooktown
                               * Cooktown Scenes