1984 Mural Artist Jan Rae Returns to Byron Community Centre with New Exhibition
Spring exhibition “Byron Hinterland Paintings” open now until 15 December at Byron Spaces Gallery.
Byron Spaces Gallery has unveiled its latest exhibition, Byron Hinterland Paintings, by celebrated local artist Jan Rae, on show now until 15 December 2025.
Entry is free, giving the community the chance to experience Jan’s luminous vision of the Byron hinterland.
Jan, one of the three original artists - Jan Rae, Nicky Neon and Geraldine Searles - behind the iconic 1984 Byron Community Centre mural on the front of the building, describes the exhibition as a celebration of place.
She brings a new body of work that shifts the focus from people and society to the natural world. Her canvases are free of buildings or man-made features, instead highlighting the vast skies, rolling hills and distant ocean horizons that define the region.
“This exhibition is all about the Byron hinterland, the beautiful environment that we live in. Most of these new paintings have been created over the last year. These works are about sky, land and the beauty of our environment. I hope people who live here will be able to relate to them.”
For Jan, the show is also a homecoming.
“Yes, it feels like a full circle. Not only did I work on the mural in the 1980s but I have also taught tango lessons in the very room my paintings are displayed. So returning here with my exhibition does feel special. It’s like a second home.”
The exhibition is part of the Byron Community Centre’s 130 Years of Community Spirit celebrations in 2025, highlighting our community gathering together for creativity and connection, all the way back to the Byron Bay School of Arts in 1895.
Kate Love, Communications Manager for Byron Community Centre, said Byron Spaces Gallery was established to provide artists with a creative platform in the heart of town.
“To welcome Jan Rae back, not only as a renowned local artist but also as part of the Byron Community Centre’s long creative history, feels especially significant. We are honoured to share Jan’s stunning Byron landscape artworks with our community.”
Byron Hinterland Paintings by Jan Rae is free to view each weekday between 10am to 4pm at the Byron Community Centre until 15 December. Artwork is for sale through the artist.
Jan Rae
Website: https://janrae7.weebly.com/
Contact: janrae7@gmail.com
About Byron Community Centre
The Byron Community Centre is an independent charity and not-for-profit that improves the social and cultural wellbeing of the community through essential services, inclusive activities and inspiring events.
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For more information, please see www.byroncentre.com.au.
Byron Spaces
Byron Spaces offers affordable, flexible venue hire in the heart of Byron Bay. From workshops to meetings and community events, every booking supports vital local services at the Byron Community Centre and Fletcher Street Cottage.
For more information, please see www.byronspaces.com.au.
Byron Spaces Gallery
The Byron Spaces Gallery showcases rotating exhibitions by local artists. Open weekdays 10am to 4pm, the gallery offers free access to vibrant works that celebrate Byron’s creative spirit. Artist applications are open now.