20/10/2026
Another art exhibition is done.
And I just wanted to take a moment to say a very big THANK YOU.
So much happens behind the scenes, and so many people give their time, energy, and creativity to make it all happen.
So, I wanted to give them all a proper shout-out.
TO OUR WONDERFUL VOLUNTEERS
Samantha Roberts, our MC, who guided us through the afternoon, introduced our performers and artists, and helped bring everything together.
Charlotte Dabb, who photographed the event and captured all those little moments we might otherwise have missed.
Jade and Laura, who welcomed everyone at the door and helped sell raffle tickets. There was a moment when Jade was literally selling raffle tickets, checking people in at the door, and looking after my daughter's Tamagotchi all at the same time. That moment will stick with me for a solid moment.
Eliza, Stormi, and Cat, who kept the food, drinks, and kitchen running throughout the afternoon and evening, including cleaning the many, many teacups we used!
Emily, who took time before the event to put together her own work-of-art grazing platter, making sure everyone had something delicious to nibble on throughout the afternoon.
Matt, who handled sound for the entire event and brought along some awesome equipment to make sure our performers sounded their best.
DEEJ, who also generously loaned us sound equipment, performed his own ambient set, and exhibited his artwork.
Karen, who spent weeks communicating with our artists leading up to the event, answering questions and helping coordinate everything.
And Karen again, alongside Desiree, who spent the day before the exhibition curating and arranging all the artwork throughout the studio.
These events have so many moving parts, and I genuinely couldn't have done it without you all.
TO OUR EXHIBITING ARTISTS
Thank you for trusting us with your work, for bringing your creations into our space and sharing them with the community.
A big and beautiful thank you to:
Adam Plimmer, Alison Peet, Anastasia Freeman, Angie Carland, Antoinette Azar, Charlotte Dabb, Concettadesirè Catania, Danica Venus, DEEJ, Hayley Pittman, Jaii Villacorta, Jen Wilson, Jessica Ambrose, Kara Wren, Karen Gruber, Maya Saigi Attard, Michelle Zhang (Mikki Karmaela), Nari Anastarsia, Popi Iatrou, Sarah Alderson, Shannon Richards, Shima Forughi, Steph Compton (Mahuika) and Yasmin Paige.
Some of you have been exhibiting for years, while for others this was your very first time.
I love that we can create a space where both can happen side by side.
A reminder: 100% of artwork sales went directly to the artists. Many pieces are still for sale at the studio, so please check them out and support their work if you can.
TO OUR PERFORMERS
Thank you for sharing your music, words and movement with us throughout the afternoon.
In order of appearance:
Shannon Richards, Juno B, Cadence Wang, Megan Clarke, Beth + Nikki, Daenara Riversong, DEEJ and Samantha Roberts.
What a mix of creative humans.
From acoustic music and spoken word to aerial performance, dance and ambient soundscapes, you all brought something completely different to the afternoon.
AND TO MY LITTLE FAMBAM
My two minions, Maya and Nara, who keep growing up surrounded by this wonderfully creative and sometimes chaotic life.
And my dreamboat of a man, Aaron.
You keep working as hard as you can for this community, often, if not always, quietly in the background, with no recognition and no paycheck.
And somehow, amongst everything else, you still make sure I eat enough food and drink enough water every single day. You let me cry, make me laugh, and give me the chance to sleep in.
Without you, I genuinely think I would have burnt out to a crisp many years ago.
I love you dearly, and I cannot wait to call you hubby instead of hunny.
SO, WHAT'S NEXT FOR OUR ART EXHIBITIONS?
As you know, Nin Yoga is now officially a not-for-profit, so we're looking at how we can keep running events like Emerge in a financially sustainable way.
We put together this entire exhibition with 100% volunteer labour.
Amazing, yes, but it's also not sustainable long-term.
People deserve to be paid for their time, skills and work, and we need to find ways to make that possible.
Now it's up to our board to work through what future exhibitions might look like, how often we can realistically run them, where the funding will come from, and when the next one might be.
I'd absolutely love to continue hosting these exhibitions. I think it's really important to make space for local art, music, and culture here in Western Sydney.
But we also need to make sure we're looking after the people who make them happen.
So, here's a little request.
If you know of any grants that might support community arts events, or even better, you have experience applying for them, are alreday part of our community and understand our vision and happy to lead the way, we'd LOVE to hear from you.
Please reply to this email or get in touch at [email protected].
And finally, to everyone who purchased a ticket, joined in on the raffle, bought artwork, donated, shared our posts, brought a friend or simply showed up on the day.
Thankyouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu.
These events only happen because people choose to be part of them.
Annika xx
All photos by our dearest Charlotte Dabb. You can follow her work at https://www.instagram.com/auroreyogaphotography/
