Whispers of the Forest comes to ARC Yinnar

Whispers of the Forest: A Journey Through Spirit and Time comes to ARC Yinnar from October 31 to November 28, 2026, bringing together the work of Gippsland artists Alvina Bishop-Edwards, Valerie Hibberd and Amanda (Mandi) Thorpe.

Through painting, sculpture and mixed media, the three artists offer different perspectives on the forest and our relationship with the natural world.

Alvina Bishop-Edwards explores trees and organic forms as symbols of memory, resilience and interconnectedness. Her work reflects both the spiritual presence of trees and the beauty, fragility and vulnerability of the natural environment.

Valerie Hibberd draws upon mythology, folklore and storytelling, exploring how stories connect us with nature, cultural memory and those who came before us. Her forests are inhabited by ancient guardians, mythical creatures and echoes of stories both old and new.

Mandi Thorpe, working in clay and paint, uses motifs of goddesses, animals and trees to explore the interconnectedness of spirit, soul, mind and heart with the earth. Emerging from meditation and quiet creative practice, her work expresses hope for a more positive future for forests, animals and people.

Together, the artists invite visitors to step beyond the forest as simply landscape and consider it as a place of memory, spirit, story and connection.

Whispers of the Forest: A Journey Through Spirit and Time
ARC Yinnar, Main Street, Yinnar
October 31 – November 28, 2026
Opening: Saturday October 31, 3pm. All Welcome

For further information: Valerie Hibberd, E gippscreative@gmail.com, T 0432 702 272