A very special Stories from the Studio this week with Helen Ferguson from the Queanbeyan Hive. Special not only because the Hive is an amazing cultural hub, but because it heralds in a new era for STA. QPRC have re-joined STA as a contributing Council after a long absence. We warmly invite all QPRC creatives and audience members to join up and connect with STA. To celebrate STA are rolling out the Reconnect Program.

The Queanbeyan Hive is always full of art, with an inclusive program of exhibitions, events and workshops. The driving force behind the Hive is ‘Queen Bee’ Helen Ferguson, whose vision to create a cultural space for the community saw her restore a heritage cottage in the heart of Queanbeyan. With original press metal walls and ceilings in nearly every room the cottage itself is worth the visit. Add in the option to see local art by local makers, browse the regular market or take part in a creative workshop and the Queanbeyan Hive reveals itself as a real destination.

Helen is also very active in various community projects including the effort to realise a life size statue of local Aboriginal legend Queen Nellie by Neil Dickinson. We’ve included a bit about Nellie’s story below.