<p>The artists have developed their own forms of expression which are very different from the art of central Australia and other parts of Australia. The art from Lockhart River promotes the identity of Aboriginal people in contemporary Australian culture and is unique to Lockhart River Arts Centre.</p>
<p>Lockhart River Aboriginal Community is 850 kms north of Cairns and is nestled between Quintell Beach and nearby lush lowland rain forest which boasts a bird life that draws watchers from across the world. The beach is dramatic and spectacular and features as a common thread in the artists work.</p>
<p>Many of the clans from this area have traditionally lived close to the beach which has and still provides an excellent source of foods. Fishing is still the most popular past time in Lockhart River.</p>
<p>The arts centre is an incorporated not for profit body managed by a small team of staff. From the sale of each painting 50% is paid directly to the artist who then shares their funds with the rest of their community and family.  50% is put back into supporting artists through the arts centre. The centre provides artists with canvas, paints, brushes, exhibitions, travel, workshops etc.</p>
<p>Artworks are on display and can be purchased from the Arts Centre and selected national and international galleries featured on the website.</p>
<p><strong>Ph: 07 40607341</strong></p>
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<p> Where I go fishing by Josiah Omeenyo<br />
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<p>Cooktown boasts a number of beautifully maintained historic buildings including the fabulous Cooktown Museum on Helen St and the Old Bank in Charlotte St.</p>
<p>The Cooktown Museum is open daily, located in the carefully restored St Marys Convent, on the corner of Helen and Furneaux Streets. Displays feature artefacts, images and information, depicting the time James Cook spent here in 1770 repairing the Endeavour and interacting with the local Aboriginal people. The discovery of Gold at the Palmer River gave rise to the birth of Cooktown over 100 years later. Museum exhibits tell some fascinating aspects of the local Chinese, European and Aboriginal histories of this region. The restored Endeavour anchor and one of her 6 cannons are features of the Cooktown Museum.</p>
<p>The Cooktown and District Historical Society have mounted a magnificent exhibition -Cooktown through the Years-in the stately 19th Century Historic Bank building in Charlotte Street. Open from Easter through to October. All visitors and tour groups are welcome. </p>
<p>Nature’s Powerhouse is located in the historic Botanical Gardens and features the works of Vera Scarth Johnson who gifted her detailed botanical artworks to the people of Cooktown. </p>
<p>Artists and Craftspeople abound in the area, inspired by the landscapes, colours and stories. </p>
<p>The Old Railway Station Building in Charlotte Street is the perfect outlet for the artistic members of the Cooktown Creative Arts Association. Run by volunteers and the artists it is a treasure trove of local creations.</p>
<p>The Elizabeth Guzeley Gallery is located next to the Cooktown Post Office on Charlotte St and regularly holds exhibitions of local artworks, an annual Art Awards competition and co ordinates the Cooktown Art Festival.</p>
<p>The Black Cockatoo Gallery is a hidden gem for those exploring the Bloomfield & Ayton areas. Artist Ross Franzi and friends have created a stunning gallery with some wonderful sculptures, fabulous paintings and stunning pieces inspired by the unique, untouched environs of the region.</p>
<p>The Quinkan and Regional Cultural Centre at Laura displays and sells works by local Aboriginal artists. It is open daily from 9am with flexible summertime hours.</p>

<p>The gallery is an important cultural centre focused on the creation of authentic and high quality indigenous sculpture and fibre art. There has been an art centre at Aurukun for over fifty years and it provides artistic and commercial support for local artists.</p>