A compelling new exhibition, Between Dreams and Truth, featuring work from four local artists, will be on display at the Old Fire Station from September 5-10 - and it’s one not to miss.

Artists Jenny Albanis, Claire Donaghy, Christina Murphy, and Hannah Gray of Hub Ceramics have come together to present a diverse and inspiring body of work.

“I've always loved painting, ever since I was a kid,” said Albanis. “But it wasn’t until I retired that I was able to take it up more seriously.”

She describes each artist's unique style and contribution to the exhibition.

“Claire Donaghy has a very painterly style. She’s been painting for quite a while, and her work is vibrant and colourful - ranging from still lifes and landscapes to portraits of beautiful women with gorgeous floral headdresses.

“Christina Murphy, also a Kiama local, paints in a realistic style. She often focuses on landscapes and flowers, inspired by her incredible garden.”

“And then there's Hannah Gray of Hub Ceramics, who creates stunning, practical ceramics - the kind of pieces you’d love to use in your home every day.”

Albanis explains that the exhibition brings together both realistic and dreamlike works, offering a rich mix of artistic approaches.

“I tend to paint quite realistically, with fine detail. Claire, on the other hand, takes a reference and transforms it - her work is looser, more expressive,” said Albanis.

“Christina explores contrasts, like edible fruits alongside poisonous plants, highlighting how both can be beautiful in different ways. She also paints fantasy-inspired scenes - like women in metal plate armour with wings.”

Despite the realism in her own work, Albanis says her creative process is deeply meditative - another layer in the contrast suggested by the exhibition’s title.

“For me, painting is something immersive. I’ll look at the same object for weeks, painting and thinking I know it - then suddenly, I’ll notice something new I hadn’t seen before.”

“I go into quite a dreamy state. It’s almost meditative. I paint a lot of reflections - especially silver reflections - where a flower, for example, is echoed subtly in the surface. It’s those little discoveries that keep me going.”

The exhibition will be at the Old Fire Station from September 5-10.