Little Libris exhibition showcases local entries  

Published on 18 August 2025

In a record-breaking year for local participation, 17 artist books were submitted by Mackay region artists to the prestigious 2025 Libris Awards "“ the highest number of local entries in the event's history.

While five of these works were selected for the main exhibition at Artspace Mackay, 10 of the remaining entries will be proudly showcased in a complementary exhibition titled Little Libris.

Little Libris will be on display at the Jubilee Community Centre Exhibition Foyer Space from Tuesday, August 19, to Friday, August 29, between 8.30am and 4.30pm.

Artspace Mackay Director Tracey Heathwood said this exhibition showcased the creativity and craftmanship of local artists working in the medium of artists books.

“This exhibition is a testament to the growing strength of the artist book community in the Mackay region and a wonderful opportunity for the public to engage with these unique and intimate works of art,” Ms Heathwood said.

“Little Libris is part of our commitment to providing pathways for new and emerging artists to exhibit their works,” she said.

Featured artists include Janet Ambrose, Charlene Attard, Matteo Calisti, Pam Finlay, Sue Houston, Traci Lietzke, Michelle McKenzie, Bonnie Shore and Kerry Williams.

Little Libris coincides with the Libris Awards exhibition of finalists and winners currently on display in Artspace Mackay’s Main Gallery until Sunday 14 September.

Ms Heathwood said Artspace Mackay was proud to host the Libris Awards, which continued to attract some of the most outstanding artwork from around Australia.

“Artspace boasts one of the largest holdings of artists books outside of the capital cities, and through the Libris Awards we are able to acquire some of the most outstanding artists books from around the country,” Ms Heathwood said.

“Both exhibitions are a must-see for anyone interested in contemporary book arts,” she said.

For more information about the Libris Awards and Little Libris, visit artspacemackay.com.au.

At the Little Libris exhibition installation are, from left, artist Traci Lietzke, assisting curator Geraldine Moylan, Artspace curator Nathan Schroeder, Artspace Director Tracey Heathwood, artist Matteo Calisti and gallery technician Jim Cullen.