A major public art commission by local artist Laura Woodward will celebrate the seven trailblazing women who established the Castlemaine Art Gallery and Museum in 1913 (now the Castlemaine Art Museum).
Known as the first women of Castlemaine Art Museum, the group included Mary Leviny, Lilian Sheridan, Alice Waterhouse, Winifred Brotherton, Elsie Barlow, Mary Brough Woolley and Mrs Cox.
Their story was erased from history, and credit for their achievements was given to male politicians and wealthy businessmen.
In March 2025, Mount Alexander Shire Council invited artists to express their interest in the Wildflowers project, and the artist commission is the next step in this long-term project.
Laura Woodward is an award-winning Castlemaine-based artist who is also co-owner of local design and fabrication business, Like Butter.
She creates large sculptural installations for exhibitions and public spaces.
She’s a mid-career artist and has been commissioned to create landmark artworks at public destinations in Melbourne, Docklands, Craigieburn, South Yarra, Elwood and Horsham.
“I want to focus on how these seven trailblazing women were present with each other, sharing interests, time and knowledge,” Laura said.
“And how this communality resulted in them pushing boundaries, standing in solidarity for better representation of women in art and building something of great significance for Castlemaine.
“The work also considers the women’s strong connection with local flora and fauna and the botanical gardens, including the ways in which they appeared to find joy and solace in observing and collecting local plants.”
The council is working on this project in partnership with Castlemaine Art Museum and Buda Historic Home and Garden.
Mayor Rosie Annear said the council was proud to support a local artist and celebrate the achievements of local women in an important piece of Castlemaine’s history.
“The women who established the Castlemaine Art Museum stood in solidarity for better representation of women in art,” she said.
“They started an institution that continues to support local artists, brings joy to many people – locals and visitors alike, and has a unique collection of Australian art, First Nations cultural material and historical artefacts reflecting the early history of the region.”
CAM chairperson Mark Sheppard said the gallery was delighted to be advisory partners alongside Buda Historic Home and Garden.
“We’re really pleased to celebrate the work of all seven women, who highlighted the importance of collecting contemporary Australian art as well as the representation of women artists. We’re also thrilled that Laura Woodward, a wonderful contemporary Australian artist with strong connections in our region, has been selected to tell this story.”
Wildflowers will be permanently located at the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens, where the women walked, talked and shared their common love of flowers and plants.
The Mount Alexander Shire community will be invited to be involved in the artistic process.
Keep an eye on www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Wildflowers for opportunities to provide feedback, attend on-site pop-up sessions and workshops, and learn more.
