What’s Happening?
Fresh Paint is now showing at The Milk House Collective in North Toowoomba.
The exhibition features emerging local artists, including gallery debutants Claire Tarlinton, Isabella Page and Kataya Otto. It gives young creatives a public space to share their work and artistic stories.
Why It Matters
Fresh Paint centres creatives aged 15 to 21 and encourages community support for youth arts.
For Tarlinton, Page and Otto, it also marks their first time exhibiting work in a gallery. The show recognises art as personal expression and a healthy break from study pressures.
Local Impact
The Milk House Collective operates as a support services hub in North Toowoomba, with an art gallery on site.
It brings creativity, services and collaboration together within one community space. The gallery aims to support creatives who face barriers when engaging with the local arts community.
Fresh Paint also gives Toowoomba residents a direct way to support youth arts and local talent.
By the Numbers
- Fresh Paint runs from 12 September to 1 October 2026.
- The exhibition features creatives aged 15 to 21, while Tarlinton, Page and Otto are all 18.
- The venue is Unit 36/57 Brook Street, North Toowoomba, Queensland 4350.
Zoom In
Otto studies primary education at the University of Southern Queensland. She set aside time for painting between assignments and exams.
“I’m studying primary education at UniSQ. I dedicated a couple days a week to painting between assignments and exams at uni,” Otto said. “This gave me a brain break from academic work. It allowed me to continue to prioritise my need to express myself as often as I needed.”
Tarlinton is completing her Year 12 exam block and is studying in preparation. The art show gives her time away from study and helps manage exam stress.
Page studies a Bachelor of Visual Arts at the University of Southern Queensland.
“I’m studying a Bachelor of Visual Arts at UniSQ,” Page said. “It’s lucky that I’m studying art because making art is my academic work. Assessment time was challenging, but it has been good so far.”
When asked what she wanted her work to share, Otto focused on identity.
“I wanted to share my experience of growing up and finding my own individual identity as a young person,” she said.
Page said other artists motivate her, and she hopes her work offers the same encouragement.
“I feel inspired by seeing other people’s work at art galleries,” Page said. “I hope that I inspire others to find a good outlet. It’s a good outlet for a range of emotions, no matter what your skill level.”
Zoom Out
Fresh Paint supports a wider group of young creatives rather than focusing only on its three gallery debutants.
Organisers believe the artists’ work deserves appreciation and their achievements should be celebrated. They also hope the show can become an annual exhibition for up-and-coming artists across the region.
What To Look For Next?
Fresh Paint will remain on display until 1 October 2026 at The Milk House Collective.
The collective hopes it can become an annual exhibition, giving more young local artists a place to share their talents.
