About Art&Eats
Art&Eats is a community-driven arts festival created to celebrate creativity, connection and local talent while giving back to the community.
Bringing together artists, musicians, photographers, food vendors and neighbours, Art&Eats offers a welcoming, inclusive space where people can gather, share experiences and support the creative spirit of Brisbane’s north-western suburbs.
At its core, Art&Eats is about connection. Connection between people, between art forms, and between creativity and purpose, with all proceeds from the event supporting meaningful community work through our charity partner, Trek2Health.
The Art & Eats Story
Art&Eats began in 2024 with a simple but powerful idea: to create a local event that brought people together through art, music and food, while supporting a cause that genuinely matters to the community.
Co-founded by Katherine Kemp and Colin Bushell, the inaugural event exceeded expectations, featuring local artists, live music, food trucks, a bar and a major raffle. The first year raised over $5,000 for Trek2Health and received an overwhelmingly positive response from the community.
In 2025, Art&Eats grew in scale and ambition, expanding the live music programme, introducing dance performances, welcoming more artists and food vendors, and raising over $8,000 for charity.
For 2026, Art&Eats moved to a Saturday afternoon and evening format, allowing the festival to become more immersive, accessible and family-friendly, with expanded creative opportunities and a growing programme that continues to evolve each year.
The Founders
Art&Eats is led by two passionate local business owners and creatives who share a strong belief in community, storytelling and the arts.
Katherine Kemp
Founder | Owner, Ruby Red Jewellery
Katherine Kemp is the owner of Ruby Red Jewellery in The Gap and a long-standing advocate for local creativity and community connection.
Her journey into gemstones began in 2002 and led to formal gemmological training with the Gemmological Association of Australia. Over more than a decade, Katherine developed extensive experience working with coloured gemstones, diamonds, pearls, jewellery design and manufacturing across Sydney and Brisbane.
In 2010, she founded her own bespoke jewellery practice, which evolved into Ruby Red Jewellery, a business grounded in craftsmanship, sustainability and deeply personal service. Community has always been central to Katherine’s work, with a strong belief that local businesses thrive through trust, collaboration and giving back.
Katherine completed an MBA through Ducere Global Business School in 2024 and a Diploma of Jewellery Valuation with the National Council of Jewellery Valuers in 2025. Through Art&Eats, she is passionate about creating spaces that bring people together and refocus attention on the arts in an increasingly fast-paced digital world.
Colin Bushell
Founder | Owner, Colin Bushell Photography
Colin Bushell is a professional photographer, journalist and writer who has lived and worked across Australia and internationally.
A strong believer in the power of storytelling, Colin is certified with the Professional Photographers’ Association of Queensland, won the Lord Mayor’s Photographic Award in 2015, and is a three-time finalist in the Brisbane Portrait Prize. He was also awarded the Western Australian Literary Awards Mentorship Prize for his draft novel Lost Dogs.
Colin has lived in The Gap for over 20 years and is a co-founder and former President of The Gap Creative. In 2024, while serving as President, he co-founded Art&Eats alongside Katherine Kemp.
Deeply committed to giving back, Colin volunteers his time to numerous community organisations including Trek2Health, Youngcare, the Lions Club, the RSL and youth-focused initiatives. Together with Katherine, he is working to establish Art&Eats as a premier creative event for Brisbane’s western suburbs.
The Team
Art&Eats is made possible by a dedicated team of creatives, organisers and volunteers who generously contribute their time, skills and energy to bring the event to life.
Graphic Designer and Artist
Kerry Ashton
Kerry Ashton is a Brisbane-based freelance graphic designer and artist with over 20 years’ experience working across the printing and design industries in Townsville, Brisbane and Sydney.
In 2020, Kerry founded The Little Art Room, bringing her deep love of art and design into a freelance practice focused on creativity, clarity and collaboration. She is passionate about helping ideas take shape through thoughtful, well-crafted design and enjoys working closely with clients to bring their vision to life.
Marketing Manager
Paul Ferry
Paul Ferry is a Brisbane-based marketing strategist with extensive experience helping purpose-driven businesses, creatives and community organisations communicate clearly and connect meaningfully with their audiences.
With a background spanning digital marketing, strategy, content and campaign delivery, Paul brings a practical, collaborative approach to supporting events and initiatives that create positive local impact. He is passionate about using marketing as a tool for connection, storytelling and community building, rather than noise or hype.
Sound Engineer
Steve Williams
Surrounded by musicians from an early age, Steve has spent years working behind the scenes to make live events happen. While he may not play an instrument himself, he is an experienced roadie, producer, sound engineer and A/V specialist.
Steve is known for producing the Soirée at The Gap State School and for being part of the team that brings the Woodford Folk Festival to life. He is proud to support Art&Eats by ensuring the live music programme sounds its best.
Steve was the recipient of the 2026 Lord Mayor’s Australia Day Cultural/Arts Award
Event Coordinator
Kym Bierenbroodspot
Kym is a well-known local graphic artist and web designer, best known for their work with The Western Echo. With a strong eye for design and a hands-on approach, Kym plays a key role in supporting the on-the-ground delivery of Art&Eats.
For Art&Eats, Kym contributes in a hands-on coordination role. All graphic design for the event is created by local graphic artist Kerry Ashton.
Event Coordinator
Natasha Ariza
Natasha Ariza is a Brazilian professional based in The Gap, Brisbane, and the manager of Birdie Coffee Shop, a community-focused space that celebrates connection, culture and local creativity. She has delivered community events and initiatives supporting local artists and engagement, including markets and workshops.
Currently studying Hospitality and Events Management, Natasha brings strong organisational skills, creativity and a passion for people to her role as Event Coordinator for Art&Eats.
Art Curator
Natarscha Schneider
Natarscha Schneider is a Brisbane-based self-taught artist with a deep passion for creativity, curiosity and expression. Working primarily in acrylics, Natarscha’s modern minimalist style celebrates movement, form and the beauty of the female body, promoting empowerment and body positivity.
Her role as curator ensures the Art&Eats exhibition is thoughtfully presented, cohesive and supportive of each artist’s work.
Parish Priest
Ann Edwards
Ann Edwards is the parish priest of our sponsor, St Mark’s, and a keen writer and musician. She is also a speech pathologist and researcher with a special interest in equipping parents of neurodivergent children, in a way that celebrates each unique family and the strengths of each child.
The people of St Mark’s value creativity and art, and understand “church” as being more than Sundays.
Supporting the work of Trek2Health is a part of their broader commitment to providing the people of The Gap with a place to gather for important conversations, that make our community safer and fairer
Thanks Team.. You Rock
Art&Eats is made possible through the time, care and generosity of a dedicated team who contribute their skills behind the scenes to create a welcoming and rewarding community event. We sincerely thank everyone involved for their commitment, collaboration and shared belief in the power of creativity to bring people together.
Our Partners
Art&Eats is proud to work alongside organisations that share our values of creativity, care and community connection.
Trek2Health
Trek2Health delivers free mental and physical health programmes for frontline workers and young people at risk.
Through outdoor activity, mentoring and community support, Trek2Health is changing lives and strengthening communities.
Art&Eats proudly supports Trek2Health, with all raffle proceeds contributing directly to their vital work.
St Mark’s, The Gap
St Mark’s, The Gap is a valued venue partner for Art&Eats. The people of St Mark’s understand church as being more than Sundays, valuing creativity, conversation and community engagement.
Supporting Trek2Health and hosting Art&Eats aligns with their broader commitment to providing a place where the community can gather for meaningful and inclusive experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
The event will go ahead in wet weather. Artwork is displayed indoors, the bar area is undercover, and gazebos are provided near food vendors.
Street parking is available. We recommend ride-sharing or public transport where possible. A bus stop is located directly next to the venue.
The main exhibition and performance areas are accessible. If you have specific access needs, please contact the organisers ahead of time.
Absolutely. Families and children are very welcome. There are food options, soft drinks and performances suitable for all ages.
Yes. Art & Eats is a free community event.
Join Us at Art & Eats 2027
Whether you are coming to enjoy the art, listen to music, support local creatives, or simply spend a great evening with your community, we would love to welcome you.
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