A sense of peace and a deep-rooted connection to the environment are the driving forces behind the latest exhibition by contemporary artist and therapist Caroline Packer, currently on display at The Forge Theatre.
Known to many in the art world as “Pax,” Ms Packer officially opened her exhibition, Love Where You Live: Ocean, Forest, and Sunsets, on Sunday, March 1.
The event, held as part of the East Gippsland Shire Council’s IMMERSIVE project, drew more than 40 guests who were treated to live music by the Peter Bennits Jazz Trio in the theatre’s newly opened beer garden.
The exhibition, which runs until March 15, serves as a homecoming of sorts for Ms Packer, who moved to Lakes Entrance in April 2025 after decades spent building a reputation in Swan Hill and the Mallee.
“I seek to capture an emotion in my works,” Ms Packer said.
“A sense of peace ties all these works together. I’ve traveled the east coast looking for the perfect mix of untouched wild nature – the coast and the forest – to set up my studio, and I am blown away every day by the continuous inspiration here.”
Ms Packer’s journey as an artist began on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast in the 1990s, where she funded her travels by selling photography and art at local markets.
Her professional background is a unique blend of science and soul; she holds a Bachelor of Science in National Park Management and previously worked as a seasonal ranger.
This scientific foundation informs her artistic practice, which often highlights environmental issues.
Beyond the canvas, Ms Packer is a qualified teacher and a respected practitioner of Transpersonal Creative Arts Therapy.
Since moving to Lakes Entrance, she has established Pax Art Therapy and Art Studio, where she focuses on providing creative therapy for NDIS individuals and private art tuition.
Her current exhibition showcases her versatility across mediums, including oils, chalk pastels, watercolours and her signature photography – a craft she first mastered on a manual Pentax K1000.
As part of the exhibition program, Ms Packer will host a “Love Where You Live” chalk pastel workshop on Saturday, March 14, from 1.30pm to 3pm.
The session is open to adults and children aged 10 and over, offering participants a chance to experiment with pastels while drawing inspiration from the local environment.
The workshop costs $36 per person, and spots are limited.
Ms Packer hopes the session will be the start of ongoing weekly art classes in the region.
Exhibition details:
What: Love Where You Live: Ocean, Forest, and Sunsets
Where: The Forge Theatre, Bairnsdale
When: Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, through to March 15.
Workshop: Saturday, March 14, 1.30pm (bookings required).
For those unable to visit the Forge Theatre, Caroline’s work can be viewed at her permanent PAXart Gallery in Lakes Entrance by appointment, or online.
