Discover the Magic of Jewellery at GOMA Brisbane: Barbara Heath's Hidden Jewels Exhibition

‘Barbara Heath: Hidden Jewels’

Families visiting Brisbane this summer and throughout 2027 can discover the fascinating world of jewellery design at GOMA's Children's Art Centre, with the opening of Barbara Heath: Hidden Jewels on Saturday 7 November 2026.

This free interactive exhibition, developed by the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) in collaboration with acclaimed Queensland jeweller Barbara Heath, invites children and families to explore creativity, storytelling and the art of making jewellery.

Running until 25 July 2027, Hidden Jewels offers an engaging cultural experience where young visitors can discover how precious stones, everyday objects and personal memories can become extraordinary works of art.

Meet Barbara Heath: Jeweller to the Lost

Barbara Heath

Brisbane-based Barbara Heath has spent more than five decades creating distinctive jewellery and sculptural works using metals, gemstones and found objects.

Known as Jeweller to the Lost, Heath believes jewellery is about much more than precious materials. Each creation can represent a personal story, a special relationship or an important moment in someone's life.

Her work ranges from bespoke jewellery commissions to large-scale sculptures and public artworks. She often collaborates with clients, architects and designers to create meaningful objects that connect people, places and memories.

The exhibition provides visitors with an opportunity to explore her artistic world through jewellery, gemstones, cameos, small sculptures and objects from her home and studio.

Creative Activities for Children and Families

‘Barbara Heath: Hidden Jewels’

Hidden Jewels combines an interactive video filmed in Barbara Heath's studio with imaginative hands-on activities and digital experiences.

One of the highlights is Love Tokens, an activity inspired by Heath's 1987–91 Love Token series. Children are invited to design a small object representing themselves, which they can then give to a friend or family member. The activity explores the idea of jewellery and keepsakes as expressions of affection and friendship.

Paper Chains encourages young visitors to create wearable necklaces and bracelets using paper strips and collage materials. Inspired by Heath's distinctive multi-link jewellery designs, the activity introduces children to pattern, construction and creative design.

Make Your Own Story is a communal storytelling activity featuring illustrated cards inspired by Heath's artworks, studio objects and children's drawings. Participants can arrange and rearrange the cards to invent imaginative stories.

Another attraction is Digital Cameo, which transforms a visitor's profile image into a digital cameo design. Inspired by the traditional jewellery technique of carving raised portraits and images into materials such as agate, onyx and shell, this activity introduces an ancient art form through modern technology.

A Queensland Exhibition with a Regional Reach

‘Barbara Heath: Hidden Jewels’

The exhibition is part of QAGOMA's commitment to making art accessible and engaging for younger audiences.

Alongside the Brisbane exhibition, a touring version called Barbara Heath: Hidden Jewels Pop-Up will travel to more than 200 regional and remote galleries, community centres and schools throughout Queensland between January and October 2027.

This initiative will give children and families beyond Brisbane the opportunity to experience Heath's creative approach to jewellery, storytelling and artistic expression.

A Creative Brisbane Family Experience

‘Barbara Heath: Hidden Jewels’

GOMA's Children's Art Centre provides an opportunity for young visitors to engage with contemporary art in an interactive and welcoming environment.

Barbara Heath: Hidden Jewels is an appealing addition to Brisbane's cultural attractions, offering families a free activity that combines art, design, imagination and hands-on creativity.

Whether children are designing their own love tokens, making colourful paper jewellery or experimenting with digital cameos, the exhibition encourages them to discover that inspiration can be found in the smallest objects and the stories they hold.

For families planning a Brisbane visit, Hidden Jewels is a worthwhile cultural experience to include on the itinerary.

Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA)

Exhibition: Barbara Heath: Hidden Jewels
Opening: Saturday 7 November 2026
Location: GOMA Children's Art Centre, Brisbane
Admission: Free
Closing date: 25 July 2027
Touring exhibition: January to October 2027, across more than 200 regional and remote Queensland 
venues.
Website: https://www.qagoma.qld.gov.au/
Email: info@qagoma.qld.gov.au
Telephone: +61 7 3840 7303
Address: Gallery of Modern Art, Stanley Place, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia.

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