My Experience of Facts and Figurines by Lucy Juhnke

at the Arts Mid North Coast Port Central Make/Space

As part of my role as business curator and inhouse photographer at Sunset Framing & Gallery, I often find myself stepping into exhibitions wearing two hats — part documenter, part admirer. What begins as a simple visit to take photos often turns into something deeper: a reminder of why I love what I do. This visit to Facts and Figurines by Lucy Juhnke was one of those moments.

Colour, Character, and CharmLucy standing before her wall of works — a joyful blend of whimsy and warmth. Each piece, from miniature frames to bold canvases, tells a story that extends far beyond the wall.

Heading into the pop-up gallery that is tucked inside Port Central Shopping Center, near IGA, I weaved my way through shoppers and kids, a mix of tired exasperation and excitement was buzzing around the shopping center, kids out and about and parents trying to tick of chores and parental commitments while weaving past the daily shopper just out for the adventure.

Then I came through the crowd lined up for fresh bread and I got my first glimps of the exhibition, now it was my turn for excitement. Already familiar with Lucy’s work through digitizing her pieces for reproduction (and of course following along on socials), I had an idea of what I might find. But what I got was so much more.

A Space for StorytellingLucy’s exhibition space felt like stepping into her mind — rugs, chairs, paintings, and in-progress canvases all working together as part of the conversation.

Lucy had curated the entire space like an artwork itself — bursts of colour, stories on the walls, and a thoughtful mix of large statement pieces and those that took up a small space on the wall but spoke loudly to the eye. She had created little moments of story within the space, each in conversation with the artworks, and the artworks, in turn, seemed to speak back.

In the centre of the room, seating invited conversation — both with one another and, silently, with the art. A curation of multiple opportunities for connection. Then beside that stands an easel with a work in progress. As my eyes took in the details, people moved gently through the space, pausing to admire, to feel. And in the middle of it all — a smiling face greeting me. All of this happened within seconds of the space greeting my eye and my soul.

Then Lucy and I chatted. She shared her time, her stories, and the process behind the works and their placement. Her energy filled the room — expressive, honest, and full of delight.

Conversations Through ReflectionLucy at work within her exhibition Facts and Figurines, her reflection softly framed through the gallery window — a quiet dialogue between artist, space, and story.

We took a few photos — my language of choice. Lucy stood in front of the easel chatting with ease, pausing every so often mid-sentence as her eye, mind, and brush seemed to hold their own conversation. Without realising, she’d pick up her words again while her hand flicked across the canvas — layering the story as she spoke.

The Language of BrushstrokesA close-up of Lucy’s hand mid-mark, layering colour and energy onto canvas — a glimpse into the living rhythm of creation. The details that will later become part of the digitized archive of her work.

I smiled inwardly, witnessing that connection between artist, soul, and paint — a rare privilege. Most artists create in the quiet moments of their day, tucked away in the studio. To see that intimacy in a public space — to witness the process and hear the thoughts as they unfold — was something truly special.

As we moved around the space taking more photos, my mind began to fill with light, composition, backgrounds, and texture. I felt pockets of connection as I recognised works I’d previously digitized — alive with colour and story. Then new works caught my eye, pulling me into their narratives. For a moment, I drifted off in thought, lost in the imagery — until I realised Lucy had continued speaking. I smiled; we both moved forward as if that small moment of pause had simply joined the conversation.

Morning Pause, Creative PulseA quiet moment of reflection — Lucy with her cup in hand, surrounded by layers of colour, story, and emotion. The art behind her speaks volumes of introspection and joy.

On the table sat a delightful collection of merchandise — art prints, t-shirts, cards — and my heart lit up. Seeing the results of my reproduction work displayed like that always makes me glow with quiet pride. While the artworks aren’t mine, I feel like the aunty who has watched them grow — proud to see them standing tall, being seen, worn, and lived with.

It’s such a privilege to be trusted with preserving and reproducing another artist’s vision. To see it now, shining in this space, fills me with joy.

When it was time to leave, I found myself reluctant to go. I wanted to linger, to spend more time with each piece. I paused to choose a favourite — my eye flitted from one to another: a whimsical bus-as-hand-as-artwork caught my attention first; then two others spoke through colour and tone. “That’s the one,” I thought. But just as I settled, another artwork — larger, quieter — drew me in. It stopped me mid-thought. Its story wove itself around me, its stillness holding me there. “No… that’s the one,” I whispered (or perhaps said aloud). It had taken a little piece of my heart. ~ want to see which artwork that was? Click here ~

Now today as I write this there is a another piece, one that shares a story with me and I feel the need to revisit it, maybe it needs to sit on my wall, to remind me of the strength, the story and the journey that got me here, reminding me of something that sits within me, a roar and a fire that is happy to sit in the background, a quiet strength that can be leaned into if pushed and this artwork reminds me of a time I was pushed, mentally and emotionally beaten on, squashed, broken and bruised but then the roar, the fire stood up and showed itself. Thats what that artwork reminds me of ..maybe thats the one that needs to live on my wall.

That’s the power of art: it can simply sit beautiful on a wall, but it also has the strength to speak — sometimes telling the artist’s story, and sometimes whispering our own back to us.

Thank you, Lucy. It was a joy to share that space with you and a privilege to play even a small part in helping your art reach new eyes. The way you turned that entire space into an artwork of conversation and expression — absolutely beautiful.

Art in ConversationLucy sits among her paintings — artworks layered with music, memory, and play. Every detail, from the handbag to the books, becomes part of the larger narrative she’s creating.

Every exhibition I visit reminds me how powerful it is to see an artwork live beyond the studio. Through art digitization, I get to help artists preserve their originals, create prints that carry their stories further, and make their work more accessible to collectors and admirers alike.

If you would like to find Lucy and her art here a few links to track her down
Lucy's Facebook Page  Lucy's Instagram  Lucy's website portfolio

Bought the Book, Never Read It Insitu 3 Sick Day (View from Bed) Insitu 3 Shoot for the Moon Insitu 3

This trio is a set of artworks I imaged ready for reproduction for Lucy last year - they look amazing as prints.

If you’re an artist on the Mid North Coast looking to reproduce your artwork with accuracy and care, you can learn more about my Art Digitization & Fine Art Reproduction Services BY CLICKING HERE

Until next time — may we keep celebrating art that speaks, connects, and reimagines the world around us.

📸 Cherie Rayner, Reimagined Images

The Artist at WorkFocused and grounded, Lucy adds a few more touches to her piece. Behind her, a wall alive with texture and colour — a visual dialogue between past and present works.