Joy Le Cerf: Landscape painter, illustrator and children’s author

The Nulla Nulla Regional Gallery presents a new exhibition by visual artist Joy Le Cerf, offering visitors a gentle invitation to slow down, reconnect with nature, and rediscover a sense of childlike wonder.

Inspired by local rainforest landscapes, Le Cerf’s practice is deeply rooted in a lifelong appreciation for the natural environment. Drawn to forests from childhood, her work reflects a quiet curiosity and reverence for these spaces, exploring the calming and restorative qualities of nature — particularly forests and flowing water — and their ability to soothe the mind and ease everyday tensions.

The exhibition emerged from moments spent walking in nature with her grandchildren. Le Cerf observed noticeable behavioural shifts and moments of stillness as they immersed themselves in natural surroundings. Witnessing the profound calming effect of these environments inspired her to communicate this experience more broadly, encouraging others to slow down and reconnect with the natural world. This impulse has also informed her illustrated children’s books, extending the themes of her visual art practice to younger audiences.

Landscape painter, illustrator and children’s author Joy Le Cerf will showcase paintings and hand illustrations that she used in her books.

We will also host a book reading for school groups and a tree-making craft exercise.

Opening event: Saturday 28 February 2026 at Nulla Nulla Regional Gallery, with light refreshments and free food. Everyone is invited.

Sponsored by Arts Mid North Coast