For the last ten years, Bungendore has seen steady growth in its arts and culture scene. We catch up with Susan Foxlee, one of the directors of Suki & Hugh Gallery to discuss how the town has evolved — and to get her recommendations of must-visit studios, art galleries and events.
The story of Suki & Hugh
In December 2015, Suki & Hugh Gallery was opened with the vision of creating a space where high-quality art could be showcased. Both directors were open-minded when it came to what the space would house — and as they got to personally know local and interstate artists, as well as the Bungendore community, the Gallery evolved organically.
Today, Suki & Hugh is an integral part of the Bungendore art scene, nurturing relationships with emerging and established artists alike, creating a welcoming space for collectors and art lovers to engage with diverse creative expressions.
Suki & Hugh feature new solo exhibitions every month, exposing even regular visitors to different artists, mediums and themes: “[Right now], landscape and the beauty and fragility of it is a consistent theme that is represented in so many ways across the varying mediums of glass, ceramics and painting.” In 2025, there will be four brand-new artists joining Suki & Hugh’s exhibition program, including two esteemed glassblowing and printmaking artists, and two emerging artists.
Regardless of the exhibition, visitors can always rely on Suki & Hugh for an immersive and thoughtful experience. Rather than aimlessly browsing alone, expect to talk to Susan directly and learn about the artists and processes behind the works. As Susan notes, “Everything is more meaningful in context.”
The gallery also takes great care in designing displays that enhance the experience. For example, a previous exhibition featured a large metal ring suspended from the ceiling, delicately threaded with porcelain shards that spun as visitors moved around it. “We work hard to create interesting displays and to really showcase the work in the best way possible,” explains Susan.
Susan Foxlee, Suki & Hugh Gallery
Bungendore’s artistic evolution
While the iconic Bungendore Wood Works Gallery has long been a draw for visitors — it’s been operating for over 40 years — more galleries and creative spaces have sprung up over the years, attracting art lovers from all over.
“Visitors often remark on how much there is to see. Each local gallery has a distinct offering so there really is something to suit everyone’s needs. And it is a great spot because the galleries are all within walking distance.” says Susan. “Our neighbour Xanthe at X Gallery is a talented silver smith and celebrated 20 years of trading last year. New on the street is Water Through Reeds who have opening events with live music, and the Bungendore Fine Arts Gallery always has a variety of local painters on show.”
There are several noteworthy studios and galleries that are not typically open to the public. To discover these, Susan recommends taking part in the QPRC Arts Trail, an annual program that has been held annually since 2006. Across three weekends, studios, creative practitioners and galleries in Bungendore, Queanbeyan and Braidwood open their doors, activate public spaces, and connect with art lovers from near and far.
What’s also captured the attention of both locals and visitors is Bungendore’s thriving food, wine and coffee scene. The Malbon, located in a beautifully restored heritage building, is a place where you can enjoy both Bungendore’s art and food offerings — with a café and a curated collection of photography, clayworks and contemporary art.
Bungendore galleries: X Gallery, Jerusha McDowell Photography & Fine Art, Bungendore Wood Works Gallery
Bringing art home
As personal as art is to the maker, it is also personal to the collector. “Once, I brought a large framed photographic piece out from the stockroom to show a customer. She had an immediate and negative reaction. Five minutes later while I was looking for another option, she had totally changed her opinion on the artwork and bought it on the spot. She later wrote me an email to let me know how much she enjoyed the artwork every day in her home!” shares Susan.
Being spoiled for choice in Bungendore can indeed make it difficult to decide. Suki & Hugh’s art consultancy service takes the guesswork out of the process, offering tailored advice to help you select or commission pieces that resonate with your space. This service ensures that art is not only admired but integrated into your daily life.
In 2025, Suki & Hugh will celebrate their 10th anniversary — and they will certainly mark this milestone in style. This year, Bungendore locals will be proud to see their own region represented in paintings and lino prints by local and interstate artists (“It is interesting to see a new perspective on the place we are so familiar with,” says Susan) — and for the first time ever, the Gallery directors will also exhibit their original photography works. With so much to explore, the time to visit this beautiful village, with historic buildings and a rich history of bushrangers and graziers, is now.
Suki & Hugh Gallery, Bungendore Railway Station, Water Through Reeds Gallery
Written by Thuc Do for Visit Queanbeyan-Palerang.