A vibrant celebration of local creativity transformed Port Kembla's The Servo into a hub of artistic expression and community spirit last Saturday. The Arts to Hearts gallery and show fundraiser drew crowds from across the Illawarra region for a day dedicated to art, music, and charitable giving.
A Showcase of Local Talent for a Vital Cause
The free community event, held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, was a resounding success. It featured an impressive collection of works from more than 30 local artists, offering a diverse and curated look at the area's creative pulse. A major highlight was a captivating three-hour live drawing session, where attendees could watch art come to life in real time.
Beyond the exhibition, the event had a profound purpose: to raise funds for Kind Hearts Illawarra. This vital local charity, founded in 2017, is dedicated to supporting individuals and families in the Illawarra who are experiencing homelessness. Every piece of art admired and every moment enjoyed contributed directly to this cause.
The Heart of the Community on Display
The Servo provided the perfect backdrop for this fusion of art and altruism. Artists and organisers, including Kawa Smith, Ashlyn Fisher, Jessica Aragones, and Hiro Nakazawa, were on hand, embodying the community-driven spirit of the day. The event successfully blended a gallery atmosphere with the energy of a live show, creating an accessible and engaging experience for all who attended.
This initiative demonstrates how local venues and creative networks can mobilise to address pressing social issues. By turning an art show into a fundraiser, the organisers channelled the region's cultural capital into tangible support for its most vulnerable residents.
Strengthening Community Bonds Through Creativity
The success of the Arts to Hearts event underscores the powerful role arts and culture play in fostering community cohesion and driving social change. It provided a platform for emerging and established artists alike while directing public attention and resources toward the critical work of Kind Hearts Illawarra.
Events like this are essential for regional towns like Port Kembla, highlighting how creativity can be a catalyst for connection, conversation, and compassionate action. The funds raised will aid the charity in continuing its mission, proving that a community's heart can indeed be reflected in its art.
