DROMKEEN Gallery and Tearoom at Riddells Creek will host an exhibition featuring acclaimed children picture-book creators, from November 12 to April 28, 2024.
The opening of the exhibition Between the Pages on November 12, will include Windy Hollow Books senior editor Cristina Pase launching Mark Wilson’s new picture-book ‘Caroline’, based on humanitarian worker Caroline Chislom, known for her work for Australia’s family welfare and female immigrants in the 1800s.
Authors and illustrators Leigh Hobbs, Ann James, Gabrielle Wang and Mark Wilson, who have all contributed to Australia’s children literature, will be present to sign books and talk about their work.

Dromkeen owner Bernadette Joiner said each picture-book creator would bring something individual to the exhibition.
“They’ve each got their own individual style and so it’ll be a presentation or a collaboration of people who have great audiences in terms of readership and following,” she said.
At 2pm on November 12, Mark Wilson will host a drawing workshop for people of any age interested in drawing wild creatures.
“That’ll be a lot of fun, he’s got such a rapport with children and with anyone really, any age group, so anyone who’s even interested in just sitting in on the drawing session is very welcome to do that,” Ms Joiner said.
Built in 1889, Dromkeen was once the country estate of judge Arthur Chomley and later became home to the renowned Dromkeen Picture Book Art Collection.
Ms Joiner and her family purchased the business 10 years ago after the gallery was closed for a couple of years.
When she opened its doors, a tearoom was added to allow visitors to have light tea and breakfast at the cafe, which is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm.
“Since we opened up the gallery, we’ve had a lot of different fantastic exhibitions here, mainly featuring the work of fabulous Australian children’s picture-book creators, so we’re just continuing with the history of that,” Ms Joiner said.
“Dromkeen is a really unique and very special place that we’re lucky enough to have in the Macedon Ranges, and the thing is, most of what we do here is about investing into people’s lives.
“One of the things I love, which I think is so important, is bringing that love of picture-storybooks to the next generation – but it doesn’t matter how young or old we are, we can all still have a passion and a love of children’s literature.”
The opening of the Between the Pages exhibition is on November 12, from 12.45pm to 2pm, followed by a Drawing Our Wild Creatures workshop with Mark Wilson. RSVP to bernadette@dromkeen.com.au for the opening and book launch and drawing workshop.
All books, original artwork, print and cards are available for sale on the day at the gallery, located 1012 Kilmore Road, Riddells Creek.