Featuring at the Ryan Renshaw Gallery in Fortitude Valley from 12th October until 14th November is an exhibition from Brisbane’s award winning photographer, Martin Smith.

The exhibit, entitled ‘A Perfect Price for Donny‘ will feature honest and funny photographic stories that reflect moments and memories in his life.

In past Martin Smith exhibitions, you could find people laughing at the stories he has inscribed on his photographs. Come along and be part of some of the more intimate moments in his life!

The opening reception with the Brisbane artist will take place on Friday 14th October from 6-8pm. Come along to meet the talented artist himself, but be quick because RSVPs are essential!

>Check out the gallery’s website: http://ryanrenshaw.com.au/

> Or email Ryan Renshaw Gallery for further details: gallery@ryanrenshaw.com.au

- Despina Papamanolis, QH Guest Blogger

Being a brooch collector, (M)art design store is my kind of heaven! Im so excited to announce the store at Artisan Gallery in the Valley is launching the 2010 CHERISH Christmas designer showcase range! Ceramics, accessories, treasures, unique homewares, collectables … every year there is a seductive selection of goddies to cherish this christmas! I already have my heart set one of the red pencil tip broches, as a gift ofcourse … to myself. Christmas IS about giving.

Pop into the Gallery in the Valley for some handmade craft and design delight! Grab a vino on opening night Thursday 18th Nov, 6pm- 8pm and peruse the available wares (381 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley Q 4006).  If you are in South Brisbane in the lead up to Christmas you can also stop by the 2nd (m)mart store located in the heart of South bank.

Check out their website - which now also features an online store! www.artisan.org.au/shop

Cherish Opening night + Store Info

Opening night:  Thursday 18th Nov, 6pm - 8pm FORTITUDE VALLEY 381 BRUNSWICK ST, FORTITUDE VALLEY Q 4006. General store hours: TUES - FRI 10:30am - 5:30pm & SAT 10:00am - 4:00pm PHONE 073215 0808

SOUTH BANK SHOP B13 166 GREY ST, SOUTH BANK Q 4101

SAT - TUES 11:00am - 4:00pm WED - FRI 10:30am - 7:00pm PHONE 073255 0279

- guest blooger JT from the QH web dept.

This afternoon I was watching a children’s show where the aardvark (yes, aardvark) protagonist asked the question: “I wonder what the world would be like if everyone was exactly like me?” Well, first of all, my birthday would be an international holiday and secondly, no one would give the geek in me grief. This caused my mind to linger and explore the marvelous possibility of no longer having to repress my inner geek. Yes, perhaps I should wear my nerdy elements as a badge of honour, but I’m almost positive it isn’t socially acceptable to refer to your Nintendo DSi as your significant other, nor your iPhone as your best friend…

Well, as it turns out four Brisbane locals, (more…)

Coco Republic is definitely one of the ‘go-to’ furniture showrooms in Brisbane if you are searching for something sensational that will make your room come alive. Their showroom in Fortitude Valley is filled with amazing pieces that you will want to take home with you. Everything from French Provincial dressers through to sexy Art Deco-inspired cocktail tables.

The staff are passionate about their product and to this end they have introduced a series of Lifestyle Lectures which aim to create a sense of ‘community’ around the brand. High profile industry speakers are invited to give talks on everything from property through to design and culture. “The aim is to make this an educational experience for clients, one they will learn from and take something away” says Susie Thompson, the media and events manager at Coco Republic.

Rhonda Bannister, Editor-in-chief of Graphic Publishing, along with Damian Hackett, CEO of Place Estate Agents gave one of the first lectures on September 17. On Thursday October 1, designer and architect Nic Brunner and magazine editor Margie Fraser will give the next lectures in the series. If you wish to attend please RSVP to rsvp@cocorepublic.com.au