From contemporary exhibitions to online sales to ‘mud chucking’, the Inverell Art Gallery is open to everyone.

Armidale’s own New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) is celebrating 40 years in the New England Community this year. FOUND Regional recently chatted with the gallery’s Director, Rachael Parsons, about where it all began, the highs along the way, and plans afoot for the next 40 years.

Contemporary Indigenous artist Lauren Freestone never dreamed of people buying her art, instead imagining painting would remain a hobby outside of her paid work. Today, her pieces grace the walls of homes countrywide. She’s constantly inspired by her childhood spent beneath the Scotts Head sun, her family, their story, the country they call home and the stars above.

We shine a spotlight on four incredible female artists from across the region, thanks to Jim A. Barker’s project in progress, Artisans of the New England.

Carole Hollebrandse, tragic Francophile and dedicated consumer of pastries and chocolate, couldn’t knock back this gig. Though as a former teacher, she had to give us a lesson on the origins of the croissant – which apparently was in Austria in the 13th century when they were called kipferl and were denser than today’s version.

Maryann Dooner has created so much more than a beauty salon – instead offering a tonic for our souls, a place to pause, take a breath and be nurtured. Here she shares her story on how she came to be the proud owner of Skin and Tonic, Armidale.

James Lander, a contemporary photographer from Nambucca Heads, shares his story on overcoming trauma, flirting with suicide and learning how to share his story for the greater good.

Matt Meehan might be known locally for his financial smarts and friendly smile, but there’s more than meets the eye to this pillar of the Armidale community.

Steph Wells and Mike Portley’s Newcastle-based restaurant HUMBUG is living proof they know what they’re doing when it comes to good food, good wine and good times.