A former Eltham High School student has been selected as Nillumbik's 2026 Midsumma Rainbow Exhibition solo artist.
Tess Hider, a 23-year-old soft sculpture self-portraiture artist, has taken part in group exhibitions and had a solo exhibition at First Site Gallery in the city, but says the Nillumbik Rainbow Exhibition is particularly special for her.
"I'm really excited to be exhibiting locally! When I exhibited in the city it was great to reach such a large audience, but an exhibition in my own backyard has more significance to me," Tess said.
Tess wants her exhibition, Queer bodies, to be fun for visitors, as well as encourage them to reflect on the messages in her art.
"I hope people enjoy the fun, pop art-ish aesthetic of the work and can also look deeper at the meanings and theory behind the artworks. I wanted to showcase the shared parallel experiences of marginalised communities, in this case, the disabled community and the LGBTIQA+ community," Tess said.
Mayor Naomi Joiner said she hopes visitors take the time to view the exhibition.
"It's a joy to be able to platform an up-and-coming young artist from Nillumbik," Cr Joiner said.
"Tess' art explores the perspectives of different communities and invites us to see the world through her eyes."
The Nillumbik Rainbow Exhibition is held annually and presented as part of the Midsumma Festival, which celebrates LGBTIQA+ art and culture throughout Victoria. All are welcome at the celebration event and to view the exhibition at Eltham Library Community Gallery.
Celebration event: 6.30pm-8.30pm, Friday 30 January - register via link below
Exhibition dates: Friday 23 January – Sunday 1 March
Banner making workshop with Tess Hider: 10am-11.30am, Saturday 7 February – a fun and relaxed event where you can make a small felt banner that expresses your identity and emotion
Midsumma Festival 2026 will run from Sunday 18 January to Sunday 8 February.
nillumbik.vic.gov.au/queer-bodies
