Artist in Residence – Kathrine Selmer Johansen
Kathrine Selmer Johansen is our artist-in-residence, working primarily in painting, textiles, and mixed media. She is available for commissions.
You’ll find a diverse selection of works and offerings in the space, including:
Original artworks and commissions
Handwoven silk and cotton accessories
Exhibitions by local and national artists
Crafts, gifts, preloved clothing, and curios
An arts venue available for retreats, exhibitions, workshops, and other creative events
Adjacent to the gallery is our function centre, which was once the hotel’s main bar and now also showcases a rotating display of artworks.
We’ll be participating in Art Trails Tasmania https://arttrailstasmania.com.au/whats-on/ will be holding regular exhibitions and are members of Destination Southern Tasmania https://southerntasmania.com.au/media-releases/
Kathrine (Katrina) Selmer Johansen – Artist Statement
July 2025
I am an artist and designer with a lifelong passion for creativity. I have been painting for over 50 years and began formal training and selling my work from the age of 15. My artistic journey has focused on exploring a variety of techniques and mediums to develop my own style—characterised by the use of acrylics, oils, and encaustic (wax) to create bold textures and vibrant colour. I also have a keen interest in many forms of craft and am an avid knitter.
I began sewing at a very young age and always loved fashion. After a successful career in fashion modelling, I ran my own business as a fashion designer, creating three of my own clothing ranges. I designed, made the patterns and prototypes, and manufactured the garments, which were sold and distributed across Australia.
After a life-changing accident necessitated a career change, I began studying Psychology and Anthropology. In 1993, I travelled to Thailand to research and write a thesis on child prostitution—an experience that profoundly shaped my worldview. I presented my findings at the University of Canberra and later spoke at numerous Peace and Human Rights Congresses around Australia. I also became an advocate for ECPAT (End Child Prostitution in Asia), giving talks that inspired many young people to pursue careers in international law and human rights.
From 1993 to 2015, I consulted with orphanages in Thailand, Cambodia, and Indonesia to support children recovering from trauma and abuse. I also volunteered my time to help children, small villages and groups of disabled children teaching design and sewing to build independent, self-sufficient lives. I owned a gallery in Western Australia where I sold products I designed, with a portion of the profits supporting the Sunrise Children’s Village in Cambodia, founded by Geraldine Cox, where I also taught design and sewing to the children.
More recently, I created an Australiana Range of designer products, some of which are available at the Unexpected Gallery at the Parattah Railway Hotel—a heritage property my husband and I purchased and began restoring in 2022. I also plan to run workshops there.
I am available for commissions and offer consultations to help clients choose styles, colours, and imagery they love. A selection of my original paintings is on display to showcase the different approaches I work in.
