Celebrate the unveiling of our new portrait of landscape architect, environmental educator and TV host Costa Georgiadis!
Join Costa and artist Rob McHaffie for a day of creativity, community and connection. Enjoy Storytime, get crafty in our Spring Family Space, listen to live music and explore Costa’s portrait on an interactive family tour.
In 2024, the National Portrait Gallery invited the Australian public to choose the person they wanted to see in the collection by voting in The People’s Portrait. From a shortlist of 25 remarkable Australians, Costa Georgiadis received the most votes and is now the subject of a major new commission by Rob McHaffie. The People’s Portrait was supported by the Sid & Fiona Myer Family Foundation.
Program
Welcome to Country
10:00am
The day will begin with a Welcome to Country at the entrance to the Gallery.
Plant swap: bring a plant, take a plant!
10:00am – 4:00pm
Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just starting your indoor jungle, this is your chance to green up your home. Bring along your plants, cuttings or seeds and join this community exchange while connecting with fellow plant lovers and green thumbs. Find out more here.
Badge making: Portraits in bloom
10:00am – 4:00pm
Be inspired by the In Bloom exhibition and design a badge that celebrates portraits with flowers!
Spring Family Space
10:00am – 4:30pm
Get creative all day in our Spring Family Space with different activities inspired by our bold and beautiful botanical exhibition, In Bloom and our new portrait of Costa.
Live music and food stalls
10:00am – 2:00pm
Energise with groovy tunes and good food. Dance and sing along with DJ Charlie Villas and treat yourself to delicious bites from a variety of food stalls.
Face the flora: collage portraits with Rob McHaffie
11:00am – 12:30pm
Guided by artist Rob McHaffie and inspired by his practice, collage your own flora and fauna portrait using motifs created by Rob himself. Can’t make it in the morning? No worries! The activity will remain available as a self-directed experience until 4:00pm. Drop in any time.
Portrait Play: Connecting with Costa
11:00am, 12:00pm and 2:00pm
Explore Rob McHaffie’s portrait of Costa up close. Join Gallery staff on an interactive family tour to learn more about the portrait through playful movement, conversation and artmaking. Tours are limited to 20 people and will be running at various times throughout the day. Book your spot here.
Story Time with Costa
11:30am – 12:30pm
Settle in for story time with Costa as he reads his book Costa’s Garden: Flowers. After hearing the story, get creative and make your own nature goggles! Copies of the book and goggle making will be available until 4:00pm for families to read and create together.
Costa Georgiadis and Rob McHaffie Pop-Up Talk
1:30 – 1:50pm
Join Rob and Costa for a lively conversation in front of the new portrait. Hear how their creative process and the evolving relationship between artist and sitter brought the portrait to life.
Sensory hour
3:00 – 4:00pm
The day will end with a sensory hour for visitors who would benefit from a quieter, more relaxed experience. Music will be turned down from 3:00pm with plenty of creative activities available for families to enjoy together.
