“Pretty Much” Portraits and Stories by Andy Ferg
Published on 11 February 2026
Central Goldfields Art Gallery launches its 2026 exhibition program with “Pretty Much”, a compelling new portrait exhibition by Avoca-based artist Andy Ferg. Join us for a celebration to launch the exhibition at 2pm on Saturday 14 February.
At the heart of Pretty Much is a simple but powerful idea: real people and the extraordinary stories they carry. Through a series of large-scale mixed-media portraits, Andy Ferg captures individuals he has encountered while travelling across Victoria on his Royal Enfield 650 motorcycle. These meetings are never planned. They unfold through chance conversations, curiosity, and Andy’s self-described role as a “relentless, joyful stickybeak” who’ll talk to anyone, anywhere.
Central Goldfields Shire Deputy Mayor Councillor Anna de Villiers said it was fantastic to see a portrait exhibition at our Gallery.
“It’s a very special experience, to read the story of each of his subjects and then see how Andy Ferg has interpreted his chance meetings in his art. This is an exciting process, and fascinating to explore.”
“This exhibition is another wonderful example of how our Gallery can proudly display the work of local artists alongside national and international works, bringing rich culture to our Shire.”
From poets and bushmen to artists and a former forensic scientist, Andy Ferg’s subjects in Pretty Much come from every corner of life. Each portrait reflects not only a face, but a lived story — tales of survival, love, resilience and hardship that are often untold and rarely heard. Andy’s work shines a light on everyday people who may never have considered themselves remarkable, yet whose experiences reveal just how special they truly are.
“I live in regional Victoria, which I love,” Andy says. “I’ve tried a lot in my life: I’ve been a cleaner, a factory worker, an usher, a cartoonist, a filmmaker, a father and an artist - sometimes all at once.”
“I like a challenge. I’ve travelled widely, interviewed politicians, celebrities and CEOs… but the most interesting people with the best stories are real people. True stories. Stories of survival and journeys of love and unbelievable hardship.
“I really appreciate people trusting me with their stories. It feels like a gift. So to honour them, I paint them — a special portrait for very special people. So yeah, here they are. Pretty Much.”
The exhibition opening promises a welcoming and celebratory atmosphere, with food, drinks and plenty of laughter. Visitors are invited to bring a Valentine, a friend, or simply themselves.
Pretty Much by Andy Ferg will be opened by Central Goldfields Mayor Councillor Ben Green at 2pm, Saturday 14 February at Central Goldfields Art Gallery. All are welcome.
The exhibition is free to visit and will be on display at Central Goldfields Art Gallery from 12 February to 17 May 2026
Central Goldfields Art Gallery is in the Old Fire Station, 1 Neill Street, Maryborough.
The Gallery is open from Thursday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm, and entry is free.
For more information, visit www.centralgoldfieldsartgallery.com.au
For more information and interviews, contact Central Goldfields Shire Communications and Engagement team at media@cgoldshire.vic.gov.au
[IMAGE CAPTION: Andy Ferg, Jim (Detail), 2026. Mixed media on canvas. 110 x 110cm]