Gallery's latest exhibition opening this weekend

Published on 22 June 2026

Central Goldfields Art Gallery’s latest exhibition RAGGED & TAGGED & FLAGGED Caroline Chisholm, Domesticity and the Victorian Goldfields by Dr Flossie Peitsch will be officially opened this weekend.

The event is open to the community to attend and will be held at 2pm on Saturday 27 June and will be on display until 11 October 2026.

Have you ever wondered what happens to unfinished craftwork - does it lie forever wasting away, neglected in some op shop? Not if Flossie finds it!

Maryborough local, Dr Flossie Peitsch, reclaims discarded handwork and transforms these textile foundlings into fine art. Her self-set task is to alter the textiles as little as possible when allowing the artwork to emerge intuitively. She ponders over discarded materials, then cuts, curls, adds buttons, braid, and other oddments as each piece evolved in its own way.

Dr. Flossie Peitsch says, “I challenge myself by raising the creative bar ever higher - for over 50+ years. Sometimes, it is almost out of sight but I haven’t outdone myself yet! There is still lots of ‘doing’ to explore.”

In this exhibition, mixed media textile artistry becomes the vehicle for imaginatively reinstating Caroline Chisholm into her rightful place in the Goldfields history. Pillowcases, placemats, saris, blankets, floor rugs, embroideries and weavings, alongside paper parcel tags and buttons, form a domesticated language of protest.

As part of the installation, visitors are invited to inscribe the names and roles of unheralded women – both past and present – from the Victorian goldfields. Sharing stories of strong women being recognised for being themselves’ is central to the work, with Peitsch’s practice contributing to a growing global call for a renewed recognition for women in society.

Dr Flossie Peitsch, 72, is currently a PhD candidate at Federation University, Ballarat, and this exhibition will form part of her thesis on Caroline Chisholm.

The exhibition will be opened by Anthony Camm, Manager, Eureka Centre Ballarat

Prior to the exhibition opening, a procession of ‘flags’ created by Flossie Peitsch will take place, with the flags becoming part of the exhibition installation.

A free community workshop will be held at 2pm on Sunday 19 July 2026. Attendees will have the opportunity to make a mini finger-hooked rug with Dr Flossie Pietsch.

Central Goldfields Art Gallery is located at the Old Fire Station, 1 Neill Street, Maryborough. The Gallery is open Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm and entry is free.

For more information, visit www.centralgoldfieldsartgallery.com.au