Barbara Heath: Hidden Jewels
QAGOMA
Updated: Nov 05, 2026
Little creatives can design their own jewellery, explore gemstones and get hands-on with art at Barbara Heath: Hidden Jewels, a free interactive exhibition opening at GOMA’s Children’s Art Centre on November 7.
Developed by Brisbane-based jeweller Barbara Heath in collaboration with QAGOMA, the exhibition invites young visitors into the imaginative world of one of Queensland’s most celebrated jewellers, with a series of interactive activities inspired by her five-decade career.
Known as ‘Jeweller to the Lost’, Heath has spent more than 50 years creating unique pieces using metals, gemstones and found objects, often working closely with clients to create jewellery that tells a personal story.
There will be plenty of opportunities for little artists to get creative, with a collection of hands-on activities designed to bring her practice to life. Children can design their own meaningful keepsake through Love Tokens, create wearable necklaces and bracelets using paper strips and collage in Paper Chains, or build imaginative stories with a communal set of illustrated cards in Make Your Own Story.
There's also Digital Cameo, where visitors can transform their own profile image into a digital cameo design, inspired by the traditional jewellery-making technique.
Alongside the activities, families can explore an eclectic display of Heath’s jewellery, gemstones, cameos, small sculptures and objects from her home and studio, offering a glimpse into the materials and inspirations behind her work.
Running until July 25, 2027, the free exhibition is a lovely opportunity to introduce younger audiences to the world of contemporary art, jewellery and design.
Image credits:
Image 1 - During an activity trial for ‘Barbara Heath: Hidden Jewels’, GOMA, Brisbane, 2026 / Photograph: C Callistemon © QAGOMA
Image 2 - A tray of cameos in Barbara Heath’s Brisbane studio, June 2026 / Photograph: C Callistemon © QAGOMA
Image 3 - During an activity trial for ‘Barbara Heath: Hidden Jewels’, GOMA, Brisbane, 2026 / Photograph: C Callistemon © QAGOMA
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