We are delighted to report that two artists from Climate Action Merri-bek — Maggie Cowling and Nina Killham — are exhibiting their artwork in the Merri-bek Summer Show: Love in Crisis, now showing at the Counihan Gallery, at Brunswick Town Hall.

A large crowd attending the opening of the art exhibition on October 8. Congratulation to CAM Convenor Maggie Cowling, who won the Climate Activism prize for her portrait of the late John Englart, formerly the Convenor of CAM. The free exhibition is open until December 18. You can also vote for the People’s Choice award. Thanks to Brunswick Voice for their detailed article on the exhibition and Maggie Cowling’s work.

Maggie Cowling’s description of her artwork “John Englart”.

John Englart (1955 – 2025) was a devoted climate activist who worked tirelessly for his community with love and compassion, and him community loved him right back. John recognised that the climate crisis requires action at all levels if we are to keep our communities and nature safe: so he became a full-time volunteer citizen journalist and activist analysing climate reports, making submissions, writing to politicians and convening Climate Action Merri-bek. He attended local meetings and events to contribute, participate and report. He was a cheery and familiar sight on the bike paths of Merri-bek, with his beloved chihuahuas in his basket — their love easing his climate anxiety and supporting his work. This portrait was begun some months before John’s death (and finished just afterwards) to express the community’s love for John, his vision and his commitment.

Nina Killham’s description of her artwork “Love is a Beach”

I’ll always remember the time my husband brought me to my first Australian beach. It was the most beautiful place — white sands, turquoise water, an electric blue sky. The transformation in my husband was beautiful too. A normally serious professor became a surfing teenager dashing towards the waves. He’d grown up on the soft sand, the shock of the cold water, the endless gaze across the horizon. The love of the beach had been nurtured deep inside him. As climate changes these beaches — causing erosion, aggressive algae blooms and storms — this love is under threat. The classic Australian love is in crisis. Let’s work together to save its beauty and survival.