The original Artists Shed began in 2004 in the back blocks of Queanbeyan, where Margaret Hadfield and Dennis Mortimer had their studio spaces.  They combined ideas and constructed a unique rustic gallery space for their own work and others.  Mal Motum (the Colonel) proved a strong supporter of the ‘Shed’, helping with many aspects (even though not an artist).  There were monthly exhibitions from the infamous ‘Shed Nudes’ in a Major Japanese art project, supported by Queanbeyan Council.  There was a unity in the passion for the arts.

Tim Keeble made an indelible mark on the ‘Shed’ by bringing talented musicians with regular wonderful performances.  Sadly, Tim died suddenly and all who knew him continue to mourn him.

The building was sold and the Artists Shed ended as such.  Dennis now has a studio in industrial Queanbeyan called ‘The Bunker’, where he continues running art classes and an ‘underground’ music venue.

Margaret also continues her art practice in Canberra and was offered the current location in Fyshwick by the Terzi family which provided her with opportunities to expand the original concept of the Artists Shed.  Working on a typically minimalist budget and no government support, aided by determination, hard work and her circle of friends, a new Artists Shed was born in 2019.  Discarded doors were used for walls and the concept of recycling and upcycling became the underlying theme of the Artists Shed.

Margaret is now the sole proprietor of the ‘Artists Shed’.  Besides housing Margaret’s personal studio, it also contains Margaret Hadfield’s Art Gallery, an Art Supply store and spaces to run an extensive art school program with tutors covering a variety of mediums.

The creativity is again now extended to having the Sheds’ Emerging Artists’ Gallery.  There is enormous pride in being able to survive in the commercial world with supportive friends and a strong community spirit.

The Artists Shed provides a lovely supportive space for the up and coming new artists to present their work.  The Artists Shed is also committed to doing its part in considering the waste of all art materials.

Margaret’s Story……..

Margaret Hadfield –Zorgdrager was born and raised NSW country town of Coonabarabran.  Her parents had emigrated to Australia in 1951 from the island of Terschelling, the Netherlands. 

From a very early age she displayed artistic talent and sold her first painting when she was only 13.  Margaret perfected her craft through self-development and was inspired by nature’s beauty.  Light flows through her seascapes/landscapes; very large murals and portraiture.  Margaret has held several successful solo exhibitions, including one in the Netherlands.

In 2004 Margaret visited the infamous Gallipoli Peninsula, in Türkiye, which changed her artist life.  The visit had a profound effect on Margaret, as she wanted to take her own imagery and ideas into her art and began to explore history through the landscape.  In 2006 Margaret entered and won the inaugural Gallipoli Art Prize and her Gallipoli Series number 24 military themed paintings commemorating the service and sacrifice of Australian service personnel.

Six of these were exhibited by the Australian Government between 2010 and 2012 in the Netherlands, Turkey and France.  This series were exhibited widely over the ensuing years, commencing with a solo exhibition in the Griffith Regional Gallery, NSW, in April, May 2015, followed by a solo exhibition in “The Q”, Queanbeyan, NSW in June 2015, and then on to Singleton Library, NSW, and then Corowa Art Gallery.

Margaret continues to enter the Gallipoli Art Prize each year since 2006 and nearly all these conceptual works have been finalists in the Gallipoli Art Prize or other major prizes.  Some of the more than 25 Margaret’s entries to the Prize can be viewed at the Artists Shed.

Margaret has been a resident artist in the Canberra region for more than 30 years, firstly as the co-founder of the Artist’s Shed, and now her own gallery called the Artists Shed in Fyshwick.  Margaret paints in all mediums and her landscapes, portraits have featured in numerous art awards, including the Fisher’s Ghost Art Prize, Paddington Art Prize, Peter Norville Art Prize, Country Energy Art Prize, Portia Geach Portrait Prize and Shirley Hannan Portrait Prize.

In 2013 Helen Reddy, Natasha Stott Despoja, Geraldine Cox, Prof. Fiona Wood, Matilda House-Williams and Lauren Jackson, each ‘sat’ for portraits which Margaret painted.

In 2014, Margaret’s painting of the 2013 Royal Australian Navy (RAN) fleet entry was purchased by the National Maritime Museum, Sydney, and her painting of HMAS Perth now hangs onboard the warship.  In 2014 Margaret was special guest of the RAN when her painting of the submarine AE1 was used by the media and official ceremonies in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea.

Margaret started teaching whilst still operating from the old Artists Shed in Queanbeyan.  Her unique teaching style has developed from this vast experience and her knowledge of visual artist supplies.  She now runs a range of art lessons, from teaching beginners to mentoring emerging artists who had previously attended her painting lessons.  Periodically, Margaret also runs ‘Special Courses’ of varying themes, including Seascapes, Portraiture and Gum Trees.

Introducing the Artists in Residence

Caroline Jeppesen……..

Caroline Jeppesen is a Canberra-based artist and art teacher.
She works mainly in oils but teaches a range of mediums.  

Caroline is a multi-disciplinary artist who works across many mediums, with oils anchoring her major works. 

After years of painting, she left full-time employment in 2025 to focus on creating and teaching art.  Caroline teaches beginners and developing artists, known for her patient guidance, clear step by step instruction and ability to make even the most hesitant painter feel like a creative genius. 

Her Paint-and-Sip sessions for adults and teens are lively, relaxed and full of laughs with students often amazed at the artwork they produce.  Whether hosting a social workshop or guiding a more structured class, Caroline creates an encouraging environment when people feel supported, inspired and proud of what they create. 

“I love that I can share my passion with others.  Now more than ever, people are wanting to spend time on activities that nourish their mind and tap into a creative side.  Art is a truly human endeavour, it brings people together, encourages connection, and brings joy.  In my own work, I find great calm in reflecting the beauty of our world: the magic of a sunset or a delicate flower”

Benjemin van Eldik

Benjemin is an artist who works from within and follows his intuition.  You will not see photographs or imagery that he is trying to reproduce, as he draws from a meditative space.

Benjemin uses art as his place of solace as a therapy helping to heal and recover from a life time of trauma.  The drawn marks seem to be an unconscious response and instinctive flow which can change constantly with moods and memories.

Benjemin uses mixed media, including strong coffee and tea in many works.  It is quire something to see Benjemin at ‘play’ and in the zone.

He has exhibited internationally.

Dennis Mortimer

Dennis has over 20 years of teaching experience and runs classes at CIT Solutions Short Courses in Bruce campus (see CIT website), his own studio – The Bunker Arts Studio, Queanbeyan (fb Bunker Arts Group) and the Artists Shed in Fyshwick.

Much of Dennis’ work questions aspects of society and he utilises various techniques, materials, and mediums in his endeavour to explore, examine and communicate ideas through aesthetic mediums. 

He has a Degree in visual arts and a Master Degree in visual culture from the ANU.