FOR as long as he can remember, Glen Smith has had an artistic streak just waiting to emerge.
Dabbling with the arts through school and early adulthood saw Glen not only have a paintbrush in has hand, but he also could be seen treading the boards in amateur theatre.
But alas, like many things, they come to an abrupt end when reality hits and one must enter the workforce.
For years, Glen did not lift a brush, until many years later, producing works and entering the local shows in and around Ipswich including Kalbar, Marburg, Boonah, Rosewood.
This process gave Glen the confidence to continue painting, and he was rewarded along the way with many wins and accolades.
Fast forward a few years and Glen would be rewarded with Ipswich Australia Day Cultural Award in 2018 Community Event of the Year in 2019 and 2021, recipient of 2 Ipswich City Medallions, as well as in 2021 being awarded the Ipswich Citizen of The Year for his contributions and commitment to community within the arts –all truly well-deserved accolades.
Glen has been President of Ipswich Arts Connect Inc for the past eight years and is heavily involved in the art culture of Ipswich.
He is involved in promoting art and culture within the Ipswich Region as well as assisting artists and community groups in exhibiting, workshops, raising funds for charity and contributing in creating a better liveable community through art.
Under Glen’s guidance, Ipswich Arts Connect Inc has seen significant membership growth, with nearly 200 financial members enjoying the community involvement in all forms of the arts including visual, performance, literature, workshops, artist retreats and more.
What’s next for Glen?
Well, creating does not get a chance to rest these days, with multiple works under way for Boonah Arts Festival, Ipswich Art Awards and Black Snake Creek Arts Festival.
He currently has works on display and for sale in the Booval Fair Arts Connect Community Gallery.
