State Library of Queensland

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Join us for a conversation with acclaimed Australian artist Helga Groves, whose multidisciplinary practice spans painting, sculpture, weaving, drawing and animation.Grounded in extensive research, Groves’ work explores deep geological time, natural phenomena and the physical properties of the environments she encounters. Through meticulous mark-making, layered tonal fields and abstract forms, her practice translates first-hand observations of diverse landscapes into immersive compositions that evoke the rhythm, luminosity and materiality of place.In this discussion with art historian Michele Helmrich, Groves will reflect on her creative process, the role of field research in shaping her work, and how memory, environment and abstraction continue to inform her evolving practice.About Portrait of an artistThis event is part of Portrait of an artist, a series showcasing the James C Sourris AM collection of artist interviews held at State Library. Audiences will experience a screening of Helga Groves' interview, followed by an in-conversation and Q&A session.Generously supported by James C Sourris AM through the Queensland Library Foundation.Image: Helga Groves studio portrait standing in front of a painting titled Undersea, 2026, photographer unknown.

Maps are much more than geographical tools; they are rich historical records that tell stories. They can reveal where our ancestors lived, document land ownership, and show how place names and local boundaries have changed over time. This webinar will explore why maps matter in family history research and introduce the different types of maps that are particularly useful for genealogy, including parish, cadastral, estate, topographic, and orthophoto maps. Through case studies and search tips, participants will learn how to navigate State Library’s map collections, trace an ancestor’s life through place and property records, and discover additional map resources available online and through other institutions. This event is part of our Family History Month program. Discover more events on the Family History Month webpage. Important information This session will be delivered via Microsoft Teams. A Teams link will be provided upon registration. You don’t need to have teams downloaded, the link can be opened in a web browser. Bookings are essential. Can't join us live? The session will be recorded. You will be able to find the recording on our Family History Month page after the event. We respect your privacy. Personal information we collect is used only for our internal activities and functions (Libraries Act 1988 (Qld)) and will not be disclosed unless required by law. For more information, please read State Library's privacy statement.

The Explainer Series is about exploring the questions we’re all asking.They're in our food, our water, our air - and increasingly, our blood. Microplastics have gone from an environmental footnote to one of the most talked-about and least-understood health concerns of our time. But in a media landscape full of alarming headlines, it can be hard to know what the science actually says. Are we in serious danger? Are the studies reliable? And what can any of us actually do about it? This session will cut through the noise with one of the world's leading researchers on plastics and human health - right here in Brisbane.Meet your speakers:Dr Cassandra Rauert is a leading expert in measuring our exposures to microplastics and understanding if they can get into our bodies. They're also an avid house plant collector who isn’t always successful and keeping them alive, but tries very hard. They are most excited to talk about current microplatics myths (do we actually eat a credit card a week?) and ways we can all reduce our exposures.Jessica van Vonderen is the host of ABC TV’s flagship 7pm news bulletin in Queensland. From elections, to cyclones, fires and floods, over more than two decades, Jessica has reported on some of the biggest stories affecting Queensland. She is stubbornly trying to avoid AI, but has recently rekindled her love for crochet. The question she is most excited to ask: “Is my lipstick bad for me?”The Explainer SeriesThe Explainer Series is a space for thoughtful conversations with people who really know their stuff, sharing insights and context so we can better navigate the big and small questions in our lives.From international law and cryptocurrency to climate change, gut health and space junk, these talks bring ideas, trends and debates into focus, helping us form our own understanding, guided by curiosity and expertise.There’s no spin and no hype, just experts helping us think more clearly about the world around us.The Explainer Series is generously supported by Gina Fairfax AC and Tim Fairfax AC through the Queensland Library Foundation.Subscribe to be the first to know about our future events.Please consult our conditions of entry and Ticketing Terms and Conditions before making your booking. We respect your privacy. Personal information we collect is used only for our internal activities and functions (Libraries Act 1988 (Qld)) and will not be disclosed unless required by law. For more information, please read State Library's privacy statement.The views expressed by the speakers are their own and the promotion of products/services is not endorsed by State Library.