The Percivals 2026

About the Artwork

Every Wednesday night, my family attends trivia night at one of Townsville’s oldest inner-city hotels. My son, the sitter, is by far the most knowledgeable of all of us, which is why I have included the double helix and Pi symbols on his sleeves and painted a world map into the grain of the table. It represents his interest in the natural world and his travels across Europe. Painting my son is an expression of the joy found in the altered but treasured relationships one can form with their children when they transition to adulthood.

About the Artist

Michelle Weaver is a Townsville-born, self-taught artist who has worked as a drama and primary school teacher for 40 years. Her Honours thesis focused on using the arts to engage and enable students to find their true potential, and this has always framed the belief behind her teaching pedagogy. Her personal passion for painting is an extension of her desire to create in various ways including drama, writing and drawing.

In 2025, her painting of the Tobruk Kiosk won first place in the miniature section at the Townsville Art Society Awards. She was awarded highly commended in 2024 for another miniature and highly commended for Works on Paper in 2023 at the TAS awards. She was also awarded the People’s Choice award at the St James Cathedral Art Exhibition in 2025.