AARWUN Gallery in Federation Square is hosting a most unusual launch tomorrow, getting together with Paperchain bookstore from Manuka, and Lifeline for a combined exhibition and book launch.

CEO of Lifeline, Mike Zissler, will open a function that celebrates poetry of Crystal Davis and the arts of Kylie Fogarty, Simon Palmer and Ian Lakey, whose exhibition “Azure Assurances” will continue at the Gallery until June 21.

Davis, a Tasmanian poet and carer of a loved one with mental illness, is described as having “a heart-warmingly honest and evocative voice that will resonate and touch most of us in some way with her poetry.” The tone of her verse ranges from a sense of peace and love to the lows of “sickening fears, secret vulnerabilities and brutal rejections.”

Throughout her life she   has maintained a consistent interest and participation in the arts. While writing and caring, Davis has always been a keen volunteer, frequently acknowledged for her philanthropic work and regularly featuring in the national press. She has recently appeared in television commercials for Telstra (filmed at the London 2012 Olympics), and as a noblewoman in HBO’s “Game of Thrones”.

“Azure Assurances, A Book of Pictured Poetry,” is Davis’ debut publication, illustrated by Canberra line-drawing artist Kylie Fogarty. One of the poems in the anthology, “If, ” was recently named poem A proportion of the proceeds from the gala launch of book and Fogarty’s illustrations, will go to Lifeline to assist with the “One Million Dollars in One Day” initiative.

The air exhibition sees Fogarty’s work supported by paintings by Lilli Pilli artist, Ian Lakey, whose acrylic land and seascapes will no doubt relate to the “Azure” theme.   As well, Simon Palmer, a Sydney artist and designer who lived and studied in Canberra for a number of years, and whose work ranges from figurative to abstract styles, will join them in exhibiting work.

“Azure Assurances,” Aarwun Gallery, Shop 11, Federation Square, O’Hanlon Place, Nicholls, until June 22. Exhibition and book launch by Mike Zissler, 6 – 8pm,   Wednesday May 21. All welcome.