THE National Library’s exhibition, “Birds of Paradise: Ellis Rowan in New Guinea” is a tribute to the artist best-known for her striking wildflower paintings. When Ellis was almost 70, she painted professionally in New Guinea, creating pictures of the region’s birds of paradise and wildflowers. Her works are showing along with plate designs and biographical items at National Library of Australia, daily, 9am-5pm, until Monday, March 8. It can be viewed online too.

CARL Rafferty is staging picnic concerts this weekend in the grounds of St Johns Anglican Church, Reid, and has not forgotten to include the seasonally-appropriate “Flower Duet” from “Lakme” in the repertoire. Choice of tables and chairs or your own blanket on the lawn. Book for Saturday, October 3 at 4pm here and for Sunday, October 5 at 5pm here.

CANBERRA Contemporary Art Space, now on the lake at 44 Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes, continues until October 31 with an edgy show by Canberra’s emerging artists. “Blaze Fourteen”, curated by Alexander Boynes and Dan Toua, features Romany Fairall, Belle Palmer, Harijs Piekalns and Rachel Theodorakis. Until October 31, 11am-5pm, Tuesday-Saturday.

CANBERRA Theatre Centre is having a go at live theatre with “Room on the Broom”, featuring songs, comedy and fun for children aged three and up, coming to the main stage from October 1-3. It’ll be the first production in the auditorium since the theatre’s closure in March, and COVID-safe procedures will be in place. Book here or call 6275 2700.