Behind the Canvas: The Story of Australia.Gallery in Cairns

Located at 86 Lake Street in Cairns, Australia.Gallery is a vibrant, welcoming space that champions the power of storytelling through art. Owned and operated by John and Kristie Grasso, the gallery is a cultural cornerstone in Far North Queensland, showcasing some of the most prominent Aboriginal and contemporary artists working today.

A Creative Vision in the Heart of Cairns

Australia.Gallery began with a simple but powerful idea: to bring together authentic, original Australian art under one roof and make it accessible to locals, collectors, and visitors from around the world.

John and Kristie Grasso are passionate advocates for artists whose work tells the stories of Country, culture, and connection. Every piece on display is carefully selected for its quality, meaning, and ability to move the viewer.

Meet the Artists Behind the Magic

At Australia.Gallery, you’ll find museum-quality works from some of Australia’s most renowned and collectible artists, including:

Polly Ngale

A senior Anmatyerre artist from Utopia, Polly’s dynamic paintings celebrate the Bush Plum Dreaming, layering colour and energy in a rhythmic tribute to Country.

Polly Ngale Bush Plum Dreaming painting featuring intricate dot work and vibrant colors, inspired by Anmatyerre culture

Polly Ngale’s Bush Plum Dreaming artwork, showcasing the rich traditions of Utopia Aboriginal art

Warlimpirrnga, Thomas & Walala Tjapaltjarri

Three brothers from the legendary Pintupi Nine, these artists create striking geometric works rooted in the Tingari Dreaming—an ancient story cycle sacred to the Western Desert.

Tingari Painting by Warlimpirrigna, Thomas Tjapaltjarri & Walala Tjapaltjarri - Aboriginal Art, Acrylic on Canvas

Collaboration Tingari Painting by Warlimpirrigna, Thomas Tjapaltjarri & Walala Tjapaltjarri, Acrylic on Canvas, 203cm x 104cm

Fiona Omeenyo

From Lockhart River in Cape York, Fiona’s artworks explore ancestry, kinship, and landscape. Her signature figures and flowing forms evoke deep cultural memory and belonging.

Vibrant Aboriginal artwork by Fiona Omeenyo, a celebrated Lockhart River artist, available at our Cairns art gallery

Explore the stunning Aboriginal art of Fiona Omeenyo from Lockhart River, showcasing cultural stories and unique styles at our Cairns gallery

Rosella Namok

Also from Lockhart River, Rosella’s work blends tradition with innovation. Her pieces capture the monsoon rains, tidal rhythms, and daily life in tropical Far North Queensland.

Award winning Rosella Namok Red Rain

The Petyarre Sisters – Gloria, Jeannie & Rosemary

These masterful painters of the Central Desert continue the legacy of Emily Kame Kngwarreye, each with their unique style. Their work reflects ancient knowledge systems—bush medicine, women’s ceremonies, and sacred stories handed down for generations.

Gloria Petyarre Medicine Leaves

More Than a Gallery

In addition to Australia.Gallery, the Grasso family also operates the Samurai Gallery Australia, located at 12 Shields Street in Cairns. This is Australia’s only gallery and museum dedicated to authentic Japanese Samurai artifacts, and it stands as a testament to their broader passion for cultural preservation and education.

Samurai Gallery |

Plan Your Visit

Australia.Gallery is open year-round and welcomes visitors of all kinds—from seasoned collectors to curious travellers looking to experience something unforgettable.

📍 Visit us at: 86 Lake Street, Cairns
🌐 Explore online: Australia.Gallery
📞 Phone: +61 417 642 921
📧 Email: info@galleryaustralia.com.au

Whether you’re seeking a meaningful artwork or a deeper connection to the rich cultural heritage of this land, Australia.Gallery offers a place to pause, reflect, and be inspired.

Contact Details

Address: 86 Lake Street, Cairns Queensland 4870

Enquiries: info@galleryaustralia.com.au
Phone: +61 417 642 921