Canvas, Soul And Stage

Matteo Charles To Headline Enchanted Garden Charity Fundraiser

World-renowned artist Matteo Charles is set to bring his unique brand of “Inspirational Artistry” to the Whitsundays this October, headlining the Life Publishing Charity Event, The Enchanted Garden at Elementa on October 25.

For an event already rich with wonder, Charles’ live performance art promises to be a centrepiece — quite literally — as the Sydney-born creative prepares to paint before a live audience under the stars.

Best known for his explosive stage portraits of A-list celebrities and global figures, Matteo has painted everything from Hollywood royalty to world leaders. But his art is about far more than likeness — it’s about story.

“Each painting I produce has a piece of my heart and soul that leaves with it,” Matteo says.

“I’m connected to each canvas in a different way during creation. It’s like a child leaving home — and at the same time it lights me up knowing that piece will hang proudly in someone’s home or office somewhere in the world.”

This connection — to the canvas, to people, to the moment — is what makes his work so compelling. Diagnosed with a chronic illness at a young age, Matteo turned inward and upward, drawing strength through martial arts and expressing pain through art, music and writing. His performances have since become part theatre, part therapy — deeply moving, undeniably powerful, and joyously unpredictable.

“There’s definitely a system and signature style I’ve created,” he explains of his live painting.

“But I allow the creativity of the moment to flow. You never quite know what will happen. You might just have to purchase a ticket and come see for yourself.”

That spontaneity has made him a favourite with audiences from Sydney to the USA. But despite global travels — including painting at the Monaco F1 and Bruce Lee’s 75th birthday in Hong Kong — the Whitsundays has remained on his bucket list.

“I’ve always wanted to visit,” he says.

“I’m excited to touch down and see what art will reveal itself to me… and also work on my tan.”

As part of the charity event, Charles will also debut a brand-new digital artwork — a specially commissioned piece with limited-edition prints available exclusively at The Enchanted Garden.

“It will be super exclusive, super limited, and raise needed funds for some great causes,” he hints.

“I’m really excited about this.”

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Matteo performance without at least one curveball. When asked to recall the strangest moment mid-painting, he recalls an A-lister screaming from backstage: “Make sure you make me look skinny!” Unfazed, Matteo finished the piece and had a happy celebrity by the end.

While one of Matteo’s greatest aspirations is to see his portrait of Jesus hanging in the Vatican, showcasing his work in the Whitsundays feels like a heavenly chapter in that journey.

With only one performance planned for the evening, this is a rare chance for guests to witness a master at work, blending movement, music, and raw emotion into a single canvas.

Tickets for The Enchanted Garden are now available, with all proceeds supporting seven charities from Mackay and the Whitsundays to Townsville.

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