Rosemary Benet has an exhibition of paintings for the next couple of weeks at the Q Exhibition Space in Queanbeyan. "Oft times our human breathing is strongly influenced by life's circumstances. Our human consciousness is for the most part, focused and limited to these circumstances, often gnarled and complex," she says. "As one learns to rise above human difficulties and relationships, it does become possible to experience a greater sense of universality and commonality. When this sense of universality is touched upon, even breathing becomes easier." Breathing Easier by Rosemary Benet is showing at the Q Exhibition Space, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, via Lowe Street, Queanbeyan, until March 22.

There are still two more to go in the popular Incas masterclass lectures, at which academics and experts in Incan art delve deeply into the rich artistic content of the exhibition. These one-hour lectures are ideal for enthusiasts and include an exhibition viewing from 7pm to 8pm. Still to come: Ian Farrington, Visiting Fellow in the School of Archaeology and Anthropology at The Australian National University, speaking about Felines, Kings and Shamans: aspects of ancient Peruvian art and society, on March 19. On March 26, Professor Richard L Burger, the Charles J. MacCurdy Professor of Anthropology, Yale University, will talk about Gold and the Origin of Peruvian Civilisation. Single sessions $35, $30 concession, $25 members, available for purchase at the door. Bookings: ticketek.com.au/gold or 1300 795 012.

If you're curious about the man who has just taken the helm of the National Portrait Gallery, there'll be a chance to hear him speak tomorrow. Angus Trumble will be reflecting on some of his recent projects at his previous post at Yale, including the strange tale of Benjamin West and the Venetian Secret. He'll also present his thoughts on the future of the institution that is now his to steer. Angus Trumble - the new director reflects at the National Portrait Gallery, tomorrow from 2pm-3pm. Entry is free.

Not works on paper but works actually made of paper. The latest show at Strathnairn has selected artists exhibiting works from their personal collections of handmade paper, as well as newly created works. The artists included work in printmaking, textiles, ceramics and sculpture. Paper Road, by selected artists, runs at Strathnairn Gallery, 90 Stockdill Drive, Holt, until March 30.

The Canberra Glassworks is on the hunt for a new artistic director, after the departure of Clare Belfrage last year. ''The artistic director will be responsible for developing an artistic program that will explore and promote the full potential of Australian glass art practice through exhibitions, workshops, residencies and exchanges,'' says the announcement. The Glassworks has also just welcomed two new board members - John Liangis and the amazing artist eX de Medici. For more information on the vacant position, contact the Glassworks at canberraglassworks.com.

Bilk Gallery in Manuka has just welcomed two new artists to its stable, Germany-based Godwin Baum, who works in jewellery and silversmithing, and Melbourne artist Vito Bila, who creates non-functional metal vessels using non-traditional smithing techniques. Crossover - Godwin Baum and Vito Bila - an exposition of jewellery and vessels, is showing at Bilk Gallery, Palmerston Lane, Manuka, until April 12.

For this latest show at PhotoAccess, 11 local photographers have spent a year developing a personal photography project, incorporating the pressures and time constraints of daily life. The artists met regularly throughout the year to discuss their progress and share their work. Personal Traces is the result and is showing at Huw Davies Gallery, PhotoAccess, Manuka Arts Centre, until March 30.

Canberra artist Alexander Boynes has a new multimedia show opening this week at ANCA in Dickson, featuring new video, a multimedia installation and works on aluminium. "It explores human adaptation, the boundaries set by our environment and the ephemeral nature of existence; Lumen reveals immediate glimpses into the present-day human condition and imagination, and lays bare challenges and fears that need to be addressed in our culture," says the gallery. Lumen also includes work Boynes created with his sister, dancer Laura Boynes, and cellist Tristan Parr, both based in Perth - work that blurs the boundaries between audio, visual, and performing art. Lumen opens on March 19 at ANCA Gallery, 1 Rosevear Place, Dickson, and runs until April 6.

Belconnen Arts Centre has two exhibitions launching this week. In the foyer, photographer Ray McJannett explores the landscapes and stories of Yass and Gunning in The Rural Series; showing a hilly region dotted with deserted homesteads, shearing sheds and railway stations from the mid-1800s. The Rural Series runs until April 20 and the artist will be on hand to talk about his work today between 10am and 4pm, and on Sunday March 23 at 2pm. In the arts lounge, John Garrett, Ann McMahon, Gabrielle Powell and Jane Whitten present Urban Weavings, "contemporary three-dimensional, functional and non-functional pieces" made of recycled materials to reference issues of waste management. Urban Weavings is on until March 30, with talks from the artists on Sunday, March 23 at 1pm.