Routledge's 'Strange Oasis' highlights the unusual co-location of beach and museum, and the museum and gallery’s role as a place of sanctuary and respite. A beacon visible from the ferry wharf and across the harbour, the artwork draws one's eyes and feet to the gallery doors.

Artist Loui Fraser has recently overseen the bronze casting of her work Crawl, 1997. The original steel and concrete version of the artwork was donated by the artist to the former Manly Council in 2000 and graced the façade of the Manly Life Saving Club for over 20 years. Casting this artwork in bronze ensures the longevity of the artwork into the future.

Midget Farrelly was the first Australian man to win a major international surfing title, the 1962 Makaha International Surfing Championships, the unofficial world surfing championship of the day. Born 13 September 1944, Midget lived at Palm Beach for 54 years and he surfed there almost every day. This project was funded by the Midget Farrelly Recognition Committee and supported by his family.

Dennis Golding is a Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay artist from northwestern NSW who was born and raised on Gadigal land (Redfern, Sydney). 'Through the wind and water' explores topographical patterning of the local landscapes and waters as a way of acknowledging First Nations people’s cultural connection to Country.