Maitland Regional Art Gallery welcomes winter with six new exhibitions

Maitland Regional Art Gallery will welcome six fresh exhibitions this winter season, with audiences set to discover the magic of old stories, important local figures and colourful superhero capes that pack a powerful message.

‘We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors through our doors for a whole new gallery experience this winter. We have six diverse exhibitions coming to our space that are sure to captivate, entertain and inspire,’ says Gallery Director Gerry Bobsien.

‘A highlight of this season is Old Stories New Magic, a must see exhibition that embraces our fascination with myths, folklore and the ancient.’

Old Stories New Magic, opening 22 June, features works by 2024 Sulman Prize winner Naomi Kantjurinyi, alongside the surreal and folkloric works of six prominent artists who work in the realm of old stories.

Memory Collective (Part One): Felicity, Mavis, Tara, Tory and Vicki, also opening 22 June, is an exhibition by Maitland artist Catherine Kingsmill who brings together a family of sculptures representing significant women who have contributed to the social fabric of Maitland.

Gallery goers can already enjoy works by Newcastle based artists Brittany Ferns and Megan McGee in Hold. Now available for purchase, this collection of works explores the long history of the vase and its various uses over time.

Lineage | A Visual Continuum, opening 29 June, celebrates the interaction of tradition and innovation in art’s ongoing evolution through eight varied but related art practices. This exhibition features some of Australia’s most renowned artists across generations including the late Guy Warren, Sophie Cape, Kevin Connor, Elisabeth Cummings, Steve Lopes, Euan Macleod, Ann Thomson and Shonah Trescott.

Power | The Future Is Here, opening 6 July, is a vibrant wall of superhero capes produced as a collaboration between Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay artist Dennis Golding and 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from Alexandria Park Community School.

‘We can’t wait to fly these capes in Maitland. It is an art project with community at its heart and we aim to have some great education and school holiday programs connected with this joyous and triumphant exhibition,’ says Ms Bobsien.

A Garden of Parallel Paths by Daniel Crooks, also on show from 6 July, is a new acquisition to the MRAG collection that draws attention to the everyday rhythm of the pedestrian life of a city.

Visitors will be able to fully immerse themselves in these exhibitions by participating in a range of artist talks, tours, workshops, drop in activities and education programs.

The public are invited to help celebrate the official launch of the winter exhibition program by attending MRAG’s opening event on Friday 26 July from 5.30pm.

All exhibitions are free and closing dates vary. For more information on MRAG’s upcoming exhibitions and programs, visit mrag.org.au.