The Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre is hosting three exhibitions and calling for entries in the Muswellbrook Art Prize.
Two Artists Tour Muswellbrook: Liz Anelli and Mario Minichiello
10 January – 5 March 2022
‘Two Artists Tour Muswellbrook’ is the culmination of the 2019 Muswellbrook Artist in Residency Program. Illustrator Liz Anelli, along with artist and educator Mario Minichiello, interpret a sense of place, exploring how ‘the visitor’ views the diverse Muswellbrook local area. Each artist brings their own perspective and approach to the subject allowing an expansive depiction of the landscapes and settlements across the region. Through studying in the field and creating works ‘en plein air’, the exhibition encapsulates the Artists’ impression of the Upper Hunter with added wit and whimsy.
From Manawatu to Muswellbrook: Jess Dugan
10 January 2022 – 5 March 2022
Local Photographer Jess Dugan provides the audience with an intimate lens in which to view both New Zealand and Australia. ‘Manawatu to Muswellbrook’ juxtaposes these regions, combining images of the environment to create an unexpected visual harmony.
Manawatu is often referred to as the heartland of New Zealand, with undulating, green hills, and vast, rugged ranges. Jess’s early years were surrounded by this idyllic landscape. However, it wasn’t until she moved to Melody Farm in Kayuga that she was called to capture the views across Muswellbrook and the neighbouring regions.
‘[it was] the way the light bounced off the surrounding hills, the way not two days ever looked the same, and the way the approaching storms changed moods’
– Jess
Now, Jess calls both places home, honouring them through photography and acknowledging the enduring impact nature has on its occupants.
Max Watters: Art Is
18 October 2021 – 5 March 2022
Image: Max Watters, Shed Rouchel Road, oil on board, 60 x 90cm.
Max Watters was known not only for his artistic talent, but also his generous philanthropic nature. At the same time as beginning his own painting career, Watters began collecting art, amassing one of the largest collections of contemporary art in rural Australia. In March 2004, Watters signed over his collection to the Muswellbrook Shire Council so that residents and visitors alike could enjoy in perpetuity his vision; to provide art education for generations to come, to inspire visual awareness and curiosity, and promote culture as a tool
for tourism in the region. In his continued generosity to the Arts and the gallery, Max gave 60 of his own paintings and drawings to the Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre on the condition that all proceeds from the sales be directed to the acquisition of new work for the Collections.
Muswellbrook Art Prize – Entries close 28 January 2022
Since 1958, the Muswellbrook Art Prize has grown and evolved and is today one of the richest prizes for painting in regional Australia. Finalists for the 2022 Muswellbrook Art Prize vie for a total of $70,000 prize money across three prize categories: Painting ($50,000 acquisitive), Works on Paper ($10,000 acquisitive), and Ceramics ($10,000 acquisitive). Entries close 28 January 2022. Winners announced 12 March 2022.
Exhibition of Finalists Work 14 March – 7 May 2022.
For all the details please visit https://artgallery.muswellbrook.nsw.gov.au/
Images:
Top right:Jess Dugan, Daily Chore 2013, digital print 45 x 56cm.
Top left: Liz Anelli, Sketchbook Illustrations, Muswellbrook Artist in Residency 2019.
Text and images are courtesy of the Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre.