IF YOU’RE a hardcore art lover you’ve probably already seen last year’s Archibald Prize exhibition, but if you’re not an habitual gallery haunter this is your chance to see the Melbourne Cup of art exhibitions.
The Archibald Prize was first awarded in 1921 and has become one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious art awards. It’s a who’s who of Australian culture – from politicians to celebrities, sporting heroes to artists.
Hawkesbury Mayor Mary Lyons-Buckett said it was a big honour to have the Archibald once again come to Windsor.
“The Archibald is not just an exhibition, it's a phenomenon, and we are very proud to be one of a small number of venues to be honoured with its presence,” she said.
While for the duration of the exhibition there will be a small entry charge, your chance to see it for free is on Friday, May 19 at the official opening.
The mayor will kick it off with a speech and there will be free drinks and finger food.
If you vote for your favourite work at the event, you will also be in the running for a $500 cash prize courtesy of the ANZ bank.
Guided tours
If you want a commentary on what you’re looking at, come along to the Gallery Curator talk from 1-2pm on Monday, May 22. There’s no need to book. There will also be guided tours by specially-trained volunteers Wednesdays – Fridays at 1pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays 11am and 2pm.
Blown away by the talent and want to meet the perpetrators? The gallery is also offering the opportunity to meet some of the artists in its Archibald Artists in Conversation series. Go to Hawkesbury Regional Gallery’s Eventbrite page for bookings/details.
From June 9, works submitted in The Young Archie Prize for Portraiture, which attracted more than 500 entrants, will be on show in the Library (downstairs from the gallery).
Portraiture
In a special event to let us all see the steps involved in capturing a likeness, Mayor Mary Lyons-Buckett will sit in the gallery for 12 local artists on Wednesday, June 28 from 11am-1pm.
Come and watch their process on the day, and view the finished works on the mezzanine at the Deerubbin Centre from Thursday June 29.
The exhibition’s last day on Sunday, July 2 will include the announcement of the winners of the Young Archie Prize for Portraiture at 11am, Artists in Conversation - Dean Manning and Danelle Bergstrom at 1pm and free refreshments at 3pm.
- Exhibition entry fee: adults $5, teens $3, family $15 (two adults/three teens), gallery members and children under 12 free.