Image courtesy of Toowoomba Regional Council.
A moving Anzac Centenary tribute to one of Australia’s most famous and best-loved artistic families is one of this year’s must-see exhibitions at the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery. Five members of the prodigiously talented Lindsay family of painters, writers and illustrators – Lionel, Norman, Ruby, Reginald and Daryl – are represented in Poppies for Reg and Ruby: Remembering the Great War through the Lindsay Family, a unique collection of war-themed Lindsay family artworks and mementos on display until June 28.
Another of the gallery’s signature events is the biennial Contemporary Wearables Jewellery Award and Exhibition, on display from September 19. Devised in 1989 to encourage innovation in design and use of materials, the awards are now one of the most prestigious of its kind and attract entries from prominent and emerging artisan jewellers from around Australia and New Zealand. Each year’s winning entries are acquired for the collection, which also includes historical pieces for context.
Not far away, the Crows Nest Regional Art Gallery, housed in the charming boardroom of the town’s original council chambers, hosts touring exhibitions but also has a strong focus on the thriving local arts community while accepting proposals nationally.
Situated on the New England Highway, the gallery’s exhibitions by diverse, local artists attract growing numbers of local and international visitorspassing through. Highlights later this year will include exhibitions and workshops by renowned nature and wildlife photographers John Elliot and an exhibition by the Range Artists group.
Just 40km away is the new light-filled Rosalie Gallery in Goombungee. Purpose-built in 2005 to meet the growing needs of the local community, the gallery provides regular opportunities for regional, state and international artists to exhibit and sell works.
Widely recognised for its textile art shows, the Rosalie gallery regularly programs high-quality exhibitions and associated workshops, showcasing traditional spinning and weaving skills as well as contemporary works featuring natural fibres, felting, quilting, embroidery and wearable art. The Gallery fosters emerging artists through its annual Emerging Artist Exhibition and engages its local community through the provision of fun family-focused programs which include Hallowe’en centered on decorative and food art and Christmas in the Gallery. These are popular with families in the region and help foster a burgeoning local artistic sensibility. The Gallery is celebrating 10 years and to mark this milestone will host New Zealand Contemporary Textile Artist David Poole and Diana Symes (Crows Nest) in November, 2015.
For more information visit Toowoomba Regional Council.
