Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery
image courtesy of Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery
Previously I took you on a train ride to Maitland Regional Art Gallery. Today I would like to focus on Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery, which is set on the picturesque shore of Lake Macquarie at Marmong Point. I have a particular affinity for this gallery. I worked there in the 90’s, when the gallery itself was the historic Awaba House building, and early 2000’s when it became a state of the art, award winning, purpose built, regional art gallery. I have seen the permanent collection grow over the years as well as the gallery’s transformation to an exciting cultural, art, community and tourist destination.
Today if you visit the gallery, from the car park, you will walk along the mosaic scattered path, meander through the sculpture park where green grass contrasts the bright blue lake, and past the historic Awaba House (where you will not help but stop for morning tea, a good cup of coffee, a lovely meal or nice glass of wine after you peruse the gallery). As a bonus, this section of the lake has been home to a pod of dolphins which you will more than likely see as you take in the scenery through the glass fronted restaurant. Now, as you arrive at the main entrance, you will be taken with the quality, modern look of the gallery, open foyer, gift shop and kids corner.
So far I have been describing the experience of visiting the gallery as you would a tourist brochure. While everything I have told you is true, the main focus should be on the exhibitions themselves. Director Debbie Abraham, curator Meryl Ryan and their team have won award after award for their unique programming. I can honestly say, after I see an exhibition flier, and either visit the show on my own or with students, I am ALWAYS pleasantly surprised. I liken the experience to a restaurant with nice-sounding food that overwhelmes you with better than expected quality and taste. It is the planning, choice of art, sensitivity, juxtaposition of works, precision of placement, attention to detail, and a large amount of conceptual concentration that delivers exceptional exhibitions…I give it three hats!
Awards include:
2009 Museums and Galleries IMAGinE Award for Education and Public Engagement
2009 Museums Australia Multimedia and Publication Design Awards [MAPDA] for Best Catalogue (under 64 pages) for Adam Geczy: Concerts and High Commendation for Cold Front
2008 NSW Local Government Cultural Award for Aboriginal Cultural Development
2007 MAPDA for Gallery Program, and High Commendations for the cataloguesEarth cry and Found out
2006 MAPDA for Best Catalogue (under 64 pages section) and Best in Show, with the Colour(less) catalogue
2006 NSW Local Government Cultural Award for Aboriginal Cultural Development
2005 NSW Local Government Cultural Award for Aboriginal Cultural Development
2005 National Local Government Cultural Awards for Strengthening Indigenous Communities (commendation)
2004 Hunter Regional Award for Excellence in Heritage and Cultural Tourism
2004 NSW Local Government Cultural Award for Best Practice in Managing a Cultural Institution
2003 Hunter Regional Award for Excellence in Heritage and Cultural Tourism
2003 NSW Award for Excellence in Heritage and Cultural Tourismv
Great article Laura, but the Art Gallery is actually located at First Street Booragul. Don’t want people to get confused if they are trying to find it!