Maitland Regional Art Gallery: Current Exhibitions

by Laura Wilson on April 19, 2011

Thirty-nine minutes.  That is all the time it takes to get to Maitland Regional Art Gallery by train from Newcastle Station to High Street Maitland.  This is even faster than by car (confirmed, unfortunately, by missing the train then attempting to chase it by car in order to meet up with a friend last week).

When you mention the word Maitland, most people think of antiques, farmland, agriculture, Steamfest, and the big flood of 1955.  The art gallery seems to be a leap forward into contemporary society that can rival any big regional gallery.  Granted, as you walk to the art gallery, several desolate shops in High Street give it the feel of an old ghost town before you happen upon the gallery itself but this modern, glass, concrete structure does appear out of place; kind of like having the best house in the worst street.  The good news is I think the aesthetic quality of the gallery building and the professionalism and quality exhibitions will lead to other quality shops filling the spaces.  At least I hope so.  I see so much potential for High Street.  A Renew Newcastle style makeover would be one option, the other is the natural evolution of an art hub.  I’m thinking now of Santé Fe, New Mexico which has a ‘gallery road’.  With over 200 contemporary art galleries in the same street it has given this city an important place on the art world map.  While I don’t think High Street could cope with that volume, it would be a start in the right direction.  Saying this, I don’t think Maitland should try to be Melbourne or Sydney, or Santé Fe.  It should be Maitland.  With good ol’ fashioned quality products.  A place that prides itself on craftsmanship.  Keep the antique stores, the high tea, and of course, Ken’s Kitchen (hole in the wall Chinese restaurant down the street from the gallery) just add more contemporary quality shops and galleries to complement the stunning, modern, worth a visit, Maitland Regional Art Gallery.

Venture out and check out these current exhibitions:

Denise Oates: Sculpture

Showing until 1 May 2011, Denise Oates’ Tumbleweed, a copper on sandstone base sculpture made in 2008.

Works With Quirk: An Art Factory Exhibition & Interactive Project Space

Showing until 17 July, Works With Quirk is the first exhibition held in the Art Factory to target young teens. Each work was selected for its eye-catching peculiarity, so expect to see the unusual! Visitors can also contribute to the exhibition’s collaborative wall drawing which takes up the entire project space.

Freshwater/Saltwater: Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Prints

The Australian National Maritime Museum’s collection of prints commemorates the relationship between Indigenous people and water in Australia. Marine life, celebrations of survival and the struggle for land & sea rights. Supported by the National Collecting Institutions Touring and Outreach Program, an Australian Government program aiming to improve access to the national collection for all Australians. Running until 1 May.

The gallery also hosts regular concerts, talks, events and workshops, like Receive/Capture/Take during which 3 photographers will talk about their process (Saturday, 30 April, 2 - 4pm, $5) and Art Speaks/Robert McFarlane (Sunday, May 1, 2-3pm, free entry).