GRACE CROWLEY – AN EXHIBITION AT THE TAMWORTH ART GALLERY
BARRABA’S GRACE CROWLEY – AN EXHIBITION AT THE TAMWORTH ART GALLERY
Three exhibitions and an outdoor art projection
Three new art exhibitions will officially launch this Friday 4 July at the Tamworth Regional Gallery.
An official launch event is being held to showcase the; Present/Place exhibition by artists Armando Chant, Sadhbha Cockburn, Justine Roche, and Belinda Yee; Dhurranmay-Gal Dhirrabuu: (Outstanding Leaders) by the Tamworth NAIDOC Committee and Grace and Grace works on loan from the National Gallery of Australia and by artists Grace Crowley (of Barraba) and Grace Cossington Smith.
Director of Tamworth Regional Gallery and Museums, Bridget Guthrie says it is a diverse showcasing of art.
“These exhibitions each have their own representations, while highlighting the talented work of artists in varying forms. We’ve got photography in the Outstanding Leaders exhibition, digitally altered photographs and 3D works in Present/Place and paintings in the Grace and Grace works”.
Of particular significance to the region is the Grace and Grace exhibition. These works of art are on loan from the National Gallery of Australia with support from the Australian Government as part of the Sharing the National Collection. “We are simply thrilled to have four beautiful artworks on display from Grace Crowley and Grace Cossington Smith. Grace Crowley was from Barraba so her works showing the beautiful landscapes of rural Australia is something that our community can really resonate with”.
Adding to the atmosphere of the opening event of these works will be the official launch of Tamworth’s newest public art space. The Outdoor Gallery is a digital projection space located in Fitzroy Street plaza and will showcase a rotating line up of animated artworks by regional artists, lighting up the CBD each month. This public art initiative builds on Tamworth’s proud reputation as the ‘City of Light’, transforming the side of the building at 1 Fitzroy Street into a canvas for artistic video projections. After being trialled at a number of events throughout 2023 and 2024, permanent projection equipment was able to be installed. The first projection of the 2025 program launched last week with an artwork designed by Gomeroi artist Tess Reading. The projections will now continue during NAIDOC Week, projected from Friday 4 July – Sunday 10 July from 7pm–10pm each night.
“Being able to showcase art in a diverse way is something that not only helps to grow the profile of regional artists and the creative industry, but it helps us to build cultural diversity in our region.”
Each month over the next 18 months, a new artist and animated artwork will be featured, offering something fresh and exciting for returning visitors.