Hawkesbury residents and visitors are flocking to the Hawkesbury Regional Gallery in Windsor to see Australia’s most popular art exhibition, the 2016 Archibald Prize, which runs until Sunday, 2 July 2017.
More than 200 people attended the gala opening on Friday, 19 May. If you haven’t yet visited, there is still time!
Awarded to the best painting of a notable Australian, the Archibald Prize is a who’s who of Australian culture, from politicians and celebrities to sporting heroes and artists. The Prize awards $100,000 prize money for the winning artist and finalists are exhibited at the Art Gallery of New South Wales before embarking on a year-long regional tour.
People’s choice – $500 to win
In conjunction with the exhibition, there is a people’s choice prize of $500, sponsored by ANZ. All you have to do is vote for your favourite work of art and your name goes into the draw.
Extended opening hours
For this exhibition the Gallery is open every day 10am-4pm. By arrangement with the Art Gallery of NSW, it is a ticketed event – pay at the door. Adults $5, Teens $3, Family $15 (2 adults and 3 teens), Gallery Members and children 12 and under FREE.
How to get there
The Gallery is located in the Deerubbin Centre at 300 George Street Windsor. Free parking is available in the basement car park and in neighbouring streets (some all day, most timed).
Guided Tours (FREE with exhibition entry – no need to book)
Wednesday to Friday 1pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am and 2pm
Join specially trained Gallery volunteers who will guide you through the Archibald Prize. (Note: tours will not be held on 27 May, 10 June and 2 July, when there are visits and talks by artists).
SPECIAL EVENTS
Artists in Conversation
Saturday, 10 June 1pm-3pm
Kirsty Neilson, Natasha Walsh and Nick Stathopoulos will be in conversation at the Gallery, to talk about their work, their sitters, and the spectacle that is the Archibald Prize. Nick’s portrait of Deng Adut won the People’s Choice prize when the exhibition was shown at the Art Gallery of NSW, and has continued to win praise while on tour around the country. Kirsty Walsh’s portrait of actor Garry McDonald has also attracted favourable comment because of its representation of anxiety and depression. And Natasha Walsh is a young artist who chose to paint herself: ‘The way female artists represent themselves through their own eyes and hands contains a wonderful directness,’ she says. $20, Members $15 (includes exhibition entry). Bookings essential through Eventbrite www.eventbrite.com.au or phone 4560 4441.
Portrait of a Mayor
Wednesday, 28 June 11am-1pm
Councillor Mary Lyons-Buckett, Mayor of Hawkesbury will be sitting (in the Gallery) for 12 local artists. Come and watch their process and see the finished works on the Deerubbin Mezzanine from Thursday 29 June.
Finissage (exhibition closing)
Sunday, 2 July
11am-midday Announcing the winners of the Young Archie.
1-3pm Artists in conversation – Dean Manning and Danelle Bergstrom.
3pm Join us for one last look, a glass of bubbles and light refreshments to farewell the Archibald!
FREE with exhibition entry – all welcome
The Young Archie Portrait Prize
A special art prize for kids has seen nearly 1000 canvases sent to schools in the Hawkesbury and to those attended by Hawkesbury residents, even if they are not located in the Hawkesbury itself. The finished works can be seen (and admired!) free of charge at Hawkesbury Central Library, downstairs from the Gallery, from Friday, 9 June, and the winners will be announced at a special closing event, on Sunday, 2 July.
