A GALLERY OF PEOPLE: LOOKING BACK

A GALLERY OF PEOPLE: LOOKING BACK

Through the unique perspective of the Maitland Mercury, this exhibition showcases the accomplishments and evolution of Maitland Regional Art Gallery (MRAG) over the past decade. Complementing these photographs is a collection of MRAG catalogues, awards and memorabilia. These elements unite in chronicling our milestones, and afford the opportunity to take a step back and reflect on the changing face of MRAG, its programs, its patrons and its supporters, and to celebrate MRAG’s achievements under the stewardship of the Cultural Director Joe Eisenberg.

Regional communities are very loyal to print press, capturing as they do the issues affecting particular towns and cities. The images from the Maitland Mercury in this exhibition reveal the human ‘face’ of MRAG, yet their message does more than create an identity. The support of the local press for MRAG demonstrates intrinsically Maitland’s community ownership of the art gallery. Conversely it reinforces the importance of the local media to a community, no matter its presentation, in creating a valid voice for those they represent.

The exhibition of catalogues created, designed and published by MRAG illustrates the significant role such publications play in further narrating the quality history of the art gallery, its exhibitions and strong relationships with artists. Furthermore,

these catalogues offer a chance to highlight the contribution of the MRAG staff and volunteers who produced them.

The diversity of images, catalogues, awards and memorabilia showcases how far MRAG has grown over the past decade, and provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate all aspects of the art gallery, including our education programs, events, and exhibitions, and applauds the magnificent contributions of our members and volunteers. Moreover, the exhibition enables the audience to look forward and contemplate how MRAG will continue to thrive in the future. My dream was always for the gallery to be

accessible to everybody and that’s what we’ve

worked hard to achieve.

- Joe Eisenberg

by Anna Buxton Soldal Gallery Officer

(left) New Vision: Maitland Regional Art Gallery Cultural Director Joe Eisenberg and Public Programs Officer Kim Blunt. Picture by Cath Bowen, 2009 (above) Education Curator Anne McLaughlin with a work called Just Do It by Maitland Grossmann High student Hayden Bird. Picture by Marina Neil, 2013

IMAGES COURTESY OF MAITLAND MERCURY

IMAGES COURTESY OF MAITLAND MERCURY

(left page - top) Sale Time: Maitland Regional Art Gallery assistant Ruth Bridgeman with some of the prints. Picture by Marina Neil, 2012 (left page - lower left) Helping Hand: Volunteers at Maitland Art Gallery Jean-Paul Ruelle and Kate Allen. Picture by Stuart Scott, 2010

(left page - lower right) NELLementary: Nell in her exhibition Hometown Girl Has Wet Dream. Picture by Stuart Scott, 2012. (right page- left top) Captivating: Maitland Regional Art Gallery installation and technical gallery coordinator Peter Joass with Archibald Prize people’s choice winner entitled Brandon [artist - Vincent Fantauzzo]. Picture by Cath Bowen, 2010

(left lower) Odd Couple: Good Boy with Jessica Funstone, 4, of Ashtonfield. Picture by Cath Bowen, 2011 (right top) Jewish History: Historian Dr Janis Wilton at the Maitland Jewish Cemetery in Louth Park. Picture by Cath Bowen, 2010

(right lower) Gallery Coup: Governor-General Marie Bashir at the exhibition opening with Gallery Director Joe Eisenberg. Picture by Stuart Scott, 2012