Five Ways to Experience MRAG

1. Look Closer

Richard Tipping, 3 Hour Barking, 2003, reflective tape on aluminium sheet, 44.9 x 29.9cm. Donated to Maitland Regional Art Gallery through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program by Patrick Corrigan, 2009

One of the impacts of COVID has been the increased prominence of signs in our everyday lives, demanding more than ever that we pay attention to rules and regulations. COVID-Safe signs can provoke emotional responses, awkward technological and social encounters and, in some cases, defiance.

Artist Richard Tipping has been paying close attention to signs for many years. Since 1979 his altered road signs, or “artsigns”, have been poetically interrupting audiences with playful thought-provoking intrusions into the everyday.

Wander upstairs in MRAG, near the lift, and you can see Tipping’s 3 Hour Barking. What penalty for more than three hours of barking dog, one wonders with a smile? His End Artwork, Artwork Ahead and Prepare to Shop signs have also often been displayed at the MRAG entrance, though, alas, are currently replaced with a COVID- Safe sign.

2. See Make Do

MRAG’s “See Make Do” creative learning program has become more accessible than ever in the last year, with a fantastic wealth of “MRAG from Home” activities and educational content now available on the website. From artist videos to Free Art Sunday activities, there has been a creative explosion of digital content to enjoy from home at your leisure. For those with kids, keep an eye out for the Cool Art July school holiday on-site program and, whatever your age, look out for the dynamic program accompanying Shadow Boxer!

3. Take a Piece of MRAG Home

Upcycled jewellery by Kes Harper. Photo: Kes Harper @studiogleaned

Being resourceful is not new to jeweller Kes Harper, who has been a ‘gleaner’ her whole life. With a practice, brand and lifestyle that epitomises upcycling, her ever-evolving collection of silver and steel jewellery expresses both beauty and meaning. Kes is well-known by locals in Wollombi, her pocket of the Hunter Valley, who often leave mysterious deliveries of both exquisite and banal tins (many otherwise unrecyclable) at the doorstep of her gallery Studio Gleaned, knowing they will be put to good use. Intrigued? Visit the Gallery Shop to learn more and explore the small stories captured within Kes’s works.

Take a peek inside the new display drawers in the Gallery Shop and don’t forget that members receive 10% off purchases all year round!

4. Put Your Feet Up

Take time out on a comfy couch at MRAG, in the new lounge space beneath the marble staircase (formerly the children’s section of the Gallery Shop). Browse through an art magazine, jot some ponderous notes in your journal inspired by an exhibition you’ve just explored, or take a breath. The artworks in this space will change from time to time, and a selection of children’s gifts is now available in the main shop.

5. Make a Puppet Portrait

Make a puppet portrait with Annie, an ‘MRAG from Home’ activity inspired by Mrs Gabori by Claudia Moodoonuthi

Jump online to enjoy an 'MRAG from Home' activity led by art tutor and Gallery Officer Annie. Watch the video to learn how to create a puppet portrait inspired by Claudia Moodoonuthi’s Mrs Gabori, which was on display in the MRAG Collection show Hello Again – it’s nice to see your face. Who will be the subject of your portrait?

Visit the MRAG website (What’s On > MRAG from Home) for full activity details and share your creations with us on social media! #MRAGfromhome