Five Ways to Experience MRAG

1. Look Closer

The central artwork in the new MRAG Collection exhibition Guns to Roses is Gun No.1, 2016, by artist Li Hongbo. Li Hongbo is a Beijing-based artist who uses paper to create unique 3D sculptures inspired by the traditional Chinese folk craft of concertina paper gourds. In this work the artist is deconstructing the forms of weapons of war – machine guns, handguns and bullets. Each piece is stretched from its solid form into a completely different shape, transforming a violent motif into colourful rosettes and rainbows, with limitless possibilities of display and interpretation.

Li Hongbo, Gun No.1, (detail) 2016, paper, dimensions variable.

Purchased by Maitland Regional Art Gallery in 2016

2. See Make Do

Loved Free Art January? Well Cool Art July is its wintery cousin, keeping families and young people engaged during the July school holidays each year. The Gallery team are busy curating a unique and exciting program of events, including some very special NAIDOC week activities, to get the creative juices flowing. Stay tuned to mrag.org.au for more info.

3. Take a Piece of MRAG Home

Scarves made with spindle and loom by Vicki Cornish from Bonsai Woman

Wrap yourself up in something to feel good about this Winter! Local artist Vicki Cornish of Bonsai Woman has been busy on her spindle and loom creating deliciously soft one-of-a-kind scarves for you to wear throughout the cooler months. Vicki is passionate about using natural fibres, many processed by hand from raw fleece purchased directly from Australian farmers. What’s not to love?! Visit the Gallery Shop from mid-May to July to celebrate her practice and marvel at the incredible large-scale work she has created. Don't forget members receive 10% off Gallery Shop purchases all year round!

Vicki Cornish at the loom

4. Get Social

Are you in a book, craft or cycling group, or perhaps a choir, and would like to get everyone together for a different kind of social catch up? Or perhaps you have friends or family staying in the area and you’d like to enrich their visit with a unique cultural experience. We invite you to book a free guided group tour at MRAG, led by one of our knowledgeable staff or volunteers. Enjoy the exhibitions then discuss over coffee or lunch. Phone 02 4934 9859 to book.

5. I Spy With My Little Eye

Many of us love a good puzzle, and MRAG’s Code Breaker series for kids continues to be a hit. Encourage the little people in your life to collect a clipboard from the front desk and go on an adventure around the Gallery and grounds to spy some hidden features. Use the clues to break the code. There are currently four available to choose from, ‘Search for the Golden Poo’ being one of the most popular, with additional Code Breakers created from time to time to engage with specific exhibitions.