An arty autumn is in store for the region’s art lovers as Bundaberg Regional Galleries launch the next season’s exhibition program with openings at Childers Art Space and Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery in February.
Highlights of the exhibition schedule include the National Photographic Portrait Prize touring exhibition and a solo exhibition from Brisbane artist Simon Degroot.
Bundaberg Regional Council’s Arts, Culture and Events portfolio spokesperson Councillor John Learmonth said there was lots to look forward to at both galleries.
“We have so many great exhibitions opening in February, it’s a fantastic time to visit our galleries in Bundaberg and Childers,” Cr Learmonth said.
“After a sensational summer with Phantom: Off the Drawing Board, we can now see award-winning portrait photography at Bundaberg Regional Gallery with the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2023 touring exhibition.
“Simon Degroot’s Soft Pressing explores interactions with the everyday environment through graphite and charcoal rubbings and pressings of surfaces around us.”
Cr Learmonth said there would be plenty to keep the whole family entertained with an interactive exhibition in the ImagineArts space from contemporary Australian artist Natalya Hughes.
“The QAGOMA Kids On Tour: Castle of Tarragindi exhibition promises to provide a fun and engaging experience for younger visitors, and will remain on display throughout the autumn school holidays,” he said.
At Childers Art Space, Charles and Sheena Hazzard – Works from the Bundaberg Regional Galleries Collection showcases the works of painters Charles and Sheena Hazzard who were founding members of the Bundaberg Art Society.
“The exhibition is a special celebration of the invaluable contribution this creative couple made to the region’s art scene for over 50 years,” Cr Learmonth said.
A range of public programs is planned to complement the exhibitions, including opening night events, artist talks, hands-on workshops, forums, networking events, guided tours and gallery director-lead art walks.
The full program of events will be launched in March.
Charles and Sheena Hazzard – Works from the Bundaberg Regional Galleries Collection
Childers Art Space, 72 Churchill Street Childers
Opening event
Thursday 8 February, 3 pm
Free, no booking required
National Photographic Portrait Prize 2023 | National Portrait Gallery
Soft Pressing | Simon Degroot
QAGOMA Kids On Tour: Castle of Tarragindi | Natalya Hughes
Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery, 1 Barolin Street Bundaberg
Opening event
Friday 16 February, 5.30 pm
Free, no booking required
Artist Talk with Joanna Gilmour, Senior Curator, National Portrait Gallery
Saturday 17 February, 10 am (time updated)
Free, no booking required
Artist Talk with Simon DeGroot
Saturday 17 February, 11 am (time updated)
Free, no booking required
Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery will be closed to the public from Monday 5 February through to Friday 16 February for scheduled maintenance and exhibition installation.
The gallery will reopen on Friday 16 February at 5.30 pm for a special opening event to celebrate the latest suite of exhibitions.
