The Autumn Season is set to launch in style this week as Maitland Regional Art Gallery unveils a new lineup of exhibitions, events and hands-on creative experiences for all ages.
The celebrations begin on Thursday evening with the official Autumn Season Opening, offering audiences a first look at four major exhibitions: The Places That Shape Us by Ray Monde, ARTEXPRESS, Our Collection Store Project, and New Old School.
This season introduces a diverse mix of work, from personal narratives and regional storytelling to bold contemporary painting and a rare behind-the-scenes insight into the gallery’s own collection.
The lineup showcases emerging and established artists alike, with the gallery emphasising accessibility through Auslan interpretation and full wheelchair access during the opening.
The weekend continues on Friday with the New Old School Artist Panel, bringing exhibiting artists including Chelsea Lehmann, Nicholas Ives, Rob Cleworth and Heidi Yardley together for a conversation about the ongoing relationship between art history and contemporary painting.
The discussion digs into how today’s creators draw from centuries of influence while reshaping familiar visual languages for modern audiences.
On Saturday afternoon, the gallery hosts a Sketching Tour of New Old School, an interactive session led by Kate Kurucz and Luke Thurgate. Participants will explore key works from the exhibition through guided drawing exercises, with all materials provided, a rare chance to deepen engagement with the show while learning from the artists themselves.
Then on Sunday morning, families can join the ever-popular Free Art Sunday, a drop-in creative session for kids of all ages, supported by MRAG tutors who help young visitors connect with the exhibitions through hands-on activities.
The Autumn Season Celebration Opening takes place on Thursday, 27 March from 5:30pm at Maitland Regional Art Gallery, with additional events running across 28–29 March. Entry to the opening is free with registration, while tickets for the Artist Panel and Sketching Tour are available through the gallery website.
