Maitland Regional Art Gallery (MRAG) is launching its winter exhibition season with a free public event on Friday 25 July, featuring seven new exhibitions. Highlights include a solo show by Hunter-based artist Rebecca Rath, a video art collection from ACMI, and the exhibition '9.5 – The Elliott Eyes Bequest,' which celebrates a major donation of over 460 contemporary artworks from collectors Gordon Elliott and Michael Eyes. Other exhibitions include works by local artist Steffie Yee and Ken Unsworth, with guided tours and artist talks scheduled throughout the season.
This event matters because it underscores MRAG's role as a vibrant cultural hub for the Maitland region, offering free access to contemporary art and fostering community engagement. The Elliott Eyes Bequest significantly enriches the gallery's permanent collection, ensuring long-term public access to a substantial body of Australian contemporary art. The season also highlights diverse voices, including regional and Chinese Australian artists, reflecting the gallery's commitment to inclusive programming.