Contemporary: APS Contemporary Group
15 August to 21 December 2024
The Australian Photographic Society (APS) Contemporary Group draws together a committed and passionate group of photographers in an exchange of ideas and images, fostering the development of photographic expression and broadening artistic horizons. Members seek to illustrate concepts beyond aesthetics, dedicated to working on thematic projects and embracing new challenges by breaking any and all traditional rules and integrating photography with mixed media.
Roger Skinner, founding Chair of the Contemporary Group in the mid-1980s, sought to involve Contemporary Group members in regional galleries, an initiative not pursued before by the APS, with exhibitions held at Muswellbrook, Dubbo, and Manning regional galleries, and L&P Photographic gallery. Curated by Roger, ‘Contemporary’ sees a renewed focus on this initiative – a celebration of contemporary photography and a call to photographers to push the boundaries of their own craft.
Lisa Saad, ‘Letters of Life’ 2020, photography and digital illustration, 80 x 80cm
Viola Bromley Art Prize 2024
24 October to 21 December 2024
Artist, Viola Bromley was part of a small group invited to arrange the Festival of the Valley Art Prize in 1958 – the forerunner to the Muswellbrook Art Prize. Bromley also played a significant role in the construction of an art gallery at the Muswellbrook Town Hall site in 1976, and in gaining the newly built Muswellbrook Municipal Art Gallery regional gallery status.
Named in her honour, the Viola Bromley Art Prize is a celebration of local art across the disciplines of painting, works on paper, sculpture and photography. The winning acquisitive work from each section joins the Muswellbrook Shire Art Collection alongside key local artists including Max Watters, James Clifford, and Viola Bromley herself.
Jennifer Stuerzl, ‘Rhythms in water and light’ 2023, oil on canvas, 120 x 100cm, Muswellbrook Shire Art Collection, Winner, Viola Bromley Art Prize 2023, Painting
Summer Studio: Todd Fuller and Max Watters
24 October 2024 to 15 March 2025
In 2020, following the passing of Max Watters, artist Todd Fuller embarked on a residency to explore and honour Max’s life and artistic legacy. Through interviews with Muswellbrook locals and a digital residency with the Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre, Fuller delved into the profound impact Max had on the region’s artistic community and cultural landscape. Max Watters, a beloved figure in Muswellbrook, was known for his paintings of rural houses and for his efforts to foster art and culture in the Upper Hunter.
In this first edition of Summer Studio, visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the displayed works, reflecting on the themes presented by both Max and Todd, while contributing their own experiences to a collaborative artwork within the exhibition space.
Drop in to participate at any time. All materials and instructions provided. All ages and skill levels are welcome, and no experience is necessary. Children under 12 must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Todd Fuller, ‘Working, Plein Air ‘ 2020, acrylic, charcoal, and chalk on paper, 57 x 75cm, Muswellbrook Shire Art Collection, Donated through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program by the Artist
Our Place: 100 Years of Martindale Public School
24 October 2024 to 15 March 2025
Nestled in the foothills of the Wollemi National Park and forked by two creeks, a community were successful in appealing for a permanent school 100 years ago. Land was donated and Martindale school was built.
“Our place is special and gives a sense of belonging and identity. Knowledge leads us to understand that ‘our place’ though, can be anywhere we feel connected to, or drawn to its uniqueness. From the security of our home, our school, our creatures and their surrounds that we see or aspire to see, our community, our state, our country, our world, and all that means to us.” – Sharon Rivers, Principal, Martindale Public School.
To celebrate our 100 years of Martindale Public school, students were encouraged to create artworks that reflected what ‘our place’ means to them.
