This has inspired the development of the Margaret Olley Memorial Garden (MOMG) at the Tweed Regional Gallery.
Situated in the grounds of the Gallery and capitalising the stunning location, the Memorial Garden is a living tribute to the artist and a wonderful compliment to the Margaret Olley Art Centre.
In launching the MOMG, the Gallery can share the news that Margaret's ashes are interred here in the Garden, marking a fitting final resting place in the grounds of the Gallery's Margaret Olley Art Centre.
Designed by two local landscape designers, Dan Plummer and Belinda Smith, of Plummer & Smith, the MOMG cleverly incorporates aspects of Margaret's home studio, including the paved terraces which mimic the patterns of the many kilims in her studio.
There are seating areas for reflection near the memorial site/plaque marking the location of Margaret's final resting place.
The MOMG provides additional usable outdoor space for the many visitors to enjoy the views of the Tweed landscape from the Gallery site.
Margaret held the Tweed close to her heart and the thoughtful construction of the garden will have patrons easily imagine what the artist appreciated in this magnificent region.
It is 10 years since Margaret's passing and this Memorial Garden is wonderful way to celebrate her extraordinary life.
The Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO will officially open the MOMG.
Dame Bryce also opened the Margaret Olley Art Centre in March 2014, as her final public duty during her term as Governor General so it is fitting that she open the new addition the Gallery.
Margaret's birthday is 24 June, so this was a lovely date to celebrate all that Margaret gave to the arts and regional galleries in particular.
The Gallery and Tweed Shire Council acknowledge the generosity of the Margaret Olley Art Trust, and the Tweed Regional Gallery Foundation Ltd in funding the Margaret Olley Memorial Garden.
The MOMG is adjacent to the Nancy Fairfax Artist in Residence Studio, which continues to host and inspire artists from across the country, including the successful recipients of the Master Fine Arts (Painting) National Art School (NAS) graduates who benefit from the Gallery's partnership with the NAS.
Artist Nicholas Harding will attend the opening and speak of his experiences at Tweed Regional Gallery, participating in our AIR Studio program and responding to the re-creation of Margaret's home studio here.
