Orange Regional Gallery will celebrate its 40th anniversary by showcasing highlights from its permanent collection, chosen by the community.
40 Years 40 Works: Celebrating 40 incredible years! marks 40 years since the gallery opened its doors in 1986 and will be shown in the Alan Sisley Gallery from Saturday 9 May.
Orange Mayor Tony Mileto said the gallery has been a vibrant cultural hub for our community and visitors to the region.
"For the last 40 years Orange Regional Gallery has proudly championed regional and NSW artists," Cr Mileto said.
"Through exhibitions, public programs and a nationally significant collection, the Gallery has been a place for creativity and connection."
The artworks for the 40th anniversary exhibition were nominated through public submissions.
Members of the community were invited to select their favourite artwork from the gallery's permanent collection and share why it was important to them.
The submissions were assessed by a selection panel of Gallery staff and invited judges, who narrowed the works down to 40, creating an exhibition that represented a wide cross-section of the community.
Among the successful submissions were Orange Mayor Tony Mileto's selection of a moody charcoal self-portrait by Pam Hallandal, Frannie Hopkirk's selection of a yellow willow at Carcoar by her brother Brett Whiteley, and a UV enhanced coat by celebrated designer Linda Jackson selected by Wendy Mason alongside an early kinetic artwork by Frank Hinder, selected by local artist David Serisier.
The 40 chosen artworks include everything from wearable art, paintings and sculpture to ceramics and works on paper, accompanied by accounts of personal connections, memories and reflections on the gallery.
The exhibition will also include a selection of material relating to the history of the Gallery.
40 Years 40 Works: Celebrating 40 incredible years! will be officially opened by Mayor Tony Mileto at 6pm on Friday 8 May.
The exhibition will be held until 2 September. Orange Regional Gallery is open daily from 10am to 4pm.
