* Michelle Lovas, The City Rises, ceramics, 2025. Willoughby Girls High School. (ARTEXPRESS 2026)
Broken Hill City Art Gallery will open three major exhibitions on Friday 8 May at 6pm, bringing together contemporary Aboriginal art, outstanding student work from across New South Wales, and a deeply personal exhibition by a local artist.
The opening night is free, and all are welcome, with bar facilities and light refreshments available.
Running from 8 May to 26 July 2026, the exhibitions include Saltbush Country, ARTEXPRESS 2026, and Footsteps in the Desert by Ann Evers.
Saltbush Country is a major touring exhibition featuring the work of Aboriginal women artists from regional South Australia. Through weaving, textiles, jewellery, painting and installation, the artists share powerful stories of culture, community and connection to Country.
The exhibition was originally developed through Tarnanthi and is presented by Country Arts SA.
ARTEXPRESS 2026 showcases a selection of exemplary works developed for the 2025 Higher School Certificate Visual Arts examination. Featuring a wide range of expressive forms - including ceramics, drawing, photomedia, painting, printmaking, textiles and fibre, sculpture and timebased forms - the exhibition highlights the creativity, technical skill and diverse perspectives of young artists from across the state.
Local artist Ann Evers presents Footsteps in the Desert, an exhibition inspired by a lifetime of walking and observing the landscapes surrounding Broken Hill.
Using natural and found materials such as native plants, handmade paper, wool, dyes, bones, rust and broken china, Evers creates intricate baskets and vessels that reflect the stories, changes and histories embedded in the West Darling region.
Gallery and Museum Manager Kathy Graham said the exhibition program brings together a strong mix of local, regional and state-wide perspectives.
"This exhibition program brings together a dynamic mix of voices, from established Aboriginal artists and emerging young creatives to a strong local perspective," she said.
"It reflects the strength and diversity of contemporary art practice while remaining grounded in place and community."
"We're proud to present a program that celebrates both the richness of our region and the creativity of artists from across New South Wales and beyond."
Visitors are also invited to attend a free artist talk on Saturday 9 May at 10am, featuring ARTEXPRESS exhibiting artists, offering insight into their work and creative process.
The community is warmly invited to attend the opening and experience this diverse and engaging exhibition program
Event details
Opening Night: Friday 8 May 2026, 6pm
Location: Broken Hill City Art Gallery, 404-408 Argent Street, Broken Hill
Admission: Free
For more information, visit www.bhartgallery.com.au
