Feathered: Birds in Myth and Memory is a new exhibition for Manning Regional Art Gallery that offers perspectives on the importance and significance of birds, through the eyes of artists.
It brings together artworks from talented local and regional artists alongside a selection of key works drawn from the state collection of the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
These works are from renowned Australian artists including Brett Whiteley, Arthur Boyd, Jeffrey Smart, Sydney Long and Del Kathryn Barton.
"This is a significant exhibition of artworks valued at over $4million, easily the highest value of any exhibition ever held at Manning Regional Art Gallery," said Alex Mills, MidCoast Council's Manager Libraries, Community and Cultural Services.
"As the exhibition reveals, birds have long captivated artists and audiences with their dominance of the sky and association with freedom.
"Their graceful forms and enigmatic behaviours have long been seen as powerful symbols of remembrance and transformation. The fleeting presence of birds mirrors the way human memories drift between clarity and obscurity, shaping our sense of time, loss and connection.
"The curation process involved careful selection of works from invited artists together with works held by the Art Gallery of NSW, and none of the artworks have been exhibited in our region before now.
"This is a wonderful opportunity to see some remarkable works by esteemed artists, we hope you'll get a joyous lift from this exhibition."
- What: Feathered: Birds in Myth and Memory
- When: 26 September to 29 November 2025
- Where: Manning Regional Art Gallery, 12 Macquarie St, Taree
Presented by Manning Regional Art Gallery in partnership with the Art Gallery of NSW. Proudly funded by TLE Electrical in partnership with the Friends of the Manning Regional Art Gallery.
Manning Regional Art Gallery is a cultural service of MidCoast Council.
