Archibald Prize 2012 at Newcastle

Winner of the 2012 Archibald Prize, Tim Storrier and his wife Janet
in front of his work,The histrionic wayfarer (after Bosch). Image courtesy Newcastle Art Gallery. 

The NSW regional tour of the 2012 Archibald Prize kicked off in Newcastle last week. Always a crowd pleaser, some 400 guests assembled to hear new Director of the Art Gallery of NSW, Michael Brand, open the show. Brand spoke eloquently about the importance of galleries in the context of community and culture. He acknowledged the superb work undertaken at Newcastle Art Gallery and commended Ron Ramsey and his team as they move towards work commencing on a $21M redevelopment. 

Opening of the 2012 Archibald Prize at Newcastle Art Gallery.
Image courtesy Newcastle Art Gallery.

 Prize winning artist Tim Storrier also spoke, recounting humorous anecdotes about life as an artist with particular reference to the winning work. Thirty five guests, many associated with the Gallery Foundation and Society, then adjourned to the grand surrounds of The Newcastle Club to enjoy a delicious dinner, more conversation and to hear Michal Brand speak ‘off the cuff’ about his ambition for the Art Gallery of NSW. 

Tim Storrier during his speech at the 2012 Archibald Prize opening.
Image courtesy Newcastle Art Gallery.

Following Newcastle the Archibald heads to Cowra Regional Gallery where anticipation and excitement are already building. The exhibition then travels to Dubbo, Grafton, Hawkesbury and Armidale. Catch it if you can!

Further information of the regional tour: http://mgnsw.org.au/exhibit/archibald_prize_2012/

Story by Michael Rolfe.