Expand your creative mind and art collection at Packsaddle 2018
The 33rd Packsaddle fundraising exhibition will be opened by artist, and Utopia Art Gallery Director, Christopher Hodges at the New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) during an opening function commencing at 5.00pm on Friday 19 October 2018.
Each year the Packsaddle Exhibition presents a diverse range of painting, original prints and sculpture by leading Australian artists, providing local collectors and art lovers the opportunity to purchase great artworks to start or build their own collections, while also supporting the New England Regional Art Museum.
“Packsaddle is a major highlight of the Armidale cultural calendar, “said Rachael Parsons, Art Museum Director. “It is always one of our liveliest and most exciting openings at NERAM. Collectors turn up early to find the works they want to add to their collections, and when the bell rings to start selling it is a hustle to get in quick and snap up that one work that you really adore. It is a lot of fun to see what artworks get quickly sold on the opening night and to then check in over the course of the exhibition to see red dots pop up as artworks find their way into the private collections of New England.”
“In addition to being a fantastic exhibition and event, Packsaddle is also an important fundraising initiative,” said Ms Parsons. “For the past 33 years the funds raised by the Packsaddle committee via commission has supported NERAM with the purchase of over 70 artworks for our collection, by locally and nationally significant artists, and has contributed to a range of important programs such as the Packsaddle Lecture Series, and artist studio.”
“Packsaddle has made a significant mark on the local collections of the region. When you visit private collectors in Armidale they often point out works that have been purchased at this annual event. The quite immense scale of the exhibition, that includes some 500 works this year, means that no matter what your taste or budget, if you are a dedicated collector or making your very first artwork purchase, there will be something that is perfect and exciting for you.”
This year the public program for the Packsaddle exhibition will include a talk by Christopher Hodges in conversation with artist Angus Nivison at 10.30am on Saturday 20 October, followed by a GOLDHEIST & James Needham concert at 1.00pm. There will also be talks by print maker Basil Hall and Gallery Director Sandra McMahon and a seminar on collecting and investing in art.
The 33rd Packsaddle fundraising exhibition is on display at NERAM from Friday 19 October until Sunday 4 November 2018. NERAM would like to thank the Packsaddle Group as well as participating art galleries, art dealers and artists for their support.
Packsaddle 2018 Events:
10:30am – Saturday 20 October 2018 – Christopher Hodges in conversation with Angus Nivison
1:00pm – 3:00pm – Saturday 20 October 2018 – GOLDHEIST (Hester Fraser) & James Needham Concert
4:30pm – Sunday 21 October 2018 – Basil Hall, printmaker, commenting on the prints in the exhibition
5:30pm – 25 October 2018 – Packsaddle Seminar – Collecting and Investing in Art Presented in partnership with Roberts and Morrow
3:00pm – Saturday 27 October 2018- Sandra McMahon, gallerist, commenting on the works in the exhibition
From 12:00pm – 4:00pm – Sunday 4 November 2018 – Pick Up Party for customers to collect their works
Image Above:
Packsaddle 2018 Guest Speaker, artist and Utopia Gallery Director, Christopher Hodges
