Moree Plains Gallery, one of Moree’s most treasured historical buildings, has recently undergone a more modern makeover.
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Built in 1911, the old bank building was in need of upgrades to make it more accessible and comfortable for art lovers around the region.
The renovations included a brand new insulated steel roof over the outdoor workshop area, as well as modern upgrades to the old bathrooms, including a disabled access bathroom to accommodate the needs of clients and visitors with disabilities.
The $80,583 worth of renovations were funded by the NSW government – with $59,000 for the amenity upgrades and $21,583 to build the covered exterior walkway, which gallery curator Hannah Williamson said will double the workshop area and make it more comfortable, usable and practical.
“In summer when it’s 45 degrees you can still do classes out here because it’s insulated so you won’t get the full heat,” she said.
“It will also allow us to use different mediums as well, for example we’ll be able to spray paint outside and be a bit messier.”
In addition to the outdoor roof extensions and amenities upgrades, the inside of the gallery has also been freshly painted, a significant improvement to the paint flaking off the ceiling earlier this year.
The renovations are part of the gallery’s strategic plan to upgrade the building over the coming years, with the next step to build a ramp leading up to the outdoor disabled access bathroom and a ramp to the front door.
Ms Williamson is now looking forward to hosting the next school holiday workshops at the end of September, as well as the upcoming exhibition, Cabramatta by Markus Andersen.
Upcoming exhibition
Moree Plains Gallery will host the opening of their latest exhibition Cabramatta by Markus Andersen on Friday, September 8.
The gallery has partnered with the Australian Centre of Photography to present a new series of works by Sydney-based photographer Markus Andersen.
The photographs produced between 2015 and 2016 in Cabramatta, contribute to drawing a new picture of a misunderstood suburb.
In these visually intense and spontaneous photographs, the bold interplay between strong shadows and light is as much an illustration of the harsh Australian sun as it is a metaphorical vision of the multiple ways in which the community interacts and exists within the urban environment.
Whilst the elaborate balance of tones subtly contributes to conveying the cultural richness of the community and emotional depth of the characters, the tension between light and shadow, enhanced by rich colours and an elaborate composition, creates a visual rhythm that conveys the particular sound atmosphere of the vibrant city.
A series of public programs will run alongside the Cabramatta exhibition lead by artist Markus Andersen and a tutor from the Australian Centre of Photography. In each workshop participants will learn how to capture the unique beauty of the town of Moree.
These workshops will cater to photographers from beginner to intermediate abilities.
Cabramatta opens 6pm on Friday, September 8. All are welcome to this free event.
Further inquiries should be directed to moreeplainsgallery@bigpond.com or phone (02) 6757 3320.
