It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Maitland Regional Art Gallery.
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The hugely anticipated Olive Tree Market twilight Christmas Market will occupy the MRAG’s manicured lawns while the Summer Art Party kicks off inside the gallery itself.
The Olive Tree Market runs year round showcasing the region’s artists, designers and craftsmen.
But last year it was standing room only as 3500 people filled the gallery to buy up unique and beautiful items for Christmas.
At the time MRAG cultural director Brigette Uren said much of the success was owed to a good balance of food and wares at the stalls.
But this year highlights will include Kerry Shephard’s botanical-inspired eco textiles, Louise Martiensen’s pastel ceramics and beard aficionados The Mister Brand.
Since last year the markets have become more integrated with the workings of the gallery.
Exhibited artist Trevor Dickinson will be on hand selling prints of his vibrant, post-card style illustrations of Maitland.
Everything from gourmet tea to hand-crafted leather will also be doing the rounds.
Jazz band Half Nelson will provide upbeat entertainment while food trucks – from Brazillian Meet to Vietnamese Vietnyum – will keep bellys full.
Meanwhile, inside the gallery, the Summer Art Party will allow guests to meet the artists behind the latest exhibitions while enjoying a glass of wine.
The Summer Art Party will signal the opening of six new exhibitions.
Artist Linda Greedy and Brett Lewis CEO/MD of The Bloomfield Group will introduce Inside Bloomfield.
From 4.15pm the winner and runner up of the 2016 Brenda Clouten Memorial Travelling Scholarship for Young Achievers in the Visual Arts will be announced.
The event will wrap up at 5pm when exhibition curator from the National Portrait Gallery, Dr Anne Sanders, discussesthe touring exhibition Awesome Achievers: Stories from Australians of the Year.
- The twilight markets and the Summer Art Party kick off at 3pm on Saturday, November 26, at Maitland Regional Art Gallery. More information at mrag.org.au