Maitland Regional Art Gallery’s Contemporary Art Sale is in full swing, with a successful opening night painting the town red.
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The annual fundraising event, which sees paintings, prints and sculptures up for sale, helps raise money for the MRAG Members Program.
Gallery director Bridgette Uren said she was overjoyed by the the success of the sale’s opening night on Saturday.
“It was fantastic. We had about 180 people there, and they bought 84 artworks so it was a really good night,” she said.
“It was just over $24,000 in sales across the artworks. We sold $48,000 over two weeks at the last sale, and I am hopeful we will reach that again.”
For the first time, MRAG child members will have work for sale in the exhibit with 24 local children donating their artwork to the fundraiser.
All funds raised will ensure the continuation of Free Art Sunday and Free Art January, which are some of gallery’s most popular activities.
Ms Uren said there were just shy of 380 works for sale at the gallery, which is the biggest in the gallery’s history.
“It’s one of the best arts sales because of the diversity of work we have on offer. I was really excited when the kids were included because they are the main beneficiaries,” Ms Uren said.
“We’ve got a number of prints by leading artists such as John Lawson and Wendy Sharp.
“We also have artists from Central Desert, and they have almost sold out.
“We’ve put quite a lot of effort into promote Aboriginal art at the gallery over the past couple of years, and the Maitland community has really embraced it.” The sale will run for three weeks until November 4. Entry is free and everyone is welcome.
“The prints start at around $50 so they are very entry level for people who feel like they want to start or add to their own art collection,” Ms Uren said.
“It puts people at ease up front, these are very accessible for people to purchase.”
“Even if people aren’t looking to buy art, it’s a beautiful show.”
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