The gallery has five fresh exhibitions for visitors to enjoy, two of which are local to Maitland and the Hunter.

MRAG Gallery Director Gerry Bobsien said he is excited to welcome the community back for another season of art.

"We've all spent so much time working, home schooling and staying at home, so coming to the Gallery is a great opportunity to explore new ideas, get some inspiration and enjoy the company of friends."

In other news:

The season is headlined by 'National Art', a touring exhibition by 50 of Australia's most significant artists who studied at the National Art School over the past seven decades.

The selection has a variety of art, from abstract and expressive genres to experimentation with form, to cultural landscapes and perspectives, the surreal, interior viewpoints and the everyday.

Hunter based artist Fiona Lee's new exhibition, 'Unpreparable', lets viewers feel the impact of the 2019 bush fire crisis, as Ms Lee has shaped works from her home's scorched remains.

Visitors can connect with local heritage in 'A Conspicuous Object', where ten artists draw upon stories provided by local communities about the old Maitland Hospital to intertwine art, history and health.

'Operation Art' is an uplifting new exhibition, featuring work by young creatives that have been selected for display at the Westmead Children's Hospital.

The nation's largest unsanctioned art campaign, 'Bushfire Brandalism', shows 41 artists reactions to the feelings of powerlessness experienced during the catastrophic bush fires.

All exhibitions are free to attend and families can enjoy self directed art activities.

Séraphine Café will reopen on 1 December, and the Gallery's public programs will resume in November.

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