Griffith Art Gallery invites community to join in 40th anniversary celebrations

Griffith Regional Art Gallery is inviting the community to join in its 40th anniversary celebratory Gala Night to be held on Saturday 9th September 2023.

Art Gallery Coordinator, Ray Wholohan shares "I hope everyone will join us for a night of nostalgia and celebration of the Griffith Regional Art Gallery.

"Enjoy Dee Vine Estate wines, canapes and music by the talented Ben Ceccato and local band Sticky Fingers. Tickets are available through Humanitix for $20 and this covers all refreshments on this auspicious evening.

"This birthday celebration is for the whole community. We look forward to hosting both new and old friends and patrons at the Gallery. 40 is an important milestone and we have curated a striking exhibition of artworks, historical information and other ephemera highlighting the Gallery's 40-year history."

Originally opened by the then NSW Labor Premier, Neville Wran, the Regional Art Gallery has called the eastern wing of the art-deco style War Memorial building on Banna Avenue its home for the past 40 years. This significant building was designed by local architect A.D. Long and was completed in 1939. Prior to opening in 1983, the site had extensive renovations carried out by Geoff Larkin of the Public Works Department of the NSW Government.

The Gallery has hosted a number of important exhibitions is its 40-year history from its own signature exhibitions such as the National Cotemporary Jewellery Award, The Casella Art Prize and Faces of Griffith, to touring exhibitions such the Archibald Prize, The Dobell Drawing Prize and Art Express.

In reflecting on the founding legacy of Griffith Regional Art Gallery, Wholohan said the 40-year history the Art Gallery has had many people contribute to its vitality and longevity.

"I would personally like to thank the former Griffith Art and Craft Society, Friends of Griffith Regional Art Gallery and former staff for their foresight, leadership, dedication, passion and vision for the Art Gallery during its past 40 years of public service to the community of Griffith and the greater Riverina."

A plaque at the entry of the Art Gallery recognises the forethought and unique contribution made by the Griffith Art and Craft society in working for the establishment of the Griffith Regional Art Gallery. This plaque is evidence of the true genesis of the art gallery.

Tickets can be purchased for $20 from events.humanitix.com or call the Gallery for more details. The Art Gallery 40th celebration will be held on Saturday 9th September from 6pm.