Exhibition celebrates the development of art in Townsville
Date published: 12 July 2016
The development of the visual arts in Townsville will be celebrated at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery with the opening of Images of an Era: The Martin Gallery on Friday evening.
The Martin Gallery was established by Townsville pharmacist Ralph Martin and his family in 1972 and went on to support and exhibit some the region’s best known artists including Ron McBurnie, James Brown, Anneke Silver, Sylvia Ditchburn and Peter Lawson.
Community and Cultural Development Committee chair Cr Colleen Doyle congratulated Mr Martin on his achievement.
“For 16 years The Martin Gallery showcased a wide range of styles, media and art forms from painting to photography, jewellery making to ceramics until it closed its doors in 1990,” Cr Doyle said.
“Mr Martin has left a lasting legacy for the Townsville region; his support of local artists was instrumental in the development of Townsville’s now thriving arts community.”
Gallery Services manager Shane Fitzgerald said The Martin Gallery was a visionary concept in the Townsville community.
“The establishment of a contemporary art gallery in the heart of the city was fundamental to the growth of Townsville’s artists,” Mr Fitzgerald said.
“Without the steadfast vision and support of The Martin Gallery the visual arts landscape of the region would not be the rich and diverse place it is now.”
Images of an Era: The Martin Gallery will be launched at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery in Townsville on Friday, July 15 at 7pm. Guest Curator, Dr Anneke Silver will give an exhibition talk on Saturday, July 30 and will discuss the works and the legacy of The Martin Gallery. These are both free events and all are welcome to attend.
