Perc Tucker Regional Gallery celebrates bounty of acquisitions
Date published: 1 March 2016
Some of Australia and North Queensland’s most significant artists will converge on Townsville ahead of the opening of Director’s Pick – Recent acquisitions from the City of Townsville Art Collection at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery.
Director’s Pick, which will be launched on Friday, March 4, showcases and celebrates the City of Townsville Art Collection, which is the most significant collection of art in North Queensland.
In the past 24 months, the collection has seen considerable development with a further 745 works acquired, marking the largest period of growth in the gallery’s history.
Director’s Pick is an eclectic exhibition which aims to give visitors a small sample of the depth and breadth of the gallery’s collection.
Chair of the Art Acquisition Working Group Cr Sue Blom will join staff and a number of the artists on opening night to discuss the collection, its importance and its future.
“As the Chair of the Art Acquisitions Working Group, I have grown a deeper understanding of the importance of this amazing resource to our region,” Cr Blom said.
“The City of Townsville Art Collection sits among the finest regional gallery collections in the nation, now numbering about 3,800 artworks, and valued at around $15 million.”
Gallery Services manager Shane Fitzgerald said the growth of the collection was the result of a number of factors including the generosity of the community, particularly those artists and collectors who had donated works.
“Director’s Pick allows us the opportunity to not only showcase the significant growth of the City of Townsville Art Collection but also to acknowledge this generous support,” Mr Fitzgerald said.
“Director’s Pick provides an insight into the depth and breadth of the collection - from the intricacy and delicacy of Marion Gaemers’ woven ‘Pod 6’ to the iconic landscapes and fauna of North Queensland in Pamela Griffith’s richly coloured prints.”
Director’s Pick will open on Friday, March 4 at 6pm with a discussion from artists. Formalities will begin at 7pm. Entertainment will be provided by the Vicki Salisbury Jazz Trio from 7.30pm.
This is a free event, and residents are invited to attend.
The exhibition will be on display at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery until Sunday, April 24.
