Graham Mackie and Reg Bryson combine their talents to exhibit recent works at The Old Kirk, Yamba Museum, opening Friday October 21 and closing November 20.

This exhibition features two lifelong friends who grew up on Sydney’s North Shore, and as teenagers went in two entirely different directions in the art world. The exhibition’s title ‘6 and 7’ refers to the positions they played in the back row when they both debuted in First Grade for Macquarie University Rugby Club in 1972 against Mosman. 

Graham was studying at the National Art School at the time and Reg was starting to forge a career in advertising while both were members of Peninsular Boardriders Club which Reg had founded in 1968. Graham then completed his Teaching Diploma in 1973 and spent the next 30 years teaching art, photography & PE in NSW secondary schools, Dubbo South & Maclean High. In 1997 he was appointed head coach of the Gold Coast District Cricket Club & then bought a property at Coombadjha in 2003 where he has his studio & art gallery. Graham has featured in over 10 one-man shows and 25 group exhibitions over that time. 

Reg on the other hand went in another direction. In 1982 he set up and managed Campaign Palace, Sydney’s most prestigious advertising agency which became globally recognised. He was CEO of Sydney/Melbourne/Auckland from 1998 to 2004, and in 2005 he formed and was CEO of Brand Council.

In 1998 he was voted one of Advertising’s Living Legends in Australia and in 2005 he was awarded the highest honour as Advertising Person of the Year. In 2014 Reg was inducted into the Advertising Hall of Fame. After retiring, his daughters thought he should go to night school to study art and as a result this is his first exhibition. 

This art show has been 50 years in the making. Opening night is Friday October 21 at 5.30pm – everyone is welcome. The exhibition will be open during Museum hours until Sunday November 20.

Yamba Museum: Tues/Wed/Thurs: 10-4.30pm; Sat & Sun: 2-4.30pm.

Gai Pritchett