Coldstream Gallery Ulmarra is thrilled to announce the opening of its latest exhibition, “Our Clarence,” a celebration of the vibrant artistic talent and breathtaking landscape of the Clarence Valley. The exhibition will run from March 30 to April 28, showcasing a diverse collection of artworks inspired by the beauty and richness of the Clarence Valley.
Featuring the works of established and emerging artists from the local community, “Our Clarence” promises a captivating journey through various artistic styles and mediums. Visitors can expect to encounter stunning landscapes captured in oil paintings, vibrant abstract interpretations of the region’s flora and fauna, intricate sculptures crafted from native materials, and much more.
“We are incredibly excited to showcase the talent of our local artists and celebrate the natural beauty of the Clarence Valley through this exhibition,” said Marc McIntyre, curator of Coldstream Gallery. “Our goal is to not only provide a platform for our artists to share their work with the community but also to inspire a deeper appreciation for the unique landscapes that surround us.”
The opening night of “Our Clarence” was a special occasion. Guests had the opportunity to mingle with the artists, discuss their creative processes, and immerse themselves in the captivating atmosphere of Coldstream Gallery. The opening night was also the official re-opening of the Black Gallery exhibition space. The Black Gallery was flood-affected during the 2022 Northern Rivers flood event. Coldstream Gallery received a NSW State Government repair and betterment grant.
The exhibition space and Our Clarence exhibition were officially opened by President Ben Franklin MLC, President of the NSW Legislative Council; other guests in attendance were Richie Williamson MP, Member for Clarence, Clarence Valley Mayor Peter Johnstone and Coldstream Gallery co-owner Councillor Steve Pickering.
In addition to the artworks on display, Coldstream Gallery offers a series of special events throughout the duration of the exhibition, providing visitors with the chance to engage with local creatives in an engaging way. CONNECT—Up Close and Personal artist talks and demonstrations will run each Sunday from 2:30 p.m. throughout April.
“We want ‘Our Clarence’ to be more than just a static display of artworks; we want it to be a dynamic and engaging experience for our community,” said Steve Pickering. “By offering a range of events and activities, we hope to foster a deeper connection between our artists and the people who appreciate their work. This is the first year that the Coldstream Gallery has included Audio Descriptions for most of the pieces, it adds another layer to the works and provides another avenue for visitors to the gallery to engage.”
Our Clarence runs throughout April as part of the Clarence Valley PLUNGE Festival. The exhibition culminates with the winner’s announcement on Sunday, April 28.
The Coldstream Gallery Exhibition Space Floor and Electrical Repair and Betterment project was jointly funded by the Commonwealth and NSW Government through the Arts and Culture Essential Community Asset Program (ECAP) as part of the Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package (CLIRP).