An important historical exhibition of Port Macquarie-Hastings artwork is being developed for early in 2019.
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The concept for the exhibition is to gather and display items, either originals or copies, that are representative of the 200 years of European-style artistry in the Hastings region since its settlement. The program is being supported by the Hastings Valley Fine Art Society.
The organiser, David Martin, said the tradition began in April of 1819 when John Oxley returned to properly survey and map the Hastings River for possible settlement.
The commander of the expedition was Phillip Parker King, who painted at least three landscape scenes surrounding the Hastings River and its outlet to the sea at Port Macquarie.
April of 2019 marks 200 years since the first landscape artworks were produced of the Port Macquarie-Hastings region.
The planned exhibition will focus on visual depictions of the region – primarily, but not exclusively, landscape artworks.
It will include actual-size facsimiles and enlargements of the earliest landscape scenes, and additional original artworks or prints will be included to cover the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
These will then make way for some of the best works by more modern artists - both recent and current. Ideally, a wide range of artistic styles and mediums will be represented.
The planned event will feature about 40 artworks, and is planned as a community enrichment and information program.
There will also be some opportunity for interested members of the public to purchase some of the artworks on display.
Mr Martin said he is looking widely for good, representative artworks.
“If someone knows of a wonderful artwork that should be included, particularly of the inland regions, I would love to hear from them,” he said.
“Please call me and nominate or offer your favourite artwork for inclusion. The scene simply has to be of a location or event in the Hastings region at some time over the last 200 years.”
David can be contacted by email at portmacquarie200@gmail.com or by phone on 0410 594 370.