Internationally renowned artists launch exhibitions at Manning Regional Art Gallery

Two new exhibitions are opening at the gallery on May 27, Paintings You Probably Haven't Seen, a brilliant and surprising new exhibition from Ken Done, and Pen, Print, Paint and Pixel an exhibition from Stephen Michael King, the award-winning author and illustrator whose career has spanned over 30 years.

Paintings You Probably Haven't Seen: Selected Works 2000 - 2017 is being presented by the Ken Done Gallery, a vibrant and playful exhibition bringing together a vivid collection of recent and mostly unseen works featured in Ken Done's most recent publication of the same title.

It represents many of the artist's favourite and best-loved subjects - the beach, the reef, and portraiture as well as his own personal environment - his garden and Cabin studio in Sydney.

Pen, Print, Paint and Pixel is an intimate journey into the creative play, exploration and visual language of one of Australia's leading picture book creators. Stephen Michael King has been described as an artist who 'draws from the inside out', and it is this gentle, intuitive truth that gives heart and playfulness to his work.

"Stephen is loved all over the world, but especially on the Mid Coast," gallery director, Rachel Piercy said.

"We're thrilled to have his exhibition at the gallery, our kids have grown up with his books, so many local parents have cherished reading them to their children and exploring his illustrations with them so this will be one for young and old and quite a nostalgic experience I'm sure."

Stephen has published more than 100 titles throughout his career and worked with some of Australia's favourite authors.

Both exhibitions will officially open on Saturday, May 29, beginning with a special floor talk from Ken Done at 4pm and official speeches at 6pm. This event is a fundraiser for the Friends of the Gallery and tickets are $15, to find out about more about the official opening and book tickets, head to www.eventbrite.com.au/e/exhibition-openings-ken-done-stephen-michael-king-tickets-153941165169

Both exhibitions will run until July 10. For further information and what's on at the Manning Regional Art Gallery check out the website www.manningregionalartgallery.com.au

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