Art lovers are about to saddle up for the opening night of the annual Packsaddle fundraiser – that will feature more than 400 artworks from renowned and emerging artist – at NERAM on Friday October 25.
Artworks available for purchase on the night and during the selling exhibition will include an eclectic range of paintings, limited edition prints as well as some sculptures and ceramics.
Some of the artworks available to purchase include prints from Guy Warren, John Olsen and Max Miller, all notable artists and printmakers, plus John R Walker, noted landscape artist, Elisabeth Cummings, Euan Macleod, Wendy Sharpe, Reg Mombassa and Vanessa Ashcroft to name just a few.
The Packsaddle fundraiser has raised more than $500,000 over the last 39 years with funds going towards the conservation and acquisition of artworks in the NERAM collection.
“What is special about Packsaddle is that we have well-known names but also emerging artists, so we can offer a range of prices and the opportunity to purchase works by both well-known artists and artists who are on the way up,” said co-chair of the Packsaddle Committee Moira Lloyd.
“Artworks come from all over Australia. The Packsaddlers visit galleries and art schools in Sydney and the Blue Mountains to talk to potential contributors. We want to encourage artists and probably always choose too much, but the curator has final say over what is hung as we want the exhibition to look its best.”
The idea for an annual Packsaddle exhibition came from a small group of women artists, who were all keen horsewomen who enjoyed painting together, inspiring and criticising each other’s work. In the days of the Summer Schools at the University of New England they attended schools with people such as John Olsen and Stanislav Rapotec.
“It’s the 39th year of Packsaddle this year, which is amazing,” said Moira. “We have raised in excess of half a million dollars over the years and funds have contributed to many areas of NERAM’s activities and projects, including new acquisitions – both paintings and sculpture. We have funded a wide range of projects, including lighting upgrades, travelling exhibitions, publications, the Packsaddle Studio and Artist’s Residence, the annual Packsaddle Lectures and have contributed to the Helen Dangar Bursary.”
“In recent years we have concentrated our efforts on the Adopt an Artwork program by paying for the conservation of over 20 works of art and we are the single largest donor to this program.”
“We are looking forward to another very successful opening night in 2024 and giving people the opportunity to add some amazing new artworks to their collections while supporting NERAM.”
NERAM director Rachael Parsons says the Packsaddle Exhibition was one of the most anticipated art events and fundraisers on the New England and North West arts calendar.
“While it is always exciting and important to see people supporting Packsaddle through buying art, it is a major fundraiser, the exhibition is equally important as a social event that brings together our community for an enthusiastic cultural celebration.”
“The atmosphere on the Packsaddle opening nights is always electric and it is always wonderful to see many old friends and lot of new faces all taking part.”
“The women who are on the Packsaddle committee are simply extraordinary. There is a massive amount of work that goes into organising these exhibitions each year – and they do it with determination and good humour to ensure that everyone has a lovely party, that living Australian artists are being seen and supported and that vital funds are raised for NERAM.”
“We are all very excited about Packsaddle 2024 and can’t wait to see the range of fabulous artworks that have been selected and available for purchase.”
Packsaddle 2024 will open at 5pm on Friday October 25 and the exhibition will be on until November 10. This is a free event but you need to book your tickets on the NERAM website to attend.
Something going on in your part of the region you think people should know about? Send us a news tip or email newsdesk@netimes.com.au.