The Wagga Wagga Art Gallery is set to launch its Autumn Exhibition programs this weekend with artist talks and a celebration event.

Immerse yourself in the celebration of five exhibitions: the Wynne Prize 2023, When Our Eyes Adjust by local artist Julia Roche, The Good by Anna Louise Richardson, Science of Common Life by Lyndall Phelps at the National Art Glass Gallery, and Nurture by local artist Sophie Chauncy.

The celebration features guest speaker Dr Michael Brand, Director of the Art Gallery of NSW, who will speak to the significance of Australia’s oldest art prize, the Wynne Prize, which is touring regionally for the first time in its 125-year history.

The Wynne Prize 2023, now on display at the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, is touring regionally for the first time in its 125-year history.

Dr Lee-Anne Hall, Director of the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, said they are pleased to be presenting these exhibitions to the region.

“The five exhibitions we have at the gallery at the moment are exceptional,” Dr Hall said.

“The Wynne Prize is one of Australia’s premier art prizes that features the best contemporary artists in the country, so we are very pleased to be one of the first venues ever, outside the Art Gallery of NSW, to host the exhibition.

“There are themes of rural life in the exhibitions by Julia Roche, Anna Louise Richardson and Sophie Chauncy: something local audiences will surely feel a connection with.

“Lyndall Phelps has delved into the National Art Glass Collection and has presented an exhibition that explores the connection of glass from the scientific world and the ways women incorporate glass into craft activities.”

Visitors will have the opportunity to connect with the artists behind the exhibitions via a series of artist talks starting from 11am on Saturday 20 April.

In the morning, artist Lyndall Phelps will discuss her exhibition Science of Common Life at the National Art Glass Gallery.

In the afternoon, the Gallery will host a panel conversation exploring the creative collaboration between artist and curator in developing a new body of work.

Facilitated by Dr Lee-Anne Hall, artists Julia Roche and Anna Louise Richardson, will be joined by curators Hayley Megan French and Rachel Arndt, with whom they worked in developing their new exhibitions.

This will be followed by the official launch event for the Autumn Exhibition program from 4pm.

All events are free to attend, bookings are required. For more information and to book visit  waggaartgallery.com.au/whats-on

The Wynne Prize 2023 is an Art Gallery of New South Wales touring exhibition. Find out more about this year’s Wynne Prize finalists on the Art Gallery of NSW website.