Gallery FAQ's

Do you have to pay to get in?

Entry to most exhibitions if free. Very rarely, there will be a charge to enter the gallery for special events and major exhibitions, such as those on tour from national or international galleries. There is usually a small charge for attending fundraisers and workshops, with generous discounts available for gallery members (see below).

How are exhibitions chosen?

Exhibitions are chosen according to various criteria/sources, including:

Major exhibitions on tour from national, state and regional organisations;
Locally-curated and themed exhibitions with thought provoking, challenging and educational intentions;
A balance of types of visual art, craft, design and new media, monitored over a three year cycle.

Are the works on show for sale?

As is the case with most regional galleries, works are usually not for sale. If you are looking to buy work by local artists, contact a commercial gallery in the region, such as St Albans Gallery in St Albans or Breewood Gallery in Richmond .

What opportunities are there for local artists to display their work?

The gallery aims to present up to two significant solo exhibitions per year by North-Western Sydney professional artists, provided the same artists are not programmed to exhibit in the Main Gallery for at least three years. In addition, local artists are welcome to use the Stan Stevens Studio, which offers community groups and individual artists access to a flexible space on a short-term basis (no longer than seven days) and can encompass:

Artists wishing to extend their professional development;
Less experienced artists keen to undergo a curatorial process (themed selection of artwork by the Gallery & Museum Curator or an invited curator);
Not-for-profit cultural groups showcasing no more than one exhibition per year;
Space for community groups to undertake workshops or demonstrations;
Community organisations, students and individuals mounting small-scale exhibitions and displays, provided these exhibitions and displays are overseen by the individuals or group members themselves.

How can I find out what’s on at the gallery?

The gallery advertises weekly in the Hawkesbury Courier (Council Notices) and information is regularly sent to other local, regional and arts media, including Hawkesbury Radio. You can also find out by going to the gallery webpages and Council’s What’s on calendar. To be advised directly of exhibitions and special events, by mail or email, send your details to gallery@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au

Is there a member scheme?

There is a member scheme called GEMs (GallEryMembers) and new members are always welcome. GEMs play an important role by working with gallery staff to promote the gallery and raise funds for specified purposes. Members receive a regular newsletter and invitations to members-only public programs and social gatherings. Diamond members may use the gallery for corporate purposes including entertaining.

Can I take photos in the gallery?

Wide shots showing the layout of the space and giving an overview of the current exhibition are fine, but, for copyright reasons, close ups of individual artworks are not, unless for a specific purpose and approved by the Director. At no time is flash photography allowed as the flash can damage the artwork.

Does the gallery have a permanent collection?

The Collection comprises approximately 300 works of art, the majority acquired through the Macquarie Towns Acquisitive Art Exhibition, which was conducted annually between 1985 and 1995. It contains many works by regional artists, and a number of works by Modernist and Postmodernist artists Bim Hilder, Maurice McDonald, Suzanne Archer, David Fairbairn, John Firth-Smith, Barry Gazzard, Peter Laverty, Ursula Laverty, Peter Pinson, Tony Tozer and David Voight.

In 1999 Mr A E Cleary, formerly of Pitt Town, gifted to the people of Hawkesbury approximately 80 paintings and prints including works by Donald Friend, Lloyd Rees, Arthur Boyd, Clifton Pugh, Norman Lindsay and Lance Solomon. The gallery also has on permanent loan a collection of works of local significance owned by Fiends of Hawkesbury Art Community and Regional Gallery.

Does the gallery have Deductible Gift Recipient Status?

Yes. Tax deductions for gifts may be claimed by persons or organisations donating to the gallery. Click here to find more information from the Australian Tax Office.