New England Regional Art Museum

Packsaddle Floor Talk
2024-11-02 10:30 - 11:30 (Australia/Sydney)
Packsaddle Floor Talk
Saturday November 2 @ 10.30am
Join NERAM director Rachael Parsons for a free floor talk on the works and artists that are in the 2024 Packsaddle Exhibition. Hear about the exhibition’s links to the official Royal Tour and artist Warwick Fuller, who was the Australian artist chosen by the King to join them on their tour of Australia and Samoa, and many other interesting facts and details.

HOME Program Exhibition Opening
2024-11-02 11:00 - 12:30
The HOME Program, in partnership with the Art Gallery of NSW and NSW Department of Education’s Art Unit.
EXHIBITION OPENING | Saturday 2nd November 11am – 12.30pm
VENUE | Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place, 96-104 Kentucky St, Armidale
Celebrating works by Stage 3 students from Drummond Memorial, Armidale City Public, Uralla Central, Bonshaw Public and Ebor Public schools.
This exhibition is part of the HOME program, a collaboration between the Art Gallery of NSW, NSW Department of Education’s Art Unit and Aboriginal communities and regional galleries across NSW. It connects schools to local Aboriginal artists, community, language and culture. In 2024 this program was delivered on Anaiwan country at the New England Regional Art Museum and Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place. This exhibition came together under the guidance of Gamilaraay artist Debbie Taylor-Worley and in collaboration with Widders Consultancy.

Talk: Occupation: Structures of the Berlin Brigade
2024-11-02 14:00 - 15:00
Occupation: Structures of the Berlin Brigade
A Visual Anthropology Research Project on the Built Environment
A politically and culturally conscious approach to urban preservation and development considers public memory and space as a cultural product. This comprehensive visual anthropology addresses how individuals relate to heritage sites over time and political change to offers insight for urban development and heritage management projects.
This photographic project deals with a set of buildings in the former American Sector of West Berlin. These political structures were used or built by the US occupational military following WWII, the Cold War, German reunification, and the dissolution of the Soviet Union. (1945 – 1994). The sites share a unique historical context and geographic proximity, lending themselves to place-making research.
As the 30th anniversary of the occupational withdrawal of foreign military from Berlin is commemorated in 2024, I am revisiting this project produced as a masters research at the Freie
Universität Berlin. Gathering the experiences, ideals, and powers implicated at these sites across evolving eras, circumstance and purpose expand our perception of what buildings have meant and continue to mean individually and collectively.

Mike Terry is a photographer and visual anthropologist based in the New England Region.
He earned a B.A. in Mass Communication from the University of Utah in 2010 and was awarded A Fine Art, Music, Architecture and Dance Graduate scholarship from the German Academic Exchange Services (DAAD) in 2011 through which he earned a Masters in visual and media anthropology at the Freie Universität Berlin.
Mike has worked as a photographer and filmmaker for commercial and editorial clients internationally.
Since 2014 he has lectured at the Freie University Berlin and the Hochschule für Medien, Kommunikation und Wirtschaft in Berlin where He developed the masters course ‘Space & Place’. From 2017-18 he taught reportage and portrait photography at the F16 Schule für Fotografie in Berlin.
Before relocating to Australia in 2020, he worked as a visual & online producer for the studio of filmmaker Yulia Mahr and the classical composer Max Richter in the United kingdom. Currently, in addition to working as a freelance photographer and filmmaker he is Communications Leader for the School of Environment and Rural Science’s International Capacity Building Group at the University of New England.

Image: Teufelsberg, Berlin-Grunewald. Former US/British listening station. 2013 / 1985

Printing & Letterpress in the Museum of Printing
2024-11-09 10:00 - 15:00
Join the Black Gully Printmakers in the Museum of Printing for letterpress and printmaking demonstrations and displays. Try out the vintage typewriters, add a selfie to a hand printed WANTED poster or print your own Christmas card. Discover the historic F.T.Wimble Collection of type and printing equipment during your time at the Black Gully Festival.
WHEN | Saturday November 9
TIME | 10am – 3pm
WANTED POSTERS | A limited edition of WANTED posters are available to purchase & add your face or family image in while you are there. From 10am – 1pm or until we run out!
WHERE | The Museum of Printing (MoP) NERAM

NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED
If you haven’t visited the Museum of Printing before it is located on the lower level of NERAM, access via the carpark.
More information about the Black Gully Printmakers can be found www.blackgullyprintmakers.com.au

Black Gully Festival
2024-11-09 10:00 - 20:00
The always highly-anticipated Black Gully Festival is set to kick off on Saturday, November 9th, 2024, in the scenic Black Gully Reserve (behind NERAM on the south side of the creek). This free, family-friendly event celebrates the vibrant spirit of Armidale as the weather warms up, offering a day filled with music, art, environmental and community engagement. The festival promises an entertaining experience for attendees of all ages.
FESTIVAL PROGRAM

10.00am – 4.00pm – Makers and Community Markets
11.00pm – Welcome to Country and Official Opening

10.00am – 3.00pm Museum of Printing Open

10.00am – 3.00pm – NERAM Family Art Making
7.30- 9.00pm – Astronomy night with the Stars @NERAM cafe

MUSIC PROGRAM
Main Stages

10.00am – Ohmasoulmusic
10.45am – The Kelly Gang
11.30am – Welcome to Country / opening
12.00am – Tandav School of Dance
12.15pm – Khalill Tabor All Sheikh
12.30pm – Bella Frankie Music
1.15pm – The Briny Sea
2.00pm – Kirsty Larkin
2.45pm – Southswell
3.30pm – Buddy Knox
4.15pm – Partyline
5.00pm – El Adimra
5.45pm – Nascent
6. 30pm – Skele Jay
7.15pm – Florin Arc

Finish 8.15pm

Acoustic Stage (NERAM Cafe Courtyard)

10.00am – Maxine & Ben
10.45am – Barney St Band
11.30am – Keith & Luke
12.15pm – Firebirds
1.00pm – Ollie Twohill (Murwillumbah)
1.45pm – Bits of Buzz
2.30pm – Koivu

Finish 3pm
SLOW LIVING WORKSHOP PROGRAM

Clothes Swap – Clothes drop – 10.00 to 11.00am – Clothes swap – 12.00 to 2.00pm

Workshops @ The Community Garden

10.00-10.45 | 1:00-1.45 – Composting made easy
11.00-11.45 | 2:00-2.45 – Wicking bed demo
12.00-12.45 – Growing mushrooms

SUSTAINABLE LIVING ARMIDALE & FRIENDS WORKSHOP PROGRAM

10.00 – 4.00 – Tree of Life Painting – Save our Styx @SLA
10.00 – 4.00 – Platypus Play and Clay @ Bell tent
10.00 – 4.00 – Ephemeral Art @ Bell tent
10.00 – 4.00 – Craft, Climate and equity with Zonta @Zonta
10.00 – 4.00 – Rural Fire Brigade – Explore the Fire truck
10.00 – 4.00 – SNELC and Armidale Urban Rivercare
10.00 – 4.00 – Rising Tide Protestival Connection
10.00 – 3.00 – NERAM Family Art
Bug Walk and Talk – Collect and Identify the Locals! Two sessions (30-11.30 | 12.30-1.30) Meet @ Black Gully creek concrete ramp bridge.
Beyond Halloween: Bats in the Backyard Project. Two sessions (45 to 11.15 |12.30-1.00) @ Biodiversity, Conservation and Science tent
Energy-Efficient Homes: a chat about retrofitting for comfort and savings. Two sessions (10:45-11:30 | 2:00-2.45) @ Electrify Armidale
Manilla Solar – Be Part of Community Owned Renewables (1.00 – 1.45) @ Electrify Armidale
Black Gully Grassland Games and Friends (30-3.00) @ ANTaR Hand in Hand Peace tent @ the Tennis Court wall near the Community Garden.
The Story Telling Circle (30 – 2.30) @ Bell tent
Felted Soap Making Workshop (1.30 – 3.30) @SLA
Have you seen these threatened species? Rare wallaby, pademelon, and orchids (00 to 3.30) @ Biodiversity, Conservation and Science tent
Astronomy night with the Stars – (30pm to 9.00) @ NERAM Café
Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place – Open 10.00 – 4.00. All Welcome.

TALKS AND ACTIVITIES -Details
Aboriginal Cultural Keeping Place
The Aboriginal Cultural Keeping Place will be open all day from 10.00am to 4.00pm as part of the Black Gully Festival. Join live music in the pavilion with Cyril Green, Kathy Kelly and friends. There will be a sausage sizzle and opportunities to dance, take part in cultural learning in the Yarning Circle and explore the many artworks and points of culture. All are welcome. Walk across from the NERAM front grassland during the day via the side (western) entrance, follow the signs into the pavilion and surrounds.
Platypus Play and Clay and Ephemeral Art
Join Sue Eliot – Author of Young Children and the Environment.
Create with nature! Baskets of natural treasures will be available for children to explore the possibilities. Get involved in the Platypus pond and create clay creatures for the Platypus. Learn about this amazing creature. 10.00 to 4.00 at the SLA Bell tent
Dumaresq Rural Fire Brigade
Based in Armidale and one of the largest brigades in the New England District. They cover a large radius around Armidale assisting Fire Rescue and other Rural Fire Brigades. Their volunteers attend approximately 100 incidents a year ranging from grass and bush fires, structure fires, car fires, MVAs and other service and assistance calls. The also attend community events like the Black Gully Festival so they can educate the public on the dangers of bushfires and the regulations on burning during the Bushfire Danger Period. They will bring their big Fire Truck which the kids can explore. 10.00 – 4.00.
Rising Tide Protestival connection
Rising Tides Protestival event on Newcastle’s Nobby Beach will be the biggest yet — anticipating 10,000 people to turn-out over a 10-day period.
Climate Action and Sustainable Living Armidale support a New England Affinity group planning to attend. We are demanding the government immediately cancel all new fossil fuel projects, tax fossil fuel export profits at 78 per cent to fund community and industrial transition and end all coal exports from Newcastle by 2030. Come and find out about the Rising Tide Protestival and how you can participate and/or leave a handprint and message on our local banner that will be going to Newcastle. Currently the world is well on track for over three degrees of warming this century, and there has been no effective climate progress to reduce our fossil fuel industry [in Australia] this year — the hottest year on record. The time to STOP is now.
Zonta Says Now to Gender-Equal Climate Action
Come along to the Zonta Club of Armidale’s stall. Find out why girls and women across the globe are disproportionately affected by the climate crisis. Talk to our club members about Zonta, and how Zonta aims to empower women and men to create a fairer future for everyone. We will be giving away handy information leaflets that can help you reduce your impact on the environment, and there will be fun activities for kids, with prizes, as well as a table full of second-hand books and craft items for sale. 10.00 to 4.00.
Armidale Regional Council
New information on waste and recycling, tips for water saving measures and how to prepare a grab and go pack if you are in bush fire danger. 10.00 to 4.00.
Tree of Life Painting – Save our Styx
A recent report by Forest Alliance NSW (FANSW) found that community surveys in forests were able to identify up to 10 times the number of endangered greater glider den trees, than Forestry Corporation NSW surveys. This includes in places like our local Styx River State Forest. Logging operations in the proposed Great Koala National Park (GKNP) are happening at four times the intensity than other State Forests in the state’s northeast.
Come and find out what has been going on about in our forests and make a Tree of Life Painting, sewing, drawing or writing for our Native Forest Protection quilt. 10.00 to 4.00 @ SLA and NPA.
Armidale Live inc
Armidale Live inc was formed to support all the Arts. At present it supports High Country Theatre, Saturday Magic Theatre and Renew Armidale.
Our most important project at present is the submission of a Precinct and Partnerships grant. The aim is to create an Arts, Culture and Education precinct focusing on the Armidale Mall.
We will be applying for enough money to buy available real estate, refurbish as necessary and repurpose a percentage of the space to an art, culture or education purpose. We have a number of partners in this venture including Armidale Regional Council and a lot of supporters. For a full explanation drop by our tent for a chat and to pick up a full explanation and maybe join us in this very exciting venture. 10.00 to 4.00.
Clothes Swap@ Black Gully
Join us for the Black Gully Festival Clothes Swap, a wonderful and environmentally friendly way to refresh your wardrobe, or you may find something special for a friend or family member. On the day bring along up to 5 quality garments, clean pressed and free from major faults.
The clothes drop off will take place between 10 and 11 am, at the Slow Living and UNE Life tents located at the Tennis Wall near the Community Garden. For each garment you bring you will receive a token which you will then be able to exchange for a garment at the clothes swap event, taking place from 12pm to 2pm. Any remaining clothes will be sold at the end of the day with all proceeds going to a local charity.
Bug Walk and Talk – Collect and Identify the Locals!
Water bugs are great indicators of stream health. Join resident Freshwater Ecologists from the Aquatic Ecology Lab at UNE on a walk along Black Gully to collect and identify (water bugs). Find out who live there and what they can tell us about the condition of their watery home. Everyone is welcome and feel free to pick the Scientist’s brains while you pick out water bugs! Two sessions 10.30-11.30 | 12.30-1.30. Meet @ Black Gully creek concrete ramp bridge.
Beyond Halloween: Bats in Backyards
Learn about the amazing world of insect eating bats and be part of a citizen science project recording the crazy ultrasonic calls of these tiny pest controllers in your own backyard. Senior Threatened Species Officer and confirmed bat nerd, Alicia Scanlon from the Saving our Species program will talk about the diversity of insect eating bats found around the Armidale region, what makes them such special creatures, what threatens their survival, how we study them and how you can help conserve them. Two Sessions 10:45 – 11:15 | 12.30 – 1.00. – @Biodiversity, Conservation and Science tent
Energy-Efficient Homes: a chat about retrofitting for comfort and savings
Join us for a practical discussion on improving energy efficiency and reducing electricity costs in your home. Explore solutions for different types of houses, from quick retrofitting tips to long-term investments, and discover incentives for boosting comfort and savings. Share ideas and learn from Michelle Campione-van Zetten (Environmental Planner, GeoLINK), Trevor Brown (Convenor, Electrify Armidale), and Matt Peterson (Founder, Automised Energy). All home energy questions welcome and resource connections provided. Two sessions 10:45-11:30 | 2:00-2.45 @Electrify Armidale tent
Manilla Solar – Be Part of Community Owned Renewables
The Manilla Solar Project is a community-led 4.6 MW solar + battery project to be located 2 km to the south of the Manilla substation. What is the talk about? Project directors Emma Stilts and Gerald Arends are inviting people to come along + have their questions answered about the project, operations and investment. This project is proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with Manilla Community Renewable Energy Inc. under the Regional Community Energy Fund. 1.00 -1.45 @Electrify Armidale.
Story telling Circle
Time to chill out on shady cushions and listen to your favourite story books being read by story telling friends especially for the little ones with Julie (Jules) Collins and friends. 1.30 to 2:30 @the Bell tent
Felted Soap Making Workshop
Felting is an ancient craft that was used prior to loofahs or washcloths for bathing and improving the condition of the skin. Using felted soap it is possible to get a creamy lather whilst conserving the bar of soap so it lasts longer. The felted wool is exfoliating and has antimicrobial properties. The felted layer shrinks with the soap and can be used for other purposes or composted after use. The felt makes gripping the bar or soap much easier, saving on chasing the bar around the bathroom and, in between uses, the felt dries out saving on cleaning residues left by the sink. For adults and children of all ages be running from 1:30pm to 3:30pm @SLA
Black Gully Grassland Games and Friends
Fun for all the family and peoples of all ages – Games games games. Meet new friends and join in the fun, potato sack and three legged races, aMazeing obstacle course, Giant Tug of War, many more old favourites and new 1.30-3.00 @ ANTaR Hand in Hand Peace tent @ the Tennis Wall near the Community Garden.
Have you Seen these Threatened Species of the Norther Tablelands?
Hear about a few of the most rarely seen threatened plant and animal species found on the northern tablelands, the tiny Parma wallaby and Red-legged pademelon, the Small Snake Orchid, the Ebor Goat Orchid and Metcalfe’s Greenhood. Have you seen them? Do you know what habitats they like? Do you know why they are threatened with extinction? Alicia Scanlon from the Saving our Species program will answer your questions. 2:00 – 2:30@ Biodiversity, Conservation and Science tent
Astronomy Night with the Stars –
Discover the wonders of the night sky with the UNE and Northern Tablelands Astronomical Society (UNENTAS) at this year’s Black Gully Festival! Their mission is to inspire a love for astronomy within both the university community and the broader Northern Tablelands region. Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or a curious beginner, they aim to spark your interest and deepen your knowledge of the cosmos. UNENTAS organizes engaging events, from research and educational meetings to recreational star-gazing nights, all designed to bring the universe a little closer. They also proudly support the Physics Department in its public astronomy outreach and help maintain the equipment that lets us explore the skies. Join then at the Black Gully Festival as they explore the stars and beyond! From 7:30pm to 9.00 outside the NERAM Cafe.

The Black Gully Festival program is subject to changes at any time. Please refer to website for any updates or amendments.

Artwork Roadshow
2024-11-15 10:00 - 12:00
Arts National Armidale and New England Regional Art Museum invite you to a Fine Art Assessment and Conservation Advice Day with ACCREDITED VALUER Leigh Capel and ARTWORK CONSERVATOR Jennifer Taylor.
Think you have a priceless masterpiece at home? Curious about that old painting your grandma left you? Have you ben wondering if that artwork you bought has increased in value? You are invited to bring in 1-2 artworks from your private collection for an informal assessment and conservation advice from two artworld professionals.
Do you love Antiques Roadshow and having a sticky beak at other people’s stuff? Come and watch the fun.
Assessment and spectator tickets are limited, bookings are essential.
All assessment and conservation advice is informal and will be provided verbally. Participants may choose to engage Leigh Capel or Jennifer Taylor for formal valuations and conservation services through their official business services.

Opening Night
2024-11-15 18:00 - 20:00
Join us for the opening of five new exhibitions.
Clay on Country
Inner/Space: Helen Eager
Fusion: Max Powell
Wild Rivers: Lizzie Horne
Colourful Coventry

Credit: Helen Eager, Satellite, 2017-8, oil on canvas. Courtesy the artist and Utopia Art Sydney.

Artist Talk: Helen Eager
2024-11-16 10:30 - 11:30
Join us at NERAM for an in conversation between exhibiting artist Helen Eager and NERAM Director Rachael Parsons as they discuss Eager’s survey exhibition Inner/Space.

Helen Eager has sustained a solo exhibition program for over three decades with her drawings, paintings and prints. Over the years, the shift from domestic interiors to pure abstraction has been a consistent evolution, her love of colour and light a constant thread.
Helen Eager studied at the South Australian School of Art in the 1970s. A Masters degree at COFA in the late eighties focused on large-scale works on paper, which took her drawing to a new level. A residency at the Greene St Studio in New York in 1988 was pivotal as Eager’s work evolved towards pure abstraction.
Over the past decade, Eager has explored compositions using chains of triangles on fields of white. In 2012, Eager was commissioned to create a wall painting for the Circular Quay entrance of the new Museum of Contemporary Art building. Eager’s work is included in all of Australia’s major public and private collections, including the National Gallery of Australia, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Art Gallery of South Australia and National Gallery of Victoria. In 2022 Helen Eager’s projection “New York Sunday” illuminated the facade of the MCA during Vivid, Sydney.
A partnership with Utopia Art Sydney

Image: Helen Eager, New Directions, 2005. oil pastel on paper.

Museum Store Sunday
2024-12-01 10:00 - 16:00
On Sunday, December 1 2024, more than 2100 Museum Stores representing 25 countries, and five continents will offer relaxing, inspired shopping inside your favorite museums and cultural institutions…showcasing broad assortments of highly curated, unique, mission-specific gifts. From books to jewellery to children’s products to home accessories and gourmet food, there is something for everyone. Shop knowing you are supporting the missions and programs of each participating museum and cultural institution.
NERAM will be joining other museum and gallery shops around the world for Museum Store Sunday on December 1 2024.
With Christmas around the corner, we invite you to “shop with purpose” at your local art museum shop.
Your custom will help us sustain the programs and services we provide to our community, so as a thank you we will be providing:

A free glass of bubbles between, 11am -2pm
Lucky Door Prize
Discounts in the Museum Shop
Complimentary Christmas Gift Wrapping
Family gift making workshop in Packsaddle Studio BOOK HERE for the workshop

We look forward to seeing you between 10am – 4pm to enjoy a little Christmas shopping!

Crafts and Gift Making | Family Workshop
2024-12-01 11:00 - 13:00
In this drop in and drop out workshop, families and individuals can stay the whole time or for just a few minutes and make something personalised for Christmas. Choose from the following workstations and leave with something you can give as a gift or pop on the tree:

Cards
Bookmarks
Christmas Cracker
Christmas decorations
Gift tags
Simple soft toy
Christmas pet and pet home making

If you need help, our trusty Elf will be on hand to help! All materials are provided.
This is a drop in drop out event, people are welcome to stay for as long or little as they like.
Suitable for all ages.
DATES | Sunday 1 December 2024
EVENT TIME | 11am – 1pm for all ages, family event.
VENUE | Packsaddle Studio (located at the rear of NERAM).
COST | $5 per person. This cost is for adults and children taking part in the activities. Please note: children must be accompanied by an adult during the workshop, there is no cost for adults who are supervising children only.
MATERIALS | All materials are included.
Please cancel your place if you are unable to attend so that your place can be filled by someone else.

Terms and Conditions

All bookings for workshops require payment in full at the time of booking.
A minimum of 10 participants for workshop to proceed, maximum of 30 participants.
If the workshop does not proceed, you will be refunded any cash amount.
NERAM events have a limited capacity and use a ticketing system. Bookings are essential, all participants will be notified of any cancellation of the event.

Lizzie Horne artist talk
2025-01-18 10:30 - 11:30
Join local artist Lizzie Horne for a talk about her current exhibition Wild Rivers: A printmaker’s Odyssey. Hear about Lizzie’s experience in Spain refining the experimental sugar lift technique that she’s used to create the dynamic, gestural artworks in the exhibition inspired by our awe-inspiring land and waterscapes. Lizzie will also have several of the copper and aluminium plates that were part of her process to create the stunning works of art.

DATE | Saturday 18 January 2025
TIME | 10.30 – 11.30am
COST | Free, bookings appreciated

In Conversation – Natalya Hughes and Rachael Parsons
2025-02-07 17:30 - 18:00
Join artist Natalya Hughes in conversation with NERAM Director Rachael Parsons to unpack the ideas and development of this newly commissioned installation. Natalya will speak to the research that informed the development of The Interior, as well as the collaborators she engaged with to bring this large-scale vision to fruition. Natalya will also discuss the development of the imagery in the work and the ways they reference Freud’s own office, his written case studies, and the symptoms that plagued his patients.
Free, bookings appreciated
Opening remarks will commence at the conclusion of the conversation

Image credit: Natalya Hughes, Studio Portrait, 2022. Photography: James Caswell

Opening Night
2025-02-07 18:00 - 20:00
Join us for the opening of five new exhibitions.
(opening remarks 6pm)
The Interior: Natalya Hughes
Vibrations: Abstract women in the collections
Oddity Part 1: KHR Stewart
Contemplations: Contemporary still life
Dancing with Colour: Jamie-Lee Garner & Frances Edwina Powell

Credit: KHR Stewart, The Victorians (Giantess), 2018, oil on canvas, 85 x 70cm. Courtesy the artist.

Tufting Workshop
2025-02-08 10:00 - 12:00
In this workshop, participants will create their own textile work to take home using the punch needle tufting technique. Exhibiting artist Natalya Hughes will lead participants through some of the techniques and processes she has employed to create custom textile works in The Interior. Participants will design their own motif to tuft, extracting imagery from their experiences, in conversation with the artist.
The Interior invites audiences into an exaggerated consultation room playfully furnished for psychoanalysis. A key feature of this installation is 7 rugs, hand made by the artist with a tufting gun. Consistent with the content of the overall installation, the symbols and motifs embedded in these objects are drawn from Sigmund Freud’s office and case studies. The textile design developed in this workshop by participants will be a motif drawn from personal experience. Punch needling follows the same technique as the mechanised process of using a tufting gun and is an inexpensive and accessible process to learn.
The workshop includes all materials, including a tufting kit that participants can take home.
VENUE | NERAM, Mazda Gallery
TIME | 10.00am – 12.00pm
COST | General price $33.00, Friends of NERAM/Culture Club Price $30.00
Maximum 12 participants

Image: Punch Needle Workshop with Natalya Hughes. Photography: Meg Keene

Colourful Collage Workshop - Facilitated by Frances Edwina Powell
2025-02-08 14:00 - 16:00
Join Frances & NERAM for a Colourful Collage Workshop ✂
In this workshop, create vibrant cut-and-paste artworks inspired by Frances’ collage practice. Learn how to approach collage — the art of overlapping material to create a unique composition. Frances will run through a series of activities to guide you through creating a small collection of your very own collages using artist-quality materials.
What Frances loves about collage is that there are endless options to play around with, so you don’t have to map out an artwork before diving in. This also makes this visual art process super beginner-friendly and low-pressure as a beginner — it’s all about play. In this workshop, Frances will guide you through a series of activities informed by her own process, with plenty of room to explore your own concepts and make artwork that feels unique to you.
– Artist grade materials provided
– Leave with finished collage artwork
– Beginner friendly + welcoming environment
– Workshop capped at 20 people for an intimate, friendly experience
Snack on chips, sip on some wine and enjoy a Saturday afternoon of colourful making!
VENUE | NERAM, Mazda gallery
TIME | 2.00 – 4.00pm
COST | General price $60.00, Friends of NERAM/Culture Club Price $55.00

About your host:
Frances Edwina Powell (she/her) is an emerging artist and arts facilitator based in Meanjin (Brisbane), Australia. She has exhibited within Australia and internationally in Greece and Norway. She explores the ideas of the body, object importance, relationships and performance, primarily working on paper. Frances often references figure drawing, abstract shapes and colour associations within her work. Her practice is often informed by material and process, letting her thoughts percolate as she engages with tangible materials.
Frances studied a Bachelor of Fine Art (Studio) and Business (Marketing) at the Queensland College of Art, graduating in 2021. Currently, Frances works within the visual arts industry as a Co-Founder of a community-focused Art Events Studio, Studio Maverik, facilitating creative events and workshops.
@francesinspace

Artist Talk - Jamie-Lee Garner
2025-03-08 10:30 - 11:30
Join us at NERAM to hear from exhibiting artist Jamie-Lee Garner, whose unique works can be seen in the current exhibition Dancing with Colour. Garner will talk about women working with textiles and about her own practice.
Garner is an interdisciplinary artist that lives and works from her studio in the Northern Tablelands, on Ngarabal country in NSW, Australia. She received her BA in Architecture from the University of Sydney in 2018.
By working across various mediums, including ceramics, recycled textiles and oil painting, Garner creates work about the discovery of self in a way that aims to be accessible and most importantly delightful.

Seniors Festival 2025
2025-03-11 10:00 - 2025-03-14 16:00
It’s on again! The Seniors Festival will be celebrated at NERAM from the 11th – 14th of March 2025. The festival will include talks, wellness, guided tours, and for the first time Art Bingo. Our programs include both free and paid events, but we ask that you still book for both so we know how many attendees we can expect.
PROGRAM
Tuesday 11th March, 11am – 12pm
Chair Yoga (Stretch and Flex) + U3A Information Session
Join U3A Armidale for a free taster of their popular chair yoga and hear more about U3A and the amazing programs they offer our community. Wear some comfy clothes and get ready to stretch and flex the body and mind.

Tuesday 11th March, 2pm – 3.30pm
Silver Swans
Silver Swans classes have been specifically designed for the over-55s, but whatever your age, if you are looking for a new way to keep fit and active, our ballet classes will put a spring in your step.
Whether you’ve never danced before or want to get back into the swing of it, our classes have something for everyone.
The R.A.D. developed this programme based on research into dance practice for older learners – classes are only taught by Silver Swans Licensees. Joanne Knight RAD.RTS is currently offering ballet classes including Silver Swans at PLC dance studio, Armidale.
If you are one of those ladies who have always wanted to ballet, its never to late to shine and what better way to start than with this free event! We will have a number of ballet barre’s set up within our Hinton Gallery for a quiet atmosphere. We encourage you to wear comfortable clothing and, if possible, shoes that have some flexibility in them.

Thursday 13th March, 10.00-11.00am
Artist Talk: Barbara McKay in conversation with Rachael Parsons (includes a back of house store room tour)
Join NERAM Director Rachael Parson and exhibiting artist Barbara McKay as they discuss Barbara’s art practice and career. Barbara McKay is one of Australia’s truly significant female abstract expressionist artists. Acclaimed by renowned American art critic Clement Greenberg, McKay has spent over five decades committed to immersing herself wholly into the gestural expression of the world and environment around her. McKay’s recently acquired work Wattle (1974), features in Vibrations: Abstract women in the collection.
The talk will be followed by a tour of NERAM’s art storeroom.

Thursday 13th March, 2pm – 3pm
Chair Yoga (Stretch and Flex) + U3A Information Session
Join U3A Armidale for a free taster of their popular chair yoga and hear more about U3A and the amazing programs they offer our community. Wear some comfy clothes and get ready to stretch and flex the body and mind.

Friday 14th March, 2.00 – 3.30pm
Silver Swans
Silver Swans classes have been specifically designed for the over-55s, but whatever your age, if you are looking for a new way to keep fit and active, our ballet classes will put a spring in your step.
Whether you’ve never danced before or want to get back into the swing of it, our classes have something for everyone.
The R.A.D. developed this programme based on research into dance practice for older learners – classes are only taught by Silver Swans Licensees. Joanne Knight RAD.RTS is currently offering ballet classes including Silver Swans at PLC dance studio, Armidale.
If you are one of those ladies who have always wanted to ballet, its never to late to shine and what better way to start than with this free event! We will have a number of ballet barre’s set up within our Hinton Gallery for a quiet atmosphere. We encourage you to wear comfortable clothing and, if possible, shoes that have some flexibility in them.

Pass the Print: Panel Discussion
2025-03-21 17:45 - 18:30
Join us prior to the opening of Pass the Print: An experimental collaboration with the Black Gully Printmakers to hear from four Black Gully Printmakers discussing the unique collaborative process used to create new works for this, their latest exhibition at NERAM.
Speakers: Heather Cowie, Jennifer Miller, Susie Spencer and Chris Vickery.

Opening Night
2025-03-21 18:00 - 20:00
Join us for the opening of two new exhibitions.
Panel discussion with BGP: 5.45 – 6.30pm (opening remarks 6.30pm)

Pass the Print: An experimental collaboration with the Black Gully Printmakers

Fifty/ 50

Image credit: Del Kathryn Barton, Wild carrot dream, limited edition archival print. Courtesy of the artist.

Friends of NERAM En Plein Air Art Weekend
2025-03-29 08:30 - 2025-03-30 13:00
Join us for a weekend of creativity and connection at the New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) this March!
Art lovers of all levels are invited to step outside and immerse themselves in the beauty of Gara Gorge for an unforgettable “en plein air” art experience.
Under the guidance of talented artists Leah Bullen and Isabelle Devos, participants will:
Explore techniques to capture inspiration on the spot during Saturday’s outdoor session
Develop and polish your work in the studio on Sunday
End the weekend by sharing your creations in a group gathering
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just beginning, this workshop promises to inspire and elevate your skills in the heart of nature.
Sign up today and unleash your creativity in the great outdoors!
When: Saturday 29 to Sunday 30 March
Time: 8:30am – 5:00pm (Saturday), 8:30am – 1:00pm (Sunday)
Cost: Full Price: $350, Early Bird: $325, Friends of NERAM: $300
Cost includes morning & afternoon refreshments, lunch on Saturday and all art supplies.
Book here
Please note: all details for the weekend will be sent to participants after booking.

Songbirds: Anna Weatherup & Amy Vee
2025-04-10 19:00 - 21:00
Be enchanted by these accomplished and captivating performers at NERAM.
Anna Weatherup is perhaps best known for turning all four chairs on The Voice in its second season and her audition generated over 1.2 million views on YouTube. Since that time, Anna has shaped a truly unique and engaging creative identity, gathering a loyal community of followers. Her album Crossing the Sea has hit top 40 chart positions on iTunes and over 100,000 streams on Spotify. Anna also recently toured as a band member for Hayley Mary and opening for Liam Gallagher in Sydney.
Joining Anna is Amy Vee an award-winning songwriter and performer who has extensive touring experience in Australia and internationally. Alongside her solo career, Amy has moonlighted as band member for artists including Jon English and Tim Freedman and supporting touring acts including Passenger and Mark Seymour.
The collaborative show at NERAM includes local ‘songbird’ Jhana Allan who will join Anna and Amy onstage, showcasing three artists with three sets of outstanding songs and stories.
TIME | Doors open at 6.30 for 7.00 pm – 9.00pm performance
COST | General price $55.00, Friends of NERAM/Culture Club Price $50.00

Tickets are limited. Max 90
No Refunds

Packsaddle Lecture: Julian Bickersteth AO, CEO of International Conservation Services
2025-04-11 17:45
Join us prior to the opening of The Landscape of Giving: Celebrating 10 years of the Adopt an Artwork program at NERAM in the Mazda Gallery to hear from Julian Bickersteth AO, CEO of International Conservation Services. Julian will discuss his global experience in conservation, with highlights from the past 10 years of NERAM’s Adopt An Artwork Program, and celebrate the generous contributions to this incredible project which supports the preservation of our beautiful collection.
Julian is a key founding member of ICS and has served as a driving force behind the company since its inception in 1991. International Conservation Services was first conceived to provide materials conservation to the substantial collections held outside of public collecting institutions – ensuring material was restored and conserved to museum standards. Under his guidance it has become the premier company for the conservation of art and heritage in the country serving both private and state institutions as well as private clients.
From his early days as a material conservator at the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney, Julian has always had a strong affiliation with conservation and has worked to establish a company that is conversant in the broader aspects of conservation and how it relates to allied disciplines.
Julian’s key experience revolves around working on projects where there is a conservation component of a broader heritage issue. His expertise is deep and wide-ranging, extending from a very broad knowledge of material conservation issues to collection management, architectural conservation and heritage policy creation.

The Packsaddle Lecture Series invites guest speakers to expound on aspects of Australian and international artistic practices and history, providing the community with an opportunity to explore themes and ideas related to some of the museum’s key collection areas.

Supported by Packsaddle

Opening Night
2025-04-11 18:00 - 20:00
Join us for the opening of three new exhibitions.
The Landscape of Giving: Celebrating 10 years of the Adopt an Artwork program at NERAM

Halfway Home: Bridie McKelvey

Galah: Regional Photography Prize

Opening remarks will commence at 6.30pm
Join us prior to the opening at 5.45pm to hear from Julian Bickersteth AO, CEO of International Conservation Services. Julian will discuss his global experience in conservation, with highlights from the past 10 years of NERAM’s Adopt An Artwork Program, and celebrate the generous contributions to this incredible project which supports the preservation of our beautiful collection. Please R.S.V.P for the talk here…

Image credit: Elioth Gruner, Winter Afternoon, Bellingen, 1937, oil on canvas. Gift of Howard Hinton 1938. The Howard Hinton Collection. Sponsored by Paul & Miriam Martin, Lynne Walker and Richard Bird in 2021 for the Adopt An Artwork Program.

Wimble's Wayzgoose 2025
2025-05-02 09:00 - 2025-05-03 15:00
Wimbleʼs Wayzgoose is a celebration of printing and printmaking to commemorate Australian print history and industry pioneer Fredrick Thomas Wimble. The weekend is hosted by the Museum of Printing at the New England Regional Art Museum in Armidale.

PROGRAM
*Please note some changes to the original schedule.

FRIDAY – 2nd May

WORKSHOP:
TWO-DAY MOKULITO WORKSHOP WITH SAM SOSNOWSKI 9am – 4pm
This exciting two-day course with Sam Sosnowski will introduce you to the Mokulito process. Mokulito can be described as “kitchen lithography”. It combines wood block printing with lithography but uses everyday non-toxic and inexpensive materials.

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SATURDAY – 3rd May

WORKSHOPS:
TWO-DAY MOKULITO WITH SAM SOSNOWSKI, CONTINUES 9am – 4pm

CHROMATIC WOOD TYPE PRINTING WITH WAYNE THOMPSON 10am – 1pm
Join Wayne Thompson for a half-day introductory workshop to chromatic printing; the process of printing multiple colours in wood type. Participants will learn some type history while getting their hands dirty through printing with the historical equipment in the NERAM collection.

INK & DRINK WITH THE MOVEABLE TYPE STUDIO 3pm – 6pm
Join Moveable Type Studio’s Pop-Up Press at Wimbles Wayzgoose for Ink & Drink—a one-off twist on our Letterpress & Lasers workshop.
Housed in a fully decked-out tradies trailer, the MTS Pop-Up Press brings hands-on letterpress action anywhere—from festivals to libraries to community events.

PRINT SWAP 6.30pm
Visiting and local printmakers are invited to a Print Swap where they can exchange a print with fellow printmakers and enjoy conversations about the love of printmaking. Bring a print along, take a ticket, go into the draw, then choose someone else’s print to take home and hang on your wall!
Print must be original, worthy and dry! One/person. Deliver to Rhonda in MoP Friday and Saturday 1.30pm to 3pm

WIMBLE’S WAYZGOOSE DINNER 7.30pm
Kick on after the Print Swap on Saturday night with a casual dinner at the Six Counties Restaurant. Enjoy a delicious alternate drop in true Six Counties style and continue the spirit of the event into the night. Drinks are available to purchase throughout the evening. $35 per head.

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SUNDAY – 4th May
Packsaddle Lecture on Printing *This has been postponed to later in 2025
The FT Wimble Lecture on Print and Printmaking is part of the annual Packsaddle Lecture Series sponsored by Packsaddle.

THE FOLLOWING EVENTS WILL BE HELD IN & NEAR THE MUSEUM OF PRINTING
PRINT MARKET 11am – 1pm
Hosted by the @black_gully-printmakers and selling a whole range of all things relief, intaglio and letterpress printed: collagraphs, lino prints, etchings, posters, hand printed tea towels, cards, letterpress postcards, and even pieces of wallpaper!
Keep posted and updated to find more surprises available @black_gully_printmakers @mopneram @neramuseum

PRINTMAKING EXPERIENCES IN THE MUSEUM OF PRINTING *10am – 12pm
The Black Gully Printmakers will demonstrate print techniques and offer hands on activities for visitors in the Museum of Printing.
Try your hand at printing Linocuts and experience the possibilities with Gelli Plate printing. Something for all ages! We do ask for children to be accompanied by an adult at all times.

PRESENTATION 12.00 – 12.30pm
Wimble’s Inks Reimagined: Progress and Discoveries, A Powerhouse Fellowship Insight
Presenters: Clint Harvey and Dzintra Menesis
Join us for an insightful presentation on the Wimble’s Inks Reimagined project, part of their Powerhouse Research Fellowship. This project delves into the rich history of F T Wimble & Co., a pivotal entity in the printing history of Australia and New Zealand, known for producing the first printing ink in the Southern Hemisphere in 1868.
Harvey and Menesis’ research focuses on recreating historic ink formulas using natural pigments sourced from Australia’s raw materials, celebrating the country’s cultural heritage. They will share their progress, including initial findings, experimentation results, and future plans. This presentation will also highlight the significance of the FT Wimble Collection at the Museum of Printing and its role in their research. Harvey and Menesis look forward to engaging with the community and discussing how their project contributes to preserving and celebrating Australia’s printing heritage.

PRINTER’S PICNIC 12.30 – 1.30pm
Enjoy the community picnic as local musicians perform in the Black Gully area at NERAM.

LARGE COMMUNITY BLOCK PRINT 1.30 – 3pm
Witness the printing of two large format prints, an event not to be missed in the Packsaddle Studio.

This event has been supported by Origin through the New England Community Investment Program.

Mokulito Workshop
2025-05-02 09:00 - 2025-05-03 16:00
This exciting two-day course with Sam Sosnowski will introduce you to the Mokulito process.
Mokulito can be described as “kitchen lithography”. It combines wood block printing with lithography but uses everyday non-toxic and inexpensive materials. One can get the sharp lines of wood cutting with the softer and expressive tones possible in lithography. It is an inexpensive and portable medium that has surprising and creative results. Suitable for all levels.
DATES | Friday 2nd & Saturday 3rd May
TIMES | 9am – 4pm
VENUE | Museum of Printing NERAM
COST | Friends of NERAM/Culture Club Members – $240, General Price – $265
MATERIALS | Please read the materials list below carefully.
The following materials (Mokulito kit) will be supplied by tutor: The extra cost for materials is $50 (could you please bring cash to the class to receive your materials) Mokulito Kit includes: 1 sheet of Plywood (A4), Litho tusche, Litho crayons, Liquid litho ink, Gum Arabic, Offset inks, Litho sponges, Scrapers, Japanese paper/Kozo paper for 2 editions, Butchers paper, Tracing carbon, Sharpening stones, Plastic gloves
Materials for students to bring:
Lino cutting tools / Woodblock tools
Sketch Pad
Some design roughs and/ or scrapbook of ideas
Drawing tools, ruler, pencils, pens. etc
Stanley knife or cutting blade
Selection of Brushes (fine and medium, wide)
Watercolour paint set (for multi-colour printing)
Mixing palette and water containers
Paper – A selection of A4 paper to play with. Any Japanese paper, textured paper.
Apron/old shirt for printing
Rags
Palette knives
“Sharpie” pens/fine medium (must be permanent markers – Sharpie brand is the best)
Image Credit: Scotts Head, Sam Sosnowski.

Terms and Conditions

All bookings for workshops require payment in full at the time of booking.
A minimum of 8 participants for workshop to proceed, maximum of 12 participants.
Bookings close on Thursday 24th April at 10am. No refunds can be made after bookings close.
If the workshop does not proceed, you will be refunded any cash amount.
NERAM events have a limited capacity and use a ticketing system. Bookings are essential.

2025 Galah Regional Photography Prize Exhibition Party
2025-05-02 17:00 - 22:00
Help us celebrate the winners of the Galah Regional Photography Prize at the 2025 exhibition party.
Join us as at NERAM as we celebrate the 42 finalists and announce the winners of regional Australia’s richest photography prize.
There’ll be music, dancing and the best of food and drinks – all included as part of the $90 ticket.
All we need is you to help us grow this event into one of Australia’s most prestigious prizes that can have a big impact on the careers of photographers living in regional Australia.
Winners will be announced at 6.30pm.
Ticket includes:

Drinks: a welcome cocktail, followed by wine, beer and non-alcoholic shrubs thanks to Husk Distillery, The Welder’s Dog and ChaLou Wines.
Music by the Versace Boys. Bring your dancing shoes.
A delicious standing dinner, canapé style, made by Cathy Armstrong and Laura Swan
Charity Partner Country Education Foundation

Buy Tickets >>>>>>>>>>>>>
Image: The Bush is Calling by Angel Stirling, one of 42 finalists in the 2025 Galah Regional Photography Prize.

Chromatic Wood Type Printing
2025-05-03 10:00 - 13:00
This half-day workshop introduces participants to chromatic printing; the process of printing multiple colours in wood type (for instance, a blue letter with a red drop shadow). Using NERAM’s F.T.Wimble collection as a starting point, we will speculatively extend a historic font into the chromatic sphere by designing and printing a second chromatic layer. This class fuses knowledge from current digital techniques with historical type and equipment, placing participants at the intersection of past and present.
Participants will learn some type history while getting their hands dirty through printing with the historical equipment in the NERAM collection.
VENUE | Museum of Printing
DATE | Saturday May 3
TIME | 10am -1pm
COST | $70
All materials supplied.
Max 10 participants

About the presenter: Wayne Thompson is a type designer and began Australian Type Foundry in 2001. He has a Masters degree in Typeface Design (MResTD) from the University of Reading, UK, the world’s most highly regarded type design program. Wayne has been serving as a board member of ATypI.org. since 2023.

Terms and Conditions

All bookings for events, art classes and workshops require payment in full at the time of booking
Please book by Tuesday 29th April. Please be aware that once bookings close, we are unable to offer a refund
If the class does not proceed, you will be refunded any cash amount
NERAM events have a limited capacity and use a ticketing system. Bookings are essential

Image Credit: Wayne Thompson, Cedric colorfont.

Ink & Drink with The Moveable Type Studio @ Wimbles Wayzgoose 2025
2025-05-03 15:00 - 18:00
Date: Saturday, 3rd May
Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM AEST
Location: MoP Black Gully
Join Moveable Type Studio’s Pop-Up Press at Wimbles Wayzgoose for Ink & Drink—a one-off twist on our Letterpress & Lasers workshop.
Housed in a fully decked-out tradies trailer, the MTS Pop-Up Press brings hands-on letterpress action anywhere—from festivals to libraries to community events.
It’s relaxed, it’s creative, and it’s your chance to get inky without the structure of a formal workshop.
What’s in Store?

Explore letterpress printing in combined with laser engraved plates
Get up close and personal with historic stereotypes from the Museum of Printing collection
Interactive Demonstrations and walk away with your own custom letterpress print

And while we’re definitely focusing on inking, there’s always room for a cold beer on a Saturday evening.
Whether you’re an artist, designer, or just curious to get your hands dirty with real printmaking, this is your chance.
🔥 Spots are limited—book now and get amongst it! 🔥

Wimble's Wayzgoose Dinner
2025-05-03 19:30 - 21:30
Kick on after the Print Swap on Saturday night with a casual dinner at the Six Counties Restaurant. Enjoy a delicious alternate drop in true Six Counties style and continue the spirit of the event into the night. Drinks are available to purchase throughout the evening.
Saturday May 3 @ 7.30pm
MENU
Starters:
Bread and Butter on tables
Mains Alternate Course:

Crispy Skin Salmon fillet with cauliflower mash, sweet potato crisp, grilled

asparagus & bacon crumble.

Slow cooked rump steak grilled with kimchi butter, garlic cream potato

galette, dijon buttered beans.
Bookings Essential
COST : $35.00 per guest
If you have any special dietary needs please email foh@neram.dev.nucleoserver.com

Opening Night
2025-05-09 18:00 - 20:00
Join us for the opening of two new exhibitions.

Outside our doors | Ascent GROUP exhibition
Movers and Shakers | Celebrating Art Deco

Image credit: ASCENT Group works, 2025.
