CULTURE COMES TO THE COUNTRY

We have been followers of the Archibald art prize for more years than I can count. We visited the Art gallery of NSW along with thousands of other "Culture vultures" every year to appreciate the variety of paintings submitted and, more often than not, wonder in amazement at the judges curious decision. There's a packers prize awarded by the staff in the packing room as the paintings are left for judging, to me their taste has often been superior to the so called judges.


Anyway, this year we discovered that the paintings were touring and were being exhibited at the Lake Macquarie Gallery. Lake Macquarie Art gallery!!! we exclaimed. Yes, sure enough, a google map in hand we set off to meet some friends there for a "squizz". It was great, a great venue by the lake, few people, and time and distance to really view and appreciate the paintings. Again some were of dubious quality - at least to us, but the winner this year painted by Ben Quilty of Margaret Olley was outstanding. It captures her aged and quirky appearance perfectly. It was worth the trip!