Take time out at Wollongong Art Gallery

Busy social calendars, Christmas lists to check twice, and hot summer days can leave you feeling overwhelmed or drained.

Wollongong Art Gallery Director Daniel Mudie Cunningham reckons he has just what the doctor ordered – time out exploring three new exhibitions within the Burelli Street building.

“At this time of year things can feel really hectic and like there is too much to do,’’ he said.

“However, I can see when people walk through the doors of Wollongong Art Gallery they’re embraced by the calmness of the atmosphere. You can see people relax and recharge as they walk through the building and check out the exhibitions.’’

Right now, the Gallery is celebrating the opening of three new exhibitions all of which are free to visit.

The first, A Road Less Travelled A Survey of Lustre Ceramics opened last weekend, the second Shape Shifters A Retrospective of Australian Collage opens this weekend, and the new panel exhibition Crushing Shrinking Violets on the building’s exterior was installed over the past week.

“This is a really exciting time at the Gallery as we welcome three new exhibitions to explore,’’ Mr Mudie Cunningham said.

“Naturally, Crushing Shrinking Violets by Sarah Contos is particularly close to my heart – it’s the first exhibition I’ve curated since becoming the Director and certainly an eye-catching one.

“However, both the artworks of Shape Shifters and the ceramics of A Road Less Travelled are fascinating to look at and offer two completely different gallery experiences to engage with.’’

Visiting Wollongong Art Gallery is free, and the Gallery will be open across January except for Mondays and Public Holidays. Plus, soon the Gallery will also launch its school holiday program for kids aged 5-14 years.

“What people may not realise is that we also have an onsite gift shop where you can pick up distinctive presents – perfect at this time of year,’’ he said.

“The Gallery really is a terrific space to visit in the middle of a busy time of year. It’s right in the heart of the city, so it’s easy to stop by between gift shopping and catch ups with friends and provides a welcome opportunity to recharge your creative batteries.’’

Everyone is welcome to the official opening of

Shape Shifters, A Retrospective of Australian Collage. Curated by Angie Cass 

And

Sarah Contos, Crushing Shrinking Violets. Curated by Daniel Mudie Cunningham  

This Sunday 8 December 2024 between 1:30–4pm.

For more information on each of the exhibitions visit the Wollongong Art Gallery website.