ABOUT US
Crookwell District Art Gallery
Memorial Hall Denison Street Crookwell
The original concept of a Crookwell Art Collection, and a gallery in which to house it, for the benefit of the people of Crookwell was formulated by a small group of local artists in 1990.
In 1990 the inaugural Crookwell Art Exhibition was planned. Up to this time no art exhibitions had been held in Crookwell due to the lack of appropriate space. It was decided to hang the exhibition in the Crookwell AP&H Society’s pavilion at the showground.
After much sweeping and cleaning of the pavilion the paintings were duly hung and the exhausted workers prepared to go home, only to discover it was not possible to lock the building.
It was decided the only thing to do was to spend the night there. Sleeping bags and swags were called for and duly rolled out. During the night a very heavy and extremely noisy hailstorm broke right over the pavilion. The noise on the iron roof was deafening. Fortunately, no leaks appeared but not much sleep was had by any.
Following the inaugural art exhibition, acquisitive exhibitions were held for several years with paintings purchased for the Crookwell Art Collection. These exhibitions were a great success as they provided the opportunity to acquire works of a high standard from recognised artists of the region.
These paintings are owned by the people of Crookwell and are now displayed permanently in The Crookwell Art Gallery which is managed by a dedicated group of volunteer members.
The aim of The Crookwell Art Gallery is to foster, promote and nurture the arts in Crookwell and surrounding districts and to support the development and promotion of local and community arts.
Treasurer Karen Harwood presents Patron Margaret Shepherd with glass plaque and bouquet of flowers
PATRON OF CROOKWELL AND DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL
The appointment of a Patron has been made and was bestowed upon member, Mrs Margaret Shepherd, on 30th November 2017.
Margaret has been an active member of the executive committee since inception in 1990 and her contribution has played a large part in the success of the Gallery as it is today.
The following is an excerpt from the book “ART in Crookwell - WHERE WE CAME FROM; WHERE WE ARE HEADING” (published in 2013).
Written by Mary Prell with research assistance from Karen Harwood and Margaret Shepherd.
“In 1990 the inaugural Crookwell Art Exhibition was planned, to be preceded by a dinner. There was much discussion as to where it could be hung, there being few places in Crookwell large enough. Up to this time no art exhibitions had been held in Crookwell due to the lack of appropriate space, except for a few paintings at a time in the Crookwell Tourist Association shop. It was finally decided to hang the exhibition in the Crookwell AP&H Society’s pavilion at the Showground. After much sweeping and cleaning of the pavilion the paintings were duly hung and the exhausted workers prepared to go home, only to discover it was not possible to lock the building. As much valuable art had been entrusted to the organisers, it was decided the only thing to do was to spend the night there. Sleeping bags and swags were called for and duly rolled out and take-away dinner was ordered. During the night a very heavy and extremely noisy hailstorm broke right over the top of the pavilion. The noise on the iron roof was deafening. Fortunately no leaks appeared - and no burglars were encountered - but, with the noise of the storm added to the creaks and groans of the old building and the fear of burglars, not much sleep was had by any.”
Lady Carr opened the First Exhibition at Show Ground Pavilion in 1990.
L - R : Mrs Beamish - judge, Lady Carr, Bob Shepherd - Shire Mayor.
THE CROOKWELL ART GALLERY
Memorial Hall, Denison Street, Crookwell NSW 2583
Phone - 02 48320932