MOTEL: Halfway to Somewhere…
MOTEL is Tim Ross’s and Kit Warhurst’s hilarious mash-up of nostalgia, storytelling, music, stand-up and modernism. It’s an endearing, sometimes cringey, often charming, always funny look back on the quintessential Aussie roadtrip and some of Australia’s past (and in some cases, still present) motels and tourism icons.
Sound odd? Perhaps. But audiences have been packing venues for this unique take on our common cultural touchstones and collective peculiarities.
STILL Sneak Preview: Friends of the Gallery
Join us for an exclusive preview of Australia's premier still life art prize, STILL 2023, in Coffs' beautiful new gallery space, YAM.
Win Art by Blak
You could be taking home this striking print by 2022 Archibald Prize Winner and Dunghutti artist, Blak Douglas. ‘FINDING OUR HEART ’ was created by Blak for the book of the same name, a story about the Uluru Statement for young Australians by Thomas Mayor in 2020.
The print comes beautifully framed thanks to the kind donation by Cher at CBreeze Framing Artspace. Blak will draw the winner after his guest speech at our STRENGTH IN CULTURE fundraiser at Coffs CHEC Theatre on 12 May 2023. Funds raised go towards artworks for our new gallery at Yarrila Arts and Museum or YAM in the HEART of Coffs.
RAFFLE TICKETS $5: on sale on the night AND at our kind sponsors, Bryant McKinnon Lawyers, 35 Gordon St, Coffs Harbour.
Blak Douglas: Strength in Culture
The Dunghutti artist and 2022 Archibald Prize Winner admired nationwide for his brave political works.
Blak Douglas will share his experience as a First Nations artist, working to bridge the cultural divide with powerful art that challenges us to think. Born in Blacktown and based in Redfern, Blak spent 20 years ‘taking a risk’ before taking out Australia’s most famous art prize.
Our current members SAVE on tickets so join the Friends now! Book a DONATION TICKET so a local art student can also be inspired by Blak. Book your tickets online & find out more.
Win an Artwork
You could become the lucky owner of this stunning etching created by Archibald Prize winner, Wendy Sharpe, one of Australia’s most prominent artists. The work comes beautifully framed and was kindly donated by Wendy to help us raise funds towards the gallery's collection. Wendy will draw the winner after her guest speech at our special dinner on June 17 at C.ex Coffs Harbour.
Tickets only $5: on sale at our dinner AND now at our sponsors, Bryant McKinnon Lawyers, Gordon St, Coffs Harbour.
Dinner with Wendy Sharpe
Be inspired by one of Australia's best-loved and most awarded artists, Wendy Sharpe! The Archibald winner and war artist has over 60 solo exhibitions under her belt and completed residencies around the globe. Known for her fearless approach to art, Wendy will share her experiences and reveal why people are at the heart of her success and the causes she supports. A fundraiser for artworks for the new Yarrila Arts & Museum.
Members enjoy a discount so join the Friends now!
Book your tickets online & find out more
Sneak Preview of Yarrila
As 'Yarrila Place' takes shape and rises skyward, we are excited to give our Friends a sneak preview of the new building. Take in a bird's eye view of Yarrila after hours, made available from the Level 6 car park overlooking the construction site. Gain a sense of what we can look forward to when stepping into the final space with a presentation by Lead Architect Matthew Blair and questions answered by Project Manager Ken Whelan. Enjoy complementary refreshments while seeing the progress of what will be home to our new gallery and museum, Yarrila Arts & Museum.
Free for Friends but online bookings essential as limited places.
Tea with Jan and Cream
Inject some colour into your life by joining us for morning tea with local artist Jan Allsopp, whose bold exhibition Complex Simplicity is now on show. See why Jan's unique combinations of colour, shape and texture are inspiring happiness in gallery visitors. Relax with a cup of tea or coffee while listening to Jan chat about the concepts and process behind her practice with Gallery Curator Chloe Waters.
A free event exclusive for members of the Friends who book online.
Not a member yet? You can still come along by simply joining online before booking.
20th Celebration Dinner
Birthdays are meant to be celebrated, and we would love you to join us for dinner to salute the 20th Anniversary of Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery. Let's toast our gallery's beginnings, share special memories and reflect on how far we've come to reach this milestone year. Supply dish up some of the best food you'll find in Coffs, and you'll enjoy a range of delicious dishes from a buffet including vegetarian options plus a selection of cocktails, fine wines, beers and non-alcoholic drinks will be waiting for you to buy at the bar. For $45 per head your ticket price also includes a small contribution towards the gallery's collection. You're welcome to bring along a friend (and you don't need to attend the earlier AGM) but please remember to book in advance to secure your seat at the table!
Dinner bookings online with advance payment at:
https://friendsdinner2021.eventbrite.com.au
Annual General Meeting
Join us for our 2021 AGM on December 14, starting at 6pm at Supply Cafe & Bar. If you have a passion for the arts and are interested in supporting our regional gallery, you are welcome to attend and/or nominate for the committee of the Friends of Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery. Please ensure you refer to the details in the following forms online: notice of meeting, nomination form, meeting agenda and proxy form. Or email us at thefriendschrg@gmail.com to request these.
It is essential to RSVP your place in advance. Book online at: https://friendsagm2021.eventbrite.com.au
Still 2021 Preview
A special preview of Still: National Still Life Award 2021 for members. Held on the eve of the official opening and announcement of the winner, Friends are being treated to an exclusive look at the exhibition of finalists at the gallery. Be the first to browse the artworks while catching-up with friends and hearing the gallery team's insights into the artists and their work that make Still 2021 the biggest and best ever! Free but bookings essential via eventbrite due to limited capacity and COVID-19 restrictions. Book your place now
Dinner at Cafe Ophelia
Dinner at Cafe Ophelia at 7pm for those attending our earlier ‘Why Children’s Art Matters’ event. Advanced bookings and payment essential as limited places available.
Why Children's Art Matters - Talk
The Friends of Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery are proud to present one of Australia’s most respected voices in children's art, Dr Barbara Piscitelli AM.
Win Your Own Portrait
Accomplished artist Georgie Lucock could be creating a portrait just for you if you enter our latest fundraiser. Grab your $5 tickets online to support our regional gallery in expanding our collection.
AGM & Christmas Celebration
Join us for our Annual General Meeting followed by our Christmas drinks. A time to reflect on the year that was and look forward to an eventful 2021! A chance to catch-up with Friends over drinks and nibbles while viewing of the latest exhibition in the gallery. Bring along a piece of art or art related small gift to swap for another treasure on our Swap Table.
Due to restrictions on numbers, advanced bookings are essential via eventbrite: https://friendsagmxmas.eventbrite.com.au
AGM information including nomination forms have been emailed to members. Request them by emailing: thefriendschrg@gmail.com
Collections Talk
Members are invited to join us to hear the story behind the Robert and Janice Hunter Collection of incredible Aboriginal works donated to the Regional Gallery and now on show for the first time. Robert Hunter will share his virtual journey of discovery that lead to his significant collection of 50 vibrant works by 30 artists from Central Australia, the Kimberley and Arnhem Land. The Gallery team will also help us explore the concept of collecting and the role gifts and donations play in growing our regional collection for the community into the future. Catch up with friends over a drink and refreshments while browsing both this exhibition and Tradigital, the first solo exhibition by Gumbaynggirr artist, Brentyn Lugnan. Free but prior bookings essential online due to limited capacity during COVID restrictions. Book now via eventbrite
A special event for current members of the Friends of the Gallery. Photo by andthetreesphotography
Artist Talk - booked out
SORRY BOOKED OUT. Members are invited to join us as leading Gumbaynggirr artist Brentyn Lugnan shares insights into his first solo exhibition Tradigital’, featuring his striking contemporary works, deeply layered with traditional symbolism and spirituality. See the country through Brentyn’s eyes, as he reveals the stories and places behind his works, each one a powerful extension of his Gumbaynggirr culture. A Q&A with Gallery Curator, Chloe Waters, will delve into Brentyn's practice which combines contemporary materials such as permanent markers and aerosol paint to explore traditional aspects of family and connection to country. Enjoy a drink and refreshments while catching up with fellow art lovers and browsing the latest exhibitions including the Robert & Janice Hunter Collection of Aboriginal art donated to the gallery. Free but prior bookings essential online due to limited capacity during COVID restrictions. Book now via eventbrite
A special event for current members of the Friends of the Gallery. Photo by andthetreesphotography