Art lovers are being invited to explore three new exhibitions opening at Manning Regional Art Gallery next month, showcasing everything from major Australian artworks to deeply personal reflections on motherhood and whimsical folk-inspired creations.
Running from June 5 to July 25, the exhibitions bring together nationally recognised artists, regional creatives and works drawn from a private collection decades in the making.
Leading the program is A Private Collection – For the Love of Art, featuring works collected over many years by a passionate Australian art collector whose journey began with the purchase of a John Coburn painting at just 17 years old.
Since then, the collection has expanded into a broad survey of Australian art, featuring artists including Ray Crooke, Tim Storrier and Jeffrey Smart.
The exhibition traces both the evolution of Australian art and the collector’s own personal connection to the works, with each piece representing a moment in a lifelong passion for collecting.
Also opening is Matrescence, a collaborative exhibition by Carolyn Myhill, Sophie Watt, Annick Staindl and Bron Sharpe, examining the complex and transformative experience of motherhood.
Using ceramics, floral sculpture, poetry and photography, the exhibition explores the emotional contrasts that often accompany becoming a parent — from joy and connection to uncertainty and overwhelm.
The artists draw on shared experiences to reflect on how motherhood can reshape identity, relationships and daily life.
Meanwhile, Old Bar artist Christine Onward will present Enchanted Travels, an imaginative exhibition inspired by folklore, childhood wonder and the natural world.
Working across painting, collage, printmaking and sculpture, Christine combines influences from her Romanian heritage with the colours and textures of the Australian coast to create vibrant, whimsical works.
The exhibition invites audiences into playful worlds designed to spark curiosity, imagination and kindness.
Christine is also well known throughout the MidCoast as an arts educator, having delivered workshops and creative programs across Taree, Forster, Hallidays Point and Nabiac.
All three exhibitions will officially open at 6pm on Friday, June 5.
Opening night will double as a Friends of the Gallery fundraising event, with community members invited to attend. Entry is $15, with tickets available at the door.
Something going on in your part of the North Coast people should know about? Let us know by emailing newsdesk@nctimes.com.au