Benalla Favorite Tips by iandsmith

Benalla Art Gallery

Favorite thing: The striking modern building set over the waters was completed in 1975 and houses a fine eclectic body of work that attracts around 80,000 visitors annually.
It's well laid out and the works are well displayed.

(If you're wondering why the colour is strange in the photo it's because my camera was on the wrong settings.)

Fondest memory: It features many 19th century landscapes by various well known Australian (or new Australian) artists who were coming to terms with the different natural light and natural flora and fauna of Australia. Many of these come from the private Ledger Collection.
Overall, the gallery includes a selection of modern and contemporary art in a variety of media, which includes painting, prints, works on paper, textiles, ceramics and sculpture.
On display is a tapestry of Sidney Nolan’s ‘Glenrowan’, from his Ned Kelly series. Following the 2002 bushfires, artist Rick Amor was commissioned to create a work which responded to the blackened landscape. The result, ‘The Arc - aftermath of bushfires in the North East’ is a record of the tragedy of the fires, and an affirmation of nature’s powers of regeneration. It's a thought provoking work shall we say.

The Sculpture

Favorite thing: I pulled up and couldn't help but notice this significant bit of sculpture sitting beside the museum and the water. As you cross the bridge it is definitely a standout.

Fondest memory: The ceramic mural is a work of community. While Judy Lorraine was appointed as artist-in-residence the whole project was supported by the three levels of government. David N. Moore was project co-ordinator, not to be confused with David W. Moore as Education Officer during the planning stages. For over 20 years David W. and Judy remained committed to the mural and contributors included many significant artists, over 1,000 students and many volunteers.
It was officially opened in 2010 by local mayor, Bill Hill.