Maitland Regional Art Gallery’s Free Art January is back with a bang in 2023! Simply drop in or book ahead to join artist workshops and artful experiences including clay, resin casting, sculpture and assemblage, drawing and filmmaking.
Plus, MRAG are opening every day of the week during January and staying open late on select Fridays to help you make the most of what’s on offer.
There is something for everyone throughout the month-long extravaganza with activities for kids, family groups, teens and adults.
Visiting the Gallery is free and all materials are provided. Bookings are now open for Free Art January sessions.
Activities include the self-directed Tinky Art Trail, art and activity stations, workshops for kids and teens and After Hours Artist Encounters.
Plus, you can come along to Free Art Sunday, MRAG’s weekly program connecting children and families with art through hands-on activities and facilitated by their friendly MRAG Art Tutors.
Join artists Holly Macdonald, Kate Rohde and Jane Lander for age-specific workshops, including Impressions in Clay for all ages, a Mythical Creatures Workshop for kids aged 8-12, Resin Casting for ages 14-19, a Teen Drawing Workshop and more. Artist LOVEDAVID will be running film-making workshops for ages 12-14 and 15-17.
Enjoy After Hours Artist Encounters with artists Kate Rohde and Jayanto Tan and explore the gallery until 8pm.
Visit MRAG after hours on January 13 to hear Kate Rohde discuss her art practice and busy year of exhibitions, and current work on display in Monster Mash at MRAG.
Kate takes inspiration from decorative arts, science and mythological creatures to create intensely colourful jewellery and sculptures.
Plus, roll out the picnic rug for Street Eats, with plenty of delicious food to choose from and live music in the Gallery Garden.
On January 27, join artist Jayanto Tan as he takes us on an adventure celebrating food and its rich cultural history, including the Pai Ti Kong Festival Lunar New Year.
Come dressed up to celebrate Lunar New Year, bring your favourite recipes to share; watch Jayanto perform the Pandan Lamington story, make your own Pai Ti Kong food in air-dried clay; enjoy Pot Luck Party food snacks from different cultures and enjoy music in the Gallery garden. Bring your picnic blanket!
Free Art January runs from Tuesday 3 January to Tuesday 31 January and, during the month of January, the Gallery and Cafe will also be open on Mondays (excluding Monday 2).
For more information and to make bookings, visit the Maitland Regional Art Gallery website.
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