Packsaddle Selling Exhibition

ANNUAL PACKSADDLE FUNDRAISING EXHIBITION

28th OCTOBER - 13th NOVEMBER 2011

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

WHAT IS PACKSADDLE?
Packsaddle is an annual fundraising exhibition for, and held at the New England Regional Art Museum in Kentucky St, Armidale. It is an exhibition of artwork from well-known and emerging artists where all artworks are for sale.

WHO ARE THE PACKSADDLERS?
The four original Packsaddlers were: Beverley Wright, June Atherton, Pat Elkin and Benoni Pearson.

The present committee is: June Atherton, Pat Elkin, Benoni Pearson, Diana Gray, Michelle Bookallil, Glenda Kupczyk-Romanczuk, Julia Rose, Moira Lloyd, Caroline Nivison, Michelle Schouten, Pam Koebel and Lynne Walker.

WHY IS THE EXHIBITION CALLED “PACKSADDLE”
The first exhibition was held in the home of Beverley and Owen Wright in 1985. The Wrights’ called their home “Packsaddle” because the roofing reminded them of such a saddle. Owen’s saddle, used on many trips, is now our emblem and is on display at all Packsaddle exhibitions.

HOW DO I BUY A PAINTING ON OPENING NIGHT?
Find one of the Packsaddlers – the ladies in hats (see pic). Ask her to put a red dot on the work. She will give you a slip to take to the front desk. Give the person your name and contact number – and your money, credit card or cheque – we’ll accept anything as long as it is legal!

CAN I TAKE THE ARTWORK AWAY NOW?
No – this is an exhibition as well as a sale, so the artworks must stay until the end – Sunday, November 13th . Come along from midday until 4pm, enjoy a glass of wine with us and collect your artwork.

WILL THERE BE ANY OTHER PACKSADDLE ACTIVITIES I CAN ATTEND?
Yes – on the middle weekend of the exhibition two talented artists will talk about their techniques. On Saturday 5th November at 2.00 p.m., well-known local artist and print-maker Lin Quaife , will pick out some of her favourites and talk about the techniques involved in making them. On Sunday 6th November at 11.00 a.m., UNE art educator and practising artist Dr Frances Alter, will talk about the prints and techniques that fascinate her. Come to both talks and get two different lots of insight and discuss your own ideas and opinions.

HOW MUCH HAS PACKSADDLE RAISED?
Since Packsaddle began in 1985, we have taken well in excess of a million dollars in sales and have been able to donate over $315,000 to NERAM.

WHERE DO THE ARTWORKS COME FROM
Works are sent by galleries and individual artists from all over Australia so people in Armidale and the New England get an opportunity to see and buy works by emerging and well-established artists that may not normally be available in Armidale.

ARE THE ARTWORKS DONATED?
No, the artists have to live too! They get their price and Packsaddle gets a commission. The galleries that represent some of the artists forego their commission to support Packsaddle.

HOW ARE THE ARTWORKS CHOSEN?
The original members of the Packsaddle committee had previously run a gallery together, so they all have a keen eye and choice still guides what is accepted by the present day committee. Because so many artworks are offered, those that cannot be hung are in folios that you can also look through.

WHAT IS THE MONEY USED FOR?
The Packsaddlers have purchased a new hanging system, mobile scaffolding and lighting; they have earmarked funds for the conservation of the Howard Hinton Collection and they have put money towards acquisitions for the permanent collection. They also contributed the funds for the Packsaddle Artist Studio which is in frequent use for art workshops for adults and for children alike.

GLOSSARY OF PRINTMAKING TERMS
Find out more about printmaking terms.

For further information contact Glenda Kupczyk-Romanczuk on 02 6771 2298, Moira Lloyd on 02 6772 9066 or Pam Koebel on 6772 7965.