CompetitionsThe Blue Mountains Region has long been associated with beauty. Not just because of its mesmerising, green backdrop of nature, but because of its growing fine art scene.
Paintings, sculptures, shows and exhibitions are easy to find and enjoy throughout the region, whether it’s in Katoomba itself or surrounding towns. If you’re planning a trip to the Blue Mountains and would like to get your art fix, then keep reading to learn more about the best galleries in town and what each of them has to offer.
Gallery ONE88 Fine Arts
Image via @galleryone88finearts
This fine art gallery – centrally located right in Katoomba Street – showcases handpicked exhibitions, allowing emerging and established artists a chance to display their work in the centre of the artsy and touristy Blue Mountains.
The modern look of ONE88, featuring large windows, allows artists to get maximum exposure. Run by artists themselves, the gallery offers a tailored, well-rounded service when it comes to showcasing artists – from the beginning of the show until the end.
It’s not all about displaying finished works of art, though. ONE88 offers workshops, studios and live sketching nights, sometimes with real-life models.
Waradah Aboriginal Centre Art Gallery
Image viaWaradah Aboriginal Centre Facebook
With a mission to promote and respect Aboriginal culture, Waradah Aboriginal Art Gallery, located within the Waradah Aboriginal Centre, features a wide collection of traditional and contemporary Indigenous fine art pieces, from the Central and Western Desert zones.
All artwork showcased in the gallery has been purchased from government community centres, the artists themselves or from a known private art dealer, and have a certificate of authenticity and proper documentation.
If you’re keen to experience more of the fascinating and ancient Indigenous culture, you can step away from the art gallery and enjoy some of the award-winning performances in the cultural centre. Experience a traditional smoking ceremony, hear dreamtime stories about the creation of the Didgeridoo, and witness a Corroboree as performed by Aboriginal dancers in traditional costume and paint.
Blue Mountains Cultural Centre - Blue Mountains Art Gallery
Image via @bluemountainsculturalcentre
Located within the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, the Blue Mountains Art Gallery is a high-ceilinged and beautifully lit venue that is dedicated to providing education about the distinctive history, environment and culture of the Blue Mountains region.
The spacious, state-of-the-art gallery showcases major local, regional and touring exhibitions, whereas their Exposé Program is solely focused on showcasing artists who live locally in the Blue Mountains area.
In the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre you’ll also be able partake in educational workshops, classes and educational programs that cater to a wide range of abilities.
Norman Lindsay Gallery & Museum
Image via Norman Lindsay Gallery & Museum
Located in Faulconbridge and run by the National Trust, the Norman Lindsay Gallery & Museum showcases the works of Norman Lindsay (1879-1969) Australian artist, cartoonist, and writer of the children’s book “The Magic Pudding”.
The Gallery features a major collection of Lindsay's work, including sculptures, ship models, watercolours and novels. But it’s not only the art that will mesmerise you – the location of the gallery will too. The appeal of the property is undeniable, as it features green gardens, fountains and beautiful pathways in between the trees, in the midst of the already-magical Blue Mountain Region.
Hawkesbury Regional Gallery
Image via Hawkesbury Regional Gallery Facebook
The Hawkesbury Regional Gallery does its best to embrace and continue to honour the region’s artistic and creative heritage. Featuring both original and timeless exhibitions as well as brand new, the aim of the gallery is to keep art alive in the area. In addition, they also host special programs to teach visitors about art, and gain an overall understanding on how to make the most of their gallery experience.
Upcoming events include the 2016 Archibald Prize exhibition which runs from 19 May - 2 July, as well as a Young Archie display from June 9 onwards featuring works by budding artists between ages 5-18 from the Hawkesbury region.
Lost Bear Gallery
Image source: Graham Hallet via Lost Bear Gallery
Lost Bear Gallery embodies the concept of what a modern gallery should look like. Located in the heart of Katoomba, within an industrial, original building, the gallery’s space certainly lives up to its style.
Representing contemporary artists, the gallery showcases painting, sculpture, fibre art, mixed media, drawing, ceramics, glass, printmaking, sculptures and miniatures. However, as the gallery focuses on sculpture and objects, the space had to be renovated.
Previously located on Lurline Street in a house that once was a guesthouse and convalescing home, due to the success and interest of the public the gallery moved to its current, cutting-edge location in the heart of town, and the result is a chic, custom space perfect to showcase art.
Ready to experience artsy Katoomba?
The heart of the Blue Mountains offers much more than breathtakingly beautiful nature, as you may have gathered by now. With many different galleries showcasing various types of art and techniques, the region has certainly lots to offer. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a collector, or an artist yourself, next time you’re in Katoomba make sure you check out these places for a well-rounded visit to one of the most frequented tourist spots in New South Wales.
Keen to learn more? For guidance, the latest news in the art world, advice and art supplies, don't hesitate to contact us At Eckersley’s. We’re happy to assist you along every step of your creative journey; from getting the right material for your next work of art through to its successful completion.
