More than 100 people attended the opening of the first exhibition of contemporary art to be held in the Mt Victoria Museum on Saturday, November 9.
Senior Object Conservator from the Australian National Maritime Museum, Rebecca Dallwitz, officially opened the exhibition.
Funded by the Blue Mountains City Council, City of Arts Trust, the Birdland exhibition sees the works of four local artists developed in response to the bird collections held by the museum. Works are placed throughout the museum. Artists Jacqueline Spedding, Pam Vaughan, Emma Rooney and Brad Allen-Waters installed a range of works including sculpture with Audino technology, digital video and sound, works on paper, and ceramics and silversmithing.
"I am thrilled with the response, both by the artists, and the number of people attending the opening," said curator Miriam Williamson.
"We thank the museum's committee for their generosity and the access they have given us to this extraordinary venue and its many collections."
The museum holds the collection of Charles Melbourne Ward, a fellow of the Zoological Society, London, honourary zoologist at the Australian Museum. Ward travelled throughout South East Asia and Papua New Guinea in the first half of the 20th century. Museuem president Tim K Jones said "it's wonderful to be part of a collaboration in the cultural sector with artists, museum members and visitors exploring our wonderful collection in new ways".
"The artwork is first rate and the artists, curators and volunteers have produced a thought provoking exhibition design. It's fascinating how artworks are shown throughout the museum with artists homing in on spaces that enrich the experience".
In 1943 Ward moved to the Blue Mountains and opened his Gallery of Natural History and Native Art in a long, narrow fibro building at the Hydro Majestic Hotel, Medlow Bath. On his death his collection was divided between the Australian Museum and the Mt Victoria Museum.
"It's wonderful to be part of a collaboration in the cultural sector with artists, museum members and visitors exploring our wonderful collection in new ways," said Mr Jones. "The artwork is first rate and the artists, curator and volunteers have produced a throught proviing."