Penrith Regional Gallery, Home of the Lewers Bequest, will reopen its spaces to the public on Sunday 28 June with the exhibition suite Dream Realised: our community victory.
Celebrating the 40-year anniversary of Penrith Regional Gallery's beginnings, Dream Realised will run until November 1. The centrepiece of the suite is the first solo regional gallery exhibition of acclaimed artist and founding president of the Friends of Penrith Regional Gallery, Warwick Fuller.
Titled Chasing the Light, the exhibition is filled with Fuller's captivating landscapes, created using a plein air technique, many capturing the Blue Mountains as well as the myriad other colours and textures of our evocative Australian landscape.
The heritage modernist Ancher House will house Art Lives Here celebrating the creative partnership of Margo and Gerald Lewers; while - from July 25 - Lewers House is host to Circle of Friends, showcasing acquisitions funded and supported by the Friends of Penrith Regional Gallery.
The exhibition will be open across three ticketed sessions per day, 10-11.30am, 12-1.30pm and 2-3.30pm, with time for cleaning in between each session.
Visitors are encouraged to book online www.penrithregionalgallery.com.au or by phone on 4735 1100 to attend a session but can also book at the door. Bookings will be open soon.
Gerald and Margo Lewers were leading artists in the development of modernism in Australian art, and pivotal figures in the Sydney creative scene. Both were keenly interested in the evolution of new and unique thought, artistic practice, debate and visual arts education. It was Margo's wish that upon her death (1978) her home at Emu Plains would become an art centre where travelling exhibitions could be held and artists could meet to exchange ideas.
In 1980 the community's dream was realised in the decision to establish a regional gallery at Emu Plains, thanks to the generous Lewers bequest and NSW government funding. The Lewers' creative spirit lives on through the gallery programs offering exhibitions, gardens, architectural heritage, education and an art collection within the unique property that was Margo and Gerald's home.
The Gallery will be following COVID-safe procedures including the implementation of additional cleaning, hand sanitiser stations and physical distancing measures. Visitor numbers will be capped to no more than 50 people across all gallery spaces per session. Visitors are asked not to attend the gallery if they are experiencing any cold and flu symptoms, if anyone in their household is awaiting COVID-19 test results or has returned from overseas in the past 14 days.
Fold out seating for visitors unable to stand comfortably will be available from reception and an additional reception desk will be situated in the main gallery.
Café at Lewers is also open, adhering to NSW Health guidelines for restaurants and cafes, allowing up to 50 customers, with up to 10 people at a table. Café bookings are available by calling 4735 4265.
