Works by more than 200 local artists are now on exhibition at the Orange Regional Gallery with the opening of the annual open community exhibition HERE/NOW on Friday, October 3.

HERE/NOW is an exhibition that celebrates the breadth and diversity of the creative spirit in our region. Each year the gallery invites artists at all stages of their art practice to submit up to two recent artworks, with the guarantee that at least one work will be exhibited, ensuring local artists have an opportunity every year for their work to be seen.

Orange City Council’s Recreation and Culture Policy Committee Chair, Cr Tammy Greenhalgh, said a highlight for her was simply the wide variety of works submitted by local artists for this exhibition.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to see the wealth of creative talent we have right here in the Central West, from emerging artists to some of the region’s most well-known artists,” Cr Greenhalgh said.

“It’s easy to see why this is one of the most popular annual exhibitions on the gallery calendar, as many of these talented artists also provide a unique insight into our region through their works.”

The exhibition features work in a variety of media with everything from drawings, paintings and photography to sculptures, ceramics and printmaking.

All work is made by artists living in the local government areas of Orange, Bathurst, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan Shire, Lithgow, Oberon, Parkes, and Weddin Shire.

HERE/NOW was officially opened by Orange Mayor Tony Mileto at Orange Regional Gallery on Friday, October 3, and will run until the end of November.