One of Armidale’s most beloved art traditions – the Packsaddle Exhibition and Art
Sale – will celebrate its 40th anniversary at NERAM on October 24.
Since its humble beginnings in the home of Beverley and Owen Wright in 1985 –
affectionately named “Packsaddle” – this annual fundraising exhibition has grown into
a highly anticipated regional event, connecting art lovers with a diverse array of
works from both emerging and established Australian artists.
The 40th anniversary will be a celebration of not only outstanding Australian art but
also a remarkable legacy of community-driven support for the arts, with Packsaddle
raising more than $750,000 since its inception.
The famous bell – which heralds the start of the sale – will be sounded on Friday
October 24, at 6pm by the current Packsaddlers. Viewing of the more than 400
artworks from established and emerging Australian artists will take place from 5pm.
The collectible works are from finalists in numerous art prizes including The
Archibald, The Wynne, The Blake Prize and the Paddington Art Prize among others.
Prices range from $88 to $18,500, making it accessible to first-time buyers and
seasoned collectors alike. Everything from landscapes, still life, abstract works,
limited edition prints, lino cuts and etchings, ceramics and sculptures will be
available for purchase.
All proceeds of the Packsaddle event go directly towards supporting NERAM’s
ongoing acquisitions, conservation efforts, and education programs. The event has
helped fund the acclaimed Packsaddle Artist Studio and Residence, upgrades to
gallery lighting and infrastructure, and key acquisitions for the gallery’s collections –
including contributions toward securing Margaret Olley’s Yellow Room Triptych.
Current Packsaddler Sue Fisher said 40 years was a fantastic milestone of support
for NERAM.
“I love collaborating with likeminded women to bring a veritable feast of art to
Armidale each year,” said Sue. “Although this is only my third year, to know that
others have shared, laughed and cried together provides a real sense of family to the
group.”
“There’s a little sense of mystique, a lot of history and tradition. I look forward to
helping carry the vision of the founding four into the future.”
Glenda Kupcyk Romanczuk has been a Packsaddler for the past 24 years and said it
has been a privilege and an education to be part of the group.
“I have learned so much from talking to our artists and our customers,” said Glenda.
“I have spent many hours on preparations and lots of dollars on art but, as I always
say to the customers, you never regret an extravagance.”
Fellow Packsaddler Moira Lloyd expressed her excitement about celebrating 40
years of Packsaddle and witnessing the joy that the exhibition brings to visitors as
they explore the diverse artworks on offer.
“What I love about being a Packsaddler is seeing the next generation of buyers; sons
and daughters of those who originally supported Packsaddle in the early days,
excited about purchasing an artwork,” she said.
“Meeting and talking to artists and knowing that all the work that goes in to make
each year’s exhibition a success is immensely satisfying but most of all, it’s knowing
that every dollar we raise supports NERAM.”
This year’s exhibition promises to be a visual feast with artworks from celebrated
names such as:
- Ann Cape, multiple Archibald finalist
- Daniel Kim, sought-after portraitist with commissions including Professor
Dame Marie Bashir - Wendy Sharpe, Tim Storrier, Euan Macleod, Elisabeth Cummings, and many
more
The collection spans styles and mediums – from Indigenous works by Papunya Tula
artists, to quirky prints by Greg Hyde, and abstract pieces by Sue Smalkowski and
Pamela Honeyfield.
Several other activities will be run in conjunction with the Packsaddle Exhibition
including an “In Conversation” with Director Rachael Parsons and Christopher
Hodges (sculptor, artist, director and founder of Utopia Art Sydney and the longest
running supporter of Packsaddle) on October 25, from 10.30am and another “In
Conversation” with the Packsaddlers (how we do it) on November 1, at 10.30am.
Opening night tickets are free but please book a ticket at
www.neram.com.au/event/opening-night-packsaddle-exhibition-2025/
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