Tamworth Regional Gallery will host its largest-ever Friends of Tamworth Regional Gallery Silent Auction in 2026, with more than 300 artworks by almost 100 regional artists on display.
The auction began on Thursday, 2 July, in Gallery One. The exhibition features works by emerging artists alongside nationally and internationally recognised practitioners.
The annual Silent Auction provides an opportunity for visitors to purchase original artworks while supporting regional artists and helping grow the Gallery’s permanent collection.
Friends of Tamworth Regional Gallery President Jen Avery said the event continues to play an important role in celebrating the strength and diversity of artistic talent across the region.
“The Silent Auction has become a wonderful showcase of regional creativity and a genuine community event,” Avery said.
“Each year we see artists, collectors, first-time buyers and gallery visitors come together to support the arts. The exhibition highlights the remarkable calibre of work being produced across our region and provides an important platform for artists to connect with new audiences.”
The 2025 Silent Auction raised more than $10,300 for new acquisitions to the Gallery’s permanent collection and returned $25,900 to participating artists through artwork sales.
Funds raised have already supported acquisitions including works by Textile Triennial artist Casselle Mountford and regional artist Vicki Taylor, whose lace-based practice featured in the recent exhibition Meraki. The acquisitions strengthen the Gallery’s nationally significant textile collection while ensuring contemporary regional artists are represented in the permanent collection.
“Every bid placed helps support both artists and the future of the Gallery Collection. The auction allows visitors to take home an original artwork while contributing to a lasting cultural legacy for our community,” Avery said.
The exhibition includes painting, ceramics, fibre and textile art, sculpture, jewellery and mixed media.
Visitors are encouraged to attend the opening night to meet participating artists, place bids and experience the auction over its 10-day run. The Silent Auction is known for the competitive bidding that sees many visitors return throughout the exhibition to monitor their bids ahead of the closing deadline.
The Friends of Tamworth Regional Gallery is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisation that supports the Gallery and promotes community engagement with the visual arts. Membership is open to all and includes a 10 per cent discount in the Gallery Shop, opportunities to meet artists and curators, studio workshops, and invitations to Gallery events and exhibition openings.
For more information about the Friends of Tamworth Regional Gallery and the Silent Auction, visit https://tamworthregionalgallery.com.au/.
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