17 August 2004

The Shepparton Art Gallery has attracted a record number of visitors, with more than 7,000 through its doors in June alone.

Shepparton Art Gallery Director, Ms Leanne Willis, said the public had reacted with enthusiasm to the gallery’s most recent exhibitions, particularly the popular ‘Hickory Dickory Dock – The Changing Face of Play School’.

“Just over 10,000 people visited the Play School exhibition at the gallery, which ran from 3rd June to 11th July.  This was a phenomenal response, more than the number who visited the exhibition when it was originally shown at the National Museum in Canberra,” Ms Willis said.

The gallery’s public programs and workshops have also proved to be very popular, with staff working with 2,144 children and adults in May and June.

“The most successful programs have been our Friends of the Gallery morning teas, after school drawing classes and life drawing classes.  Also, 16 schools from across Victoria toured the gallery in May and June. ”

“June saw some special events at the gallery, including the Family Fun Days at Eastbank and music with the GV Concert Orchestra,” Ms Willis added.

“We are very proud of our extensive public program and we try to cater for a wide range of people, including young children, school aged people and adults.”

For information about any of the exhibitions currently on display or public programs at the Shepparton Art Gallery, contact the gallery on 5832 9861.

Admission to Shepparton Art Gallery is free and it is open seven days a week from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. The gallery is located in the Eastbank Centre,
70 Welsford Street, Shepparton, phone 5832 9861.

The Shepparton Art Gallery is supported by the Victorian Government through Arts Victoria and the Community Support Fund, and through the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy, an initiative of the Australian, State and Territory Governments.