-Written by Jeanette Rogers and Marianne Kresse-
This year, the Maryborough Regional Art Society (MRAS Inc) is proudly celebrating its 78th anniversary. Originally established in 1947 as an art society, and starting with only a small contingent of artists, MRAS is the second oldest art society in Queensland. The society was incorporated in 1989 as a not-for-profit organisation and is run entirely by volunteers; its current membership is now around one hundred. Its original home was the Warehouse Gallery (now Gatakers Art Space), but it was moved to its current location, 282 Kent Street, Maryborough, in 2010, thanks to the patronage of Mr Graham Richers from Richers Transport.
The MRAS has always prided itself on being a place where all artists of any experience, age or art style can display their work, develop their skills, and socialise with likeminded individuals in a supportive and respectful environment. The MRAS Gallery gives its members the opportunity to show their art in an affordable manner, cultivating both the exhibition experience as well as helping artists build self-confidence and receive recognition and feedback.
Endeavours such as Members Challenges that run three times per year with small money prizes awarded to winners, and reciprocal exhibitions with other Art Societies around the region, give opportunities for artists to get involved as well as promote their art. The member’s gallery is also always available for artists to show their work without the need of lengthy wait times.
Another large opportunity offered is the MRAS’s annual art exhibition. This year’s exhibition is thanks to the sponsorship of Fraser Coast Regional Council. The exhibition usually displays more than 300 works of art over seven categories, including Open, Landscape/Seascape, Portraits and People, Flora and Fauna, Still Life, Abstract and 3D/Sculpture, with a total prize money pool of $7,500.00, which has been secured through sponsorships from many local businesses and patrons. The art displayed in this exhibition highlights the amazing talents of our region’s local artists. With visitors’ attendance at least between 150 to 200 people yearly, the high quality of art even attracts interstate visitors, who time their holidays to link up with the exhibition.
The exhibition opening on Saturday, 7th June 2025 at 2.00pm, will include the Presentation Awards Ceremony and will be attended by Sponsors, Council, Patrons, and Artists. All visitors are welcome to attend, to meet and mingle with the artists, and enjoy the cash bar, light refreshments, lucky door prize, and entertainment by local musicians. We look forward to seeing you all there!
Maryborough Regional Art Society Annual Art Exhibition 2025
7th June – 27th July 2025 showing at Gatakers Art Space, Maryborough
Gatakers Artspace is located at 311 Kent Street and open Tuesday to Friday from 9:30am to 3:30pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30am to 2:00pm.
Cover photo – The Farmer and The Fence. By Wendy Talbot
