The gallery will reopen its doors tomorrow, Tuesday October 19 with the new exhibitions: Saltwater Freshwater Art 2021 - Aboriginal Art Award and Contemporary Cultural Objects, along with Lionel's Place: Lionel Lindsay, from the Maitland Regional Art Gallery.

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The team at the gallery said they are looking forward to sharing the new shows with the region, but advised that conditions of entry are in line with State Government regulations.

"We've all been a bit starved of visual feasts and cultural connection and this is the perfect way to mark our reopening, with these two wonderful and very different exhibitions," gallery director, Rachel Piercy said.

"We're just so excited to be back in action."

Saltwater Freshwater Arts 2021 is a touring exhibition with a public art program showcasing Aboriginal artists and cultural practitioners from the Gumbaynggirr, Dunghutti, Biripi and Worimi nations.

The exhibition is made up of the Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance Aboriginal art award (sponsored by Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance) and contemporary cultural objects exhibition.

This is the third time Manning Regional Art Gallery has hosted the award and Rachel said it's always a "crowd favourite."

The 2021 exhibition will include finely crafted fibre art fashion pieces created by weavers from around the region.

"Our public program will offer Aboriginal storytelling (Yarning culture with our Elders), language sessions (Learn our Lingo), weaving workshops, artist and curator talks, it's going to be fantastic."

The exhibition, Lionel's Place: Lionel Lindsay consists of more than 140 Lionel Lindsay artworks from the Maitland Regional Art Gallery Collection, featuring examples of Lionel's finest etchings, wood engravings and watercolours.

Rachel said these works on paper are rich in visual texture, and depict scenes from abroad and closer to home, exotic and domestic animals and birds, and the lushness of gardens, floral abundance and portraiture.

"Lionel's work is mesmerising and the contrast between the two exhibitions will really appeal to a broad audience," added Rachel.

"Anyone wanting to view the new exhibitions or partake in a workshop at the gallery will need to have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccinations (or have a medical exemption) if aged 16 years or over.

"Masks will also continue to be mandatory for everyone aged 12 years and over and all patrons will need to check-in before entering the premises," Rachel said.

"These rules are important to keep everyone safe and we appreciate the community's continued support and understanding as we navigate our way through the implementation of the conditions of the public health order."

For further information on the public health order head to the NSW Government website to find out about MidCoast Council's COVID response, head to www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/covid

To see upcoming exhibitions and general gallery news, visit the Manning Regional Art Gallery website.

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