Concerning Peace, which opened last week at Maitland, was conceived by artists/curators Eric and Robyn Werkhoven in response to the present hostile world events. In all, 27 visual artists have been invited to express, interpret and explore their belief for world peace. The exhibition will include all genres of the visual arts – painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, photography, ceramics and video installation (pictured: Kathrin Longhurst, Past, Present & Future, 2018, oil on linen, 184 x 184cm, copyright of the artist).

Also opening last week at the gallery was Finding Country, featuring artworks from 45 Aboriginal artists from 32 language groups, all from the gallery’s own collection.

And a show featuring works of Paul Partos also opened last week at the Maitland gallery. The series of etchings, acquired by the gallery in 2016 with the assistance of the artist’s estate, demonstrate Partos’ examination of the physical and conceptual limits of the square and rectangle, which was a major characteristic of his painting.

FOR THE LOVE OF ART Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation fund-raising dinner, For the Love of Art, on Saturday, raised over $40,000. Over 200 guests joined host Jonathan Biggins and 15 artists whose paintings were auctioned in support of the city’s art gallery. The event was supported by major sponsor Bvlgari.

TINA Take note, the TINA (This Is Not Art) Festival, is coming up, September 27-30, in the city. Find the full program at thisisnotart.org.