December 5, 2014
Visitors who drop into the Kingaroy Art Gallery this month will be able to see something unusual – genuine lithographs by Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso and famous French artist Andre Minaux.
The works are on loan to the Gallery from a South Burnett collector who has amassed them over the past two years.
Gallery curator Fiona Kemp said she was originally approached by the unnamed collector on the Gallery’s Facebook page.
The collector asked if the Gallery might be interested in displaying the works.
“We get all sorts of unusual requests on our Facebook page, so you can imagine that I was a bit skeptical when Dali and Picasso were mentioned,” Fiona laughed.
“But when I suggested this person come to the Gallery to talk about it – and they said yes – my attitude quickly changed.”
The mystery collector turned out to be 100 per cent genuine and so are the artworks, most of which are now hanging in the rear Gallery or on display in a special locked case.
“Our volunteers have been amazed,” Fiona said. “And so have I.”
On Saturday morning (December 6) the Gallery will be officially opening their 7th annual Disability Art Show, which displays art and craft works in all media created by local people with a disability.
The show is sponsored by South Burnett CTC, SBCare, Jobmatch Employment, CROSB Kingaroy, and Murgon’s Graham House and Gumnut Place.
The opening will take place between 10:00am and noon, and will offer refreshments and door prizes, as well as the announcement of the People’s Choice Award.
Guests who attend the opening will also be able to view the Dali, Picasso and Minaux artworks.
Admission to the opening is free, but an RSVP to assist with catering would be appreciated. They can be made by phoning 0417-010-292.
Afterwards, the exhibitions will remain on display from 9:00am to 4:30pm weekdays; 10:00am to 4:00pm on weekends; and 10:00am to 2:00pm on public holidays until January 6.
The Gallery will be closed on Christmas Day.
