Bathurst Regional Art Gallery Society (BRAGS) commenced as the Mitchell Art Gallery Society in 1969, and has a long and proud history in supporting the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery.

The role of BRAGS is to foster, promote, encourage and support the development of the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery, and to raise funds for the acquisition of fine or applied arts for the Gallery.

BRAGS have contributed approximately $320,000 toward the purchase of 104 artworks for the BRAG permanent art collection since 1973.

Among the artworks BRAGS have helped to acquire are a John Olsen, Brett Whiteley about to pounce, 1979; Russell Drysdale, cottage interior (Hill End Studio), 1953; Lloyd Rees, Duramana Landscape, 1977; Donald Friend, Hill End, 1948; and Jonathan Jones, They made a place and called it peace, 2015.

BRAGS contributed significantly towards Stephen Hart’s monumental sandstone sculpture Conversations, 1988, which is placed in Bathurst Peace Garden.

BRAGS held its AGM on Thursday, April 19, which included the election of committee members for 2018/19. Max Wilson, who was elected as president, said “2018/9 looks like an exciting time for BRAGS and the art gallery with a number of interesting exhibitions and art studio tours”.

“I look forward to working with the BRAGS committee and the staff at the art gallery to ensure that the excellent presentations in the art sphere created by the former president, Julia Blackwood, and her committee is maintained for the Bathurst and wider community,” he said.

BRAGS have organised for local artist and architectural historian Graham Lupp to lead a tour of historical buildings around Bathurst on Tuesday, June 5. This will be a special day celebrating Graham’s new book Building Bathurst – The story of those who built Bathurst and Central NSW, 1815-1915.

The tour will visit 10 historical buildings in Bathurst where Graham will describe the importance of the architecture and how it fits in with the history of Bathurst. The sites include St Stanislaus’ College, “Logan Brae”, Holy Trinity Church, “Hereford” and “Merrick House” and “Kelloshiel”.

This is an extremely rare opportunity to be able to access many of these sites and be guided through their rich histories, stories and building by Graham.

This event has now sold out due to popular demand, but will be repeated (date to be advised). Please contact our gallery administrator Jo Dicksen on 6333 6555 or jo.dicksen@bathurst.nsw.gov.au to place your name on a waiting list.

Benefits of BRAGS membership include discounted entry to BRAG exhibition openings, discounted entry to BRAGS events such as tours and talks and 10 per cent off at BRAG shop (exhibition sales).

Individual membership is $20, concession is $15, household/family $25 and corporate $35. If you would like to join, please ask for a BRAGS membership form at the front desk at the gallery.

If you have any questions or would like to find out more information on BRAGS, please visit the gallery website www.bathurstart.com.au or contact the gallery on 6333 6555.