Gallery Director Rachel Piercy opened Ruth Downes’ new exhibition on 13 March to an appreciative opening night crowd.

It is the first venue in a tour of seven regional galleries.

The unexpected use of familiar objects in ‘Barely Wearable’ surprised and delighted visitors, who attempted to identify some of the more of the obscure materials. In her opening speech, Ruth described her diverse sources of inspiration and her ‘bower bird’ instincts that drove her to collect and reimagine new lives for these everyday materials.

Many Taree locals and visitors fondly remembered Ruth’s previous ‘Lunch for the Trades’ exhibition at the Manning Regional Gallery.

Unfortunately the exhibition closed prematurely in Taree due to COVID-19 concerns.

‘Barely Wearable’ is still on track to open for three months at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum, Huskisson NSW, on 8 August 2020.

> Click here for full regional tour details