Margaret Olley 100th Celebrations: 7 Meaningful Ways to Commemorate

1. VISIT MARGARET’S HOME AT THE TWEED REGIONAL GALLERY

Always on the itinerary when visiting the Tweed Regional Gallery is some time spent in the Margaret Olley Art Centre (MOAC) which celebrates the career, life and legacy of Olley – Australia’s most celebrated painter of still life and interiors.

MOAC is a remarkable space that combines exhibitions of Olley’s paintings and objects, an interactive multi-media drawing activity, research library and regular educational workshops.

Within MOAC is the recreation of some of the most fascinating rooms in Olley’s famous home studio, which includes original features such as windows and doors, relocated from Olley’s former home studio at Paddington in Sydney. The interiors are filled with over 20,000 items that Olley collected over years as subject matter for her paintings.

Viewed from within MOAC, in the grounds of the Gallery, is also the Margaret Olley Memorial Garden, a living tribute to the artist and final resting place, her ashes interred in the Garden.

2. FAR FROM A STILL LIFE

Presented exclusively at the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre to highlight Olley’s 100th birthday, Far From a Still Life is the aptly named exhibition at the centre of the celebrations.

The exhibition gives visitors the opportunity to understand Olley the artist, the world traveller, the friend, the muse and the philanthropist and celebrates her birthday with a dynamic collection of work covering her extraordinary career.

The earliest painting in the exhibition is a still life that Olley did at high school when she was just 15 years old. The latest is Cornflowers and Red Lacquer Compote 2010/11 painted in the final year of her life, age 88 years. 

Far from a Still Life is on display until 8 October 2023.

3. GET INSPIRED AT AN ARTIST PAINT OUT

If all the art viewing has got you keen to pick up a pencil or put brush to canvas yourself don’t miss the fun and free Annual Community Picnic & Artist Paint Out!

A family friendly event held in the grounds of the Tweed Regional Gallery, with spectacular views out to Wollumbin (Mt Warning), the afternoon includes free art activities for kids and the invitation to make your own work en plein air (painting outdoors, rather than in a studio). 

There will also be live music and some special guest artists on hand to mentor works in progress and chat with artists and visitors. 

The Community Picnic and Artist Paint Out will be held on on Sunday 18 June from 2 pm to 5 pm, no bookings needed! 

4. ART IS AROUND EVERY CORNER IN MURWILLUMBAH

Continue your creative journey into Murwillumbah, known for its original art deco buildings and features that have characterised the town since the early 1920s. 

Start your discovery with the self-guided walk, Facade, which highlights countless art deco features and unearths Murwillumbah’s history. You can pick up the Facade brochure at the Tweed Regional Museum. 

A stand-out feature from this era is the whole corner block building that houses M|Arts Precinct, once a 1960s mechanic workshop and today a hub for artists and art-lovers. 

The Precinct is a creative base for around 20 working artists who have a studio within the space, and also includes a local artisan cheese store, book store, art supplies store, delicious French patisserie and more – notably the original Regent Cinema, celebrating film since it opened in 1947. 

Also in Murwillumbah, Small Works Gallery is a must-visit. It’s a small, sweet exhibition space that regularly showcases the work of local artists. Or view the latest in landscape, figurative, abstract and conceptual art at Lundberg Gallery, a contemporary industrial-style space.

5. TAKE A TRAIL TO ART-SPIRATION

The Tweed is a place where art and nature meld together seamlessly to create a colourful palette every day of the week – as you’ll discover along Australia’s newest rail trail – the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. 

The trail will eventually track for 132km from Murwillumbah to Casino, via Byron Bay, along the old train line, with the Tweed section the first to open, taking in a sublime 24km from Murwillumbah to Mooball. 

You’ll not only call into picturesque villages along the way, you’ll also experience craftsmanship from days gone by, passing over or beside gorgeous heritage bridges and through a 500m long arched tunnel. 

Along the trail, a short ride from the restored Murwillumbah Station, is a stop-off point to access the Tweed Regional Gallery, making it easy to explore the Olley celebrations along the ride.

6. ALL THIS ART MAKING YOU HUNGRY?

You’ll build up an appetite along your gallery trail so we’ve also pulled together our top dining picks from breakfast through to evening eats. 

Start your Murwillumbah art days well-fuelled with coffee and morning treats at popular local spot, Keith, on the main street (Murwillumbah Street!) or Ben’s Patisserie at M|Arts Precinct. 

Take time out from browsing at the Tweed Regional Gallery with a relaxed lunch at Apex Dining, the onsite restaurant that offers spectacular views out over the Tweed River and lush farmland that has itself inspired many canvases. 

For lunch or sunset views pre-dinner, book in at Tweed River House – so named for its soothing waterside location and heritage aspects as a restored century-old river house. 

Or in town at Murwillumbah, don’t miss the sophisticated yet relaxed evening dining experience at Bistro LIVI, another delicious highlight within the M|Arts Precinct.

7. STAY A WHILE TO SEE MORE

With all of these many ways to immerse in the Tweed’s artistic landscape, we highly recommend staying over a night or two (or more!) to ensure you don’t miss a thing. 

Base yourself right in the heart of the creative action and book in at The Imperial Hotel, an iconic art deco building that’s been restored to its original 1931 glory. The Impy, as it’s known locally, has cosy rooms upstairs and a friendly pub and bistro downstairs. 

Why not rest up along the Northern Rivers Rail Trail at Hosanna Farmstay, with camping, cabins and a luxurious large homestead to choose from. 

Also nearby, and ideal for those travelling with the family or in a pal group, you’ll love the gorgeously mid-century styled holiday homes, The Belle River House in Tumbulgum or Chesson Lodge in Uki. 

Or for couples seeking art plus romance, unwind in your private villa at the stunning La Rocher Eco Retreat, which also comes with an infinity pool and hot tub, perfectly positioned to take in front row views of Wollumbin (Mt Warning). 

For more ideas to create a memorable art getaway to the Tweed, head to our website and be sure to follow us on Instagram for daily inspiration!