A groundbreaking exhibition featuring the work of 350 southern Sydney artists has opened at Hazelhurst Arts Centre to celebrate its 20th birthday.
The exhibition, 20 Years of Hazelhurst, brings together a cohort of some of the region's most influential visual artists and marks the first time the gallery has hosted an exhibition of this magnitude.
It features the works of some of Australia's best known artists, including Garry Shead, George Gittoes and Bob Marchant, to name a few.
Hazelhurst's curator Carrie Kibbler originally planned to mark Hazelhurst's 20th birthday by displaying the works of 20 artists who were significant to its history.
But she said that number quickly grew in recognition of the number of local artists who had been part of the gallery's success.
Artists were invited to submit three works for consideration, of which one was selected for the exhibition.
All of the featured artists either grew up in the area or have lived in southern Sydney during their career.
The works of Grays Point artist Michelle Cawthorn and her husband Peter Sharp are featured in the exhibition.
Ms Cawthorn said she was proud that Sutherland Shire was home to such a wonderful community asset.
"My husband is also an artist and we both feel a sense of pride that we have such a fantastic gallery and arts centre in Sutherland Shire," she said.
"As art teachers and educators, having this resource is very important."
She said one of the reasons Hazelhurst was successful was because it combined an art gallery with an educational component.
But while she said it was easy as artists to see its benefit, having a facility that combined a gallery, arts centre, cafe and gardens, meant "everyone is able to engage in art".
Sutherland Shire mayor Steve Simpson said the "quantity and calibre of artists" involved in the exhibition was a clear indication of the "stature of Hazelhurst".
"Given the current challenges faced by our community, this occasion will have particular significance to those who have visited the gallery over a number of years and presents the opportunity to come together to celebrate the works of many gifted artists and provide our community with a reason to celebrate," he said.
Hazelhurst is located on property once owned by Ben and Hazel Broadhurst, whose cottage still stands on the site. They donated the land to the council on the proviso that it be set aside for community use.
A dedicated group of artists and former Sutherland Shire councillor Byron Hurst lobbied the council to establish a regional gallery.
Mr Hurst went on to become Hazelhurst's chairman and the centre, which includes two galleries, teaching studios, education programs, a cafe and expansive gardens has welcomed more than 3.5 million visitors and hosted about 640 exhibitions.
Details: 20 Years of Hazelhurst, is at Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Gymea, until January 31, 2021. It is open daily, 10am-4pm. Entry is free.
