Manly Art Gallery & Museum is pleased to announce an exhibition of works by Avalon artist Joanna Gambotto while she was an artist in residence in Hill End, NSW.

A series of 14 etchings work was developed from countless, quick sketches Joanna made of the interiors of homes she visited while in the town. The sketches were later developed into large scale charcoal drawings and etchings, produced at the Warringah Printmakers Studio.

Mayor Michael Regan said it was great to see the works of a very talented local artist showcased at the Gallery.

“There’s no doubt Joanna is one of our emerging artists to watch on the Northern Beaches, and at MAG&M, we are very keen to nurture our local talent.”

Senior Curator Katherine Roberts said Joanna spent June last year living in one of the historic cottages in Hill End, where she pursued her interest in the quaint interiors of the homes there.

“The large scale of the work invites the viewer to immerse themselves in the drawings, to almost walk into the cottages and to become a part of the lives of their occupants, absorbed by the curios, architecture and history of this unique town.”

Joanna said: “I first caught a glimpse of the beautiful interiors of Hill End cottages a few years ago, during a brief visit. This experience prompted me to apply for the Artist in Residence program run by Bathurst Regional Art Gallery.

“The local community was very welcoming and keen to open their doors wide, enabling me to wander through the cottages and make many sketches of the interiors.

“Initially intended only as a starting point for my paintings, the drawings gained so much gravity that it became imperative to give them a life of their own. All they needed was a touch more refinement. I turned to printmaking.”

The Hill End Artists in Residence Program is managed by Bathurst Regional Art Gallery in partnership with the Department of Environment & Heritage NSW Parks and Wildlife Services.

This project was also assisted by a 2020 Northern Beaches Council Creative Communities Support grant.

For more information, please visit Council’s website

Media Enquiries: media@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au 9942 2678