Curator Talk: Grace & Grace with Leanne Santoro

Thursday, 21 August, 3pm

Learn more about these two significant Australian female artists, Grace Crowley and Grace Cossington Smith, and the works on loan from the National Gallery of Australia in an online Curator Talk with Leanne Santoro, Curator of the Sharing the National Collection Program, at the National Gallery of Australia.

About the Event

Crowley and Cossington Smith’s works exhibit a unique perspective on Australian culture, which is significant in understanding the role of women in the nation’s history. Of particular significance to our region are the pieces created by Grace Cowley, a talented artist from the small town of Barraba, located nearby to Tamworth. Crowley’s early works reflect the beauty and landscapes of rural Australia, with a focus on the natural environment of her home region. Her later works took art in Australia even more strongly towards abstraction from a female perspective. Additionally, the exhibit of Grace Crowley and Grace Cossington Smith’s works highlights the importance of women artists in the Australian art industry. It is essential to acknowledge the contributions made by female artists in shaping the country’s artistic identity.

When: Thursday, 21 August at 3pm

Where: Online discussion projected at the Tamworth Regional Gallery

Cost: Free

Followed by afternoon tea

RSVP Here

About the curator, Leanne Santoro

Leanne Santoro has been Curator, Sharing the National Collection at the National Gallery of Australia in Kamberri/Canberra since 2023. As part of this role, she works with art galleries and organisations across Australia to source works for long-term loans.

She has held curatorial roles at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Art Gallery of South Australia, the Australian War Memorial, and Canberra Museum and Gallery, and her publications include ‘John Olsen: a recipe for art’ (2016).  She has curated exhibitions including ‘Brett Whiteley: blue and white’ for the Brett Whiteley Studio, Sydney (2022), and ‘Anne Dangar: ceramics from Moly-Sabata’ for the AGNSW (2018). She curated ‘Enjoy this trip: the art of music posters’ for the National Gallery, currently on display until February 2026, and touring around Australia.

The Tamworth Regional Gallery is fully accessible, and offers free and accessible parking - located behind the building, accessed via Peel or Hill St. 

If you have any questions about the Curator Talk or any programming, please contact the friendly Gallery staff.

gallery@tamworth.nsw.gov.au

Ph: 6767 5230