Exhibitions to celebrate and explore Wagga’s history

Wagga Wagga Potters Club: The first fifty yearsOn exhibition: 31 August to 20 October

Scott Howie: Claimant
On exhibition: 31 August to 3 November (further event details below)

Wagga Wagga Art Society 70th Anniversary
On exhibition: 7 September to 20 October
Launch: 6 September, 6pm to 8pm

The rich history of arts and culture in our community will be celebrated and explored across three unique exhibitions at Wagga Wagga Art Gallery.

The Wagga Wagga Art Society will mark its 70th anniversary and the Wagga Wagga Potters Club will chalk up 50 years with upcoming exhibitions.

Meanwhile, Wagga Wagga’s history will be in the spotlight in an interactive look at the tale of Tom Castro.

In the Claimant, opening Saturday 31 August, artist Scott Howie explores Castro’s life through performances, a panel discussion and more.

In 1845 a newspaper advertisement seeking news of Roger Tichborne prompted now infamous Wagga Wagga butcher Thomas Castro to wildly claim to be the long-lost heir to the Tichborne fortune.

Castro’s story ended in a bitter contest for the estate, a historic perjury trial, prison and a pauper's grave.

Meanwhile, Wagga Wagga Potters Club: The first fifty years is on exhibition from now until 20 October.

Since 1969, the club continues to enrich the lives of its members and the public by providing the opportunity to learn a range of ceramic techniques in a welcoming environment.

The anniversary exhibition celebrates this significant milestone by including members’ ceramic works from the past 50 years, traversing a range of studio practices and styles.

Stretching back further into local history, the Wagga Wagga Art Society will mark its 70th year with an exhibition paying tribute to past members, presidents, artists and tutors who contributed to the growth and success of the society and their role in the development of the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery.

In December 1949 a group of enthusiasts with a deep appreciation of the arts met at the home of Mrs Joyce Jenkins to discuss the formation of a society. This was the founding moment of the Wagga Wagga Art Society. 70 years later - the society continues to support arts practice in the region and champion regional arts practice in the Wagga district.

The 70th anniversary will be launched on Friday 6 September and will be on exhibition from 7 September to 20 October.

To find out more, visit waggaartgallery.com.au.

Images from each exhibition available on request

Scott Howie: Claimant

Associated programs

• Panel discussion: Claimant
  When: Thursday 12 September, 5pm (5.30pm start), Wagga Wagga Art Gallery
• Performance: Confession
  When: Saturday 12 October, 11am, Wagga Wagga Art Gallery
• Performance: Tom’s Requiem
  When: Saturday 26 October, 10am to 2pm, Wagga Wagga Art Gallery

Panel discussion and performances are free but RSVP is appreciated - (02) 6926 9660 or gallery@wagga.nsw.gov.au.