Fifty-five artists will showcase the Hawkesbury’s creative talent when the region’s annual exhibition and art fair opens at Hawkesbury Regional Gallery this month.
Hawkesbury Now 2026 runs from Saturday, October 24, until Sunday, December 6, bringing together emerging, mid-career and established artists working across traditional and contemporary art forms.
This year’s exhibition follows a broader expression-of-interest process designed to welcome independent artists alongside members of local art societies.
The six-week call attracted more than 130 artwork submissions, with 55 artists selected to exhibit.
For visitors, the exhibition offers a chance to discover the breadth of artistic practice in the Hawkesbury and perhaps take a piece of it home.
All exhibited artworks will be available for purchase, giving buyers an opportunity to support local artists directly while finding an original work for their home or a gift.
For participating artists, the exhibition provides opportunities to reach new audiences, sell their work and develop their professional practice.
The program begins with a free opening night on Friday, October 23, from 6pm to 8pm, with light refreshments provided. Bookings can be made through the opening-night Eventbrite page.
Visitors can hear more about the work during free artist talks on Saturday, November 7, from 11am to 12.30pm, with morning refreshments provided.
An Artist Techniques Workshop will follow on Saturday, November 21, from 11am to 2pm.
Throughout the exhibition, a Maker Space will offer free drop-in creative activities for all ages. It will also serve as a designated Quiet Space between noon and 2pm on weekdays when the gallery is open.
Gallery admission is free. Opening hours are 10am to 4pm on Mondays and Wednesdays to Fridays, and 10am to 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays. The gallery is closed on Tuesdays.
