Macaria will soon open up to the public as an art gallery
Camden’s historic Macaria building is set to reopen as an art gallery on March 1 after extensive restoration works.
Macarthur
Don't miss out on the headlines from Macarthur. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Camden’s historic Macaria building is set to reopen as an art gallery on March 1 after extensive restoration works.
Macaria previously housed Camden Council’s reception area and the mayor’s office but it was decided to transform it into an art gallery after the council shifted its operations to Oran Park in 2016.
The $1 million project will be the new home for the works of renowned artist Alan Baker who lived in the Camden area from 1961 until his death in 1987.
Half the Baker works have been donated for use in the gallery by local art identities Max and Nola Tegel.
The other half has been donated by Baker’s son Gary and wife Melissa.
Mr Tegel said the upcoming opening was an exciting time and he was looking forward to sharing Alan Baker’s works with the wider community.
“Alan was a very important figure and had a big impact as both an artist and a teacher of art in Camden right up until he died,” Mr Tegel said.
“He had a big influence on my wife and I and over the years we picked up quite a collection of his works, so we’re very happy to be sharing it with the wider community.”
Mr Tegel said he couldn’t pick out a single item that the public should come and see. “They should come to see all of it, it’s very exciting,” he said.
The art gallery will contain 75 pieces of art in four rooms at Macaria.
The other sections of the 150 year old Macaria have been refurbished and are now home to Camden Healthcare Centre, that has relocated from its former Argyle St address to John St.