Hunter Medical Research Institute Art Series Exhibition

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Regional Transport and Roads)—I recently attended the opening night of the Hunter Medical Research Institute art series exhibition. At this, now annual event, I was amazed at the variety of mediums and entries, showcasing the multitude of talented artists from Maitland and across the Hunter Valley. This year, the HMRI Art Series Exhibition was able to raise $72,000 through an art auction and donations across two events. These funds go to supporting HMRI's mission of transforming community health and wellbeing. Over 50 local artists participated, including Artist in Residence Tyler Dan, whose piece 'The Tyranny of Sensitivity' was itself inspired by the research of the HMRI's Professor Zsolt Balogh. A big thank you to the event sponsors: Frank and Jan Bynon of HIC Services, Markey, Entire Concrete, HMRI Foundation member Vicki Woods and the Brenda Clouten Memorial Scholarship. All the works were outstanding, however one piece that in particular caught my eye was the pastel by HMRI academic Julie Byles, 'Still Life with Australian Pottery and wildflowers'. Congratulations to all the artists and HMRI on another successful Art Series exhibition.