Prized portraits on show

By Kath Gannaway
THE Archibald Portrait Prize exhibition is coming to the Yarra Valley.
TarraWarra Museum of Art (TWMA) in Healesville has announced it will be the exclusive Victorian host of the Art Gallery of NSW’s 2011 Archibald Prize touring exhibition in July.
Securing the Archibalds is another major coup for the museum, following the success of the Brett Whiteley exhibition over summer.
TWMA board chairman Marc Besen AO said the board was delighted to be participating in the tour of the 91st presentation of the prize.
“We believe that holding the exhibition within Victoria’s renowned Yarra Valley winery region will provide a great opportunity for art lovers to view the Archibald Portrait Prize in one of Australia’s most beautiful contemporary galleries,” Mr Besen said.
TWMA’s inaugural director Ms Maudie Palmer AO said the Archibald exhibition was a significant event on the Australian art calender and one which would draw visitors to the Yarra Valley.
“Everyone knows of it and everyone has an opinion on the winning painting,” she said.
Advance bookings can be made online though TWMA’s website.TarraWarra Museum of Art is at 311 Healesville-Yarra Glen Road, Healesville.