It closes on 3 July, so if you haven’t seen it yet, be sure not to miss out.

To coincide with the exhibition, the gallery presented a series of workshops for primary schools, with around 600 students from 13 schools attending during May and June.  

Each workshop involved discussion and a close look at the various ways in which artists have approached the theme of dogs in Australian art.

The exhibition is rich and varied and provided a wonderful platform on which to explore the different ways in which artists have represented their canine companions.  

It’s always refreshing when children visit the gallery and bring their unique perspectives and insights to the exhibition.  

Having access to original works of art in the gallery context is vital if the next generation are to have an appreciation for art and develop their visual literacy skills.

There are vast differences between seeing reproductions on LCD screens and experiencing the real thing. 

It’s surprising the number of students who said they had never been into an art gallery before. As Picasso famously said: “every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.”

During the workshops, many students recognised and commented on the how the scale, surface textures, colours and physical relationship to artworks would all be lost or distorted in digital space. 

They were given time to freely explore the exhibition and make their own connections before making drawings in response to the exhibition.

One of the practical benefits of our new gallery flooring is that it allows for the creation of drawings in the gallery spaces so that children can express themselves while inspired by the works of great Australian artists.

It was great fun to see children so absorbed in art making and also to see a few teachers drawing, too. 

Special thanks go to the Friends of Orange Regional Gallery (FORG) for their assistance in presenting the sessions and for sharing their personal insights.

The gallery is open every day from 9am to 5pm and entry to exhibitions is free. For more information call 6393 8136 or visit www.org.nsw.gov.au