It aims to bring prominent people to Orange to present a talk on current issues relating to the arts.

The inaugural oration in 2015 was presented by Edmund Capon, a long-time director of the Art Gallery of New South Wales who sadly passed away this year.

Subsequent speakers have included Jane Rutter, John Bell and Julie McCrossin.

The 2019 Alan Sisley Annual Oration will be presented by artist Wendy Sharpe, one of Australia's most celebrated painters.

In her talk - 'From Burlesque to Antarctica' - Mrs Sharpe will discuss her extraordinarily varied career and her experience as a contemporary painter, from her work as an official war artist to paintings of drag queens and burlesque performers.

She has painted in places as diverse as Antarctica, Iran, Syria and Mexico. She has also worked in partnership with the Australian Ballet and Opera, Circus Oz and much more.

Mrs Sharpe exhibits nationally and internationally, lives in Sydney and Paris and is also an Ambassador for the Asylum Seeker Centre Sydney. She is represented by King Street Gallery in Sydney.

'From Burlesque to Antarctica' will be held at Orange Regional Conservatorium on Tuesday, May 28 at 7pm. The cost is $45 for FORG members and $50 for non-members, with light refreshments.

Bookings can be made at www.org.nsw.gov.au/friends or at Orange Regional Gallery reception.

The Friends of the Orange Regional Gallery is an incorporated association whose aim is to assist Orange Regional Gallery in the promotion and fostering of art appreciation within the community of Orange and its district.

Visit https://org.nsw.gov.au for more details.