Local artists to launch 2026 program

TWO artists from Nhill will exhibit their work at the first exhibition for the year at the Naracoorte Regional Art Gallery opening on January 16.

Gayle Newcombe, who lives about 40km from Nhill, and Naomi Zanker, who lives in town and has Studio 33 Fine Arts, headline the program.

Ms Newcombe has previously had very well received exhibitions in Naracoorte and this year will not disappoint with her Main Gallery show entitled “Nature in my h’ART”.

Well known for her animal pictures, which she describes as her main interest, she also does portraiture and still life.

Ms Newcombe has won back-to-back Casterton Kelpie art show awards and the wildlife sections of both Australian and Victorian Pastel Society competitions.

She began her art career in 2017 taking her hobby to a professional level.

Working in her studio, 100 metres from her home on a farming property, she finds the creation of art an exciting process.

Local artists will have the opportunity to learn pastel techniques in Gayle’s workshop called Soft Pastels at the Naracoorte Gallery on February 22.

This will be held in the Main Gallery with Gayle’s work on hand for inspiration.

Naomi Zanker’s art will feature in the Bainger Gallery and her exhibition is called ‘Trees are for the birds’.

Ms Zanker describes her work as ‘mostly an impressionistic take on realistic subjects’.

Largely self-taught, she began her art journey in 2003 and has won awards, held solo exhibitions, joined in lots of art shows and events and met many wonderful fellow artists.

“My purpose is always to paint what I love, to enjoy the process and to share it with friends,” Ms Zanker said.

The Naracoorte Gallery is very pleased to also host Gorgia Sealey in the New Talent Art Space.

Gorgia grew up in Casterton but now lives on a farm near Naracoorte and has spent about two years working on her show called ‘The Evolution of the Woman’.

Gorgia studied Visual Arts in Year 12 and then did a teaching degree.

She has been a classroom teacher and art teacher for the past eight years.

Her body of work began during a time when violence against women felt ever present in the media and her paintings became a way to celebrate women’s strength, resilience and evolution over time, drawing on powerful figures from history.

All three exhibitions will be opened on Friday, January 16, at 6pm.

All are welcome to enjoy the Gallery’s hospitality and celebrate the start of the 2026 art year in Naracoorte.

The exhibition runs until February 22.

Enquiries about the Pastel workshop via email [email protected] or phone 0478 609 868.