Follow Alan D. Baker’s story of life, love and light at the Alan Baker Art Gallery’s newest exhibition.

Within the historic walls of Macaria, Life, Love and Light reflects on Baker as he begins his artistic training at the illustrious J.S. Watkins Art School. When you come to see the exhibition, you’ll be able to follow Baker to Papua New Guinea as he unearths beauty in the tropical banana plants, continuing his artistic passion through the chaos of the Second World War.

Be transported back to his return from war, when he reunites with the love of his life, Marjorie. See their marriage and family life through Baker's vibrant portraits. Experience the beauty of the local region's landscapes through Baker's trained eye, and appreciate the light that Baker found after surviving personal tragedy through his bright still life works.

Mayor of Camden, Cr Therese Fedeli, said the exhibition, which is open from now until October, was unmissable.

“It’s such a touching tribute to the Gallery’s namesake and it really does promise a moving experience for visitors,” Cr Fedeli said.

“The Camden area is so rich with history, heritage and beauty and I love any opportunity we have to celebrate that. This exhibition is a great way to really honour part of that history while also learning something new.”

There’s lots more happening at the Alan Baker Art Gallery, with the newly launched second term of their Public Art Program. The perfect way for residents to meet like-minded people, learn new skills, and receive valuable insights from local artists and art teachers, this term’s program includes:

• Drawing Skills, where participants will develop the drawing skills required to improve all areas of their artistic practice, including tone, perspective and technique, will run every Thursday, from 28 April to 30 June, 10am-noon;

• Watercolour Fridays, where participants will be guided through foundational watercolour painting techniques and skills, will run every Friday, from 29 April to 1 July, 10am-noon;

• Life Drawing, where participants aged 18 years and over will have the opportunity to study the traditional art of drawing the nude figure, will run on the third Thursday of the month, 7-9.30pm; and

• Heritage Drawing, which calls history buffs and aspiring artists alike to learn techniques of architectural drawing while observing Camden’s heritage buildings, will run sporadically.

For more information on the Life, Love and Light exhibition, or the Public Art Program, visit https://www.camden.nsw.gov.au/community/alan-baker-art-gallery-at-macaria/