Drought and The big wrap will be opened on Friday 18 August at 6.30pm by artist Gabriella Hegyes, teacher in Art and Design, Western Institute of TAFE, Orange Campus.

DROUGHT is a touring exhibition by artists from the Canowindra Art Network, which explores the environmental, economic and social impact of drought in regional Australia. The exhibition is made possible with funding from the NSW Department of State and Regional Development.

Exhibiting Artists from the Canowindra Art Network have brought a variety of environmental elements and/or concerns to their work, drawing on a range of sub-themes including the history of drought, water management, river systems, animal and plant survival, as well as the challenges of living with drought daily on a local and national level.

The artworks challenge the viewers' perceptions and misconceptions that may attribute to land management and our future.

Exhibiting artists include Canowindra's David Isbester, Melissa Ellero, Heather Vallance and Mary Douglas.

THE BIG WRAP: Nine artists from Canberra and the region have come together to create mixed-media works that explore the notion of the wrap and wrapping as a metaphor.

The artists work in wide variety of traditional and contemporary interpretations including binding, dyeing, gilding, knitting, basketry, and tapestry weaving and are extensively inspired by travel, the experiences of other cultures.

Regional food from Cowra Smoke House and wine from ROSNAY and Hamilton's Bluff will be served at the opening and admission is $5.00.

Call the Cowra Regional Art Gallery on 6340 2190 for more information.Gallery Hours are: Tuesday through Saturday 10am-4pm and Sunday 2-4pm. Open Mondays by appointment.