What is Packsaddle ?

Packsaddle is an annual art exhibition that has been raising funds for the New England Regional Art Museum in Armidale, NSW since 1985.

The first exhibitions were held in the sitting-room at Packsaddle, the Armidale home of Beverley and Owen Wright, hence our name. 

The idea for an annual exhibition came from a small group of women artists, notably June Atherton, Pat Elkin, Benoni Pearson and Beverley Wright, who had run a commercial gallery in Armidale selling their own work and works by major artists from further afield. After a couple of years with successful openings, they had to admit that Armidale could not support a full-time commercial gallery. They decided instead to use the many contacts they had made in an annual fundraiser to support the newly erected NERAM.

The sell-out exhibitions at Packsaddle soon outgrew that space. Next the Council Chambers were used – with the caveat that no marks could be made on the walls. Paintings were stacked on the floor and hung on temporary screens. 

Pat Elkin recalls, “It looked more like a disposal sale than anything, but the paintings were first-rate and we sold well”. 

The director of NERAM Joe Eisenberg, offered space there and first one gallery then two were devoted to the ever-expanding exhibition. Since the early 90s Packsaddle has opened with a Friday night party and the exhibition runs for two weeks. During this time hundreds of people browse and buy.  Packsaddle has raised well in excess of half a million dollars over the years from artists and gallery commissions.  

Packsaddle currently has 7 members with founder, Pat Elkin, still active as Patron.  The committee members are: Shirley Cooke, Liz Fulloon, Glenda Kupczyk-Romanczuk, Moira Lloyd, Merran Pearson, Michelle Schouten, Sue Fisher and Alison Wright.