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Media Release – 18 August 2011

The National Gallery of Australia’s major exhibition Fred Williams: Infinite Horizons. is a must-see for any family visit to Canberra this spring.

Showcasing the works of one of Australia’s greatest artists, Fred Williams, this is the first retrospective of Williams’ work in over 25 years. Great for families, the exhibition is on throughout the spring school holidays and also coincides with Canberra’s famed spring festival, Floriade, which is located just a short drive away from the Gallery in Commonwealth Park.

Families can marvel at the highly original way that Williams saw the Australian landscape and be inspired by major oil paintings and luminous gouaches. The exhibition will showcase Williams’ works inspired by the Pilbara in Western Australia to Weipa in North Queensland, along with his iconic seascapes and portraiture.

For visiting families, The Studio: The Yulgilbar Foundation Education Activity Room, located within the exhibition, provides the resources to enhance visitors’ experience of the exhibition. Visitors can immerse themselves in Fred Williams’ studio space, learn about his painting techniques and sit and draw the landscape. Mum or Dad can sit with the kids while the other tours the exhibition – they’ll love to leave their hand drawn masterpieces on a peg in The Studio for all to see or, or send it to a friend as a postcard after their visit.

The whole family can also take a guided tour of the exhibition, available 11am and 2pm daily. For children aged eight to twelve, a special workshop will also be held with artist Teffany Thiedeman on Thursday 13 October – kids will love to tilt and turn their paper for a fresh perspective while mixing colours of sky and land.

For an experience combining art and music, visit the Gallery on 22 October for Infinite horizons: the musical landscapes of Peter Sculthorpe. This pre-eminent Australian composer celebrates the art of Fred Williams by presenting a performance of selected string compositions.

And if your family is keen on beating the crowds, visit on a special Premium Sunday on either 18 September or 6 November when you can enjoy a morning viewing of Fred Williams before the Gallery opens to the public. Enjoy an informative tour with the exhibition curator, Dr Deborah Hart, as well as voluntary guides. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax, view the exhibition and gain insight into the many striking artworks on display.

For a range of family accommodation options in Canberra this spring go to: www.visitcanberra.com.au

Fred Williams: Infinite Horizons is now showing at the National Gallery of Australia and will continue until 6 November. Tickets: $15 for adults, $10 for concession/members. Children under 16 years are free. Open daily 10am to 5pm. . For more information and to purchase tickets online go to http://www.nga.gov.au/williams