Patrons

Due to the generosity of the Gallery's patrons and benefactors, the permanent collection now features Australian artists such as Margaret Olley, Lloyd Rees, Albert Namatjira, Thea Proctor, Lindy Lee and Kevin Connor and well-known artists from the Northern Rivers region such as Jan Davis, Bronwyn Bancroft, Angus McDonald, James Guppy, Melissa Hirsch, Robyn Sweaney, Michael John Taylor, Patsy Hely and Tony Nankervis. The Gallery holds a unique collection of photographs giving prominence to the 1973 Nimbin Aquarius Festival, perhaps the most famous of the region's many local celebrations.

John and Shirley Stretch have been vital supporters of Lismore Regional Gallery since its earliest days. Shirley is the daughter of Lismore Mayor, Ray Granger, who was inaugural Chair of the Lismore Arts Trust in 1953. This group formed to set up the gallery, which was established in our old premises in 1954. John Stretch was subsequently Chair of the Trust for 13 years. John passed away in November 2015.

Lismore based artist, Digby Moran, was born in Ballina and raised on Cabbage Tree Island. His father was Dungutti and his mother Bundjalung. He is a highly respected member of the Lismore Ballina community. Moran started painting late in his career. He worked in agriculture and even as a boxer before he turned his hand to painting. In 1991 he undertook an art course through TAFE which launched his career as an artist. Moran has exhibited extensively in Australia, and overseas, including a number of solo exhibitions in Germany and Austria. (source: Arts Northern Rivers – Visual Arts Network)

Until her death in 2011, Lismore born artist Margaret Olley was patron of the Gallery, and a major supporter to get a new Gallery built for Lismore.