Close up of a Fern captured near Cradle Mountain Hotel

CRADLE MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS GALLERY

The Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery is bursting with artwork produced by Tasmanian artists and those from further afield. It is dedicated to celebrating and showcasing artists, the wilderness around Cradle Mountain and the stories of Tasmania.

The Gallery has recently been transformed into a series of experiences for the visitor that include Tasmanian art, installations, film and information.

THE FOYER

ART MAGIC; The Climbing Tree

This is the second time this major installation has been seen by the public. It was first installed at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery in 2014 after more than 300 people working alongside the international artist, Hiromi Tango, Tasmanian artist, Ralf Haertel and Interweave Arts.

Hiromi teaches techniques in wrapping textiles, found objects and memorabilia to produce intricately wound sculptures that are combined to create large scale colourful and organic installations. Look closely and you can see animals, people and there are stories and poems.

Each branch represents a river; North Esk, South Esk and the Tamar River, with an additional fourth branch included to represent the Forth River.

The Tree of Knowledge

This beautiful installation is by Ritchie Ares Donna, an artist based on the North West of Tasmania. Since 2004, Ritchie’s main artwork is folding books, however he has also created exquisite public installations from recycled materials that have been part of major festivals. He cuts books to pattern the desired shapes and takes small objects to make larger installations.  This sculpture was originally commissioned for the Lilydale Primary School through Interweave Arts and rests perfectly against the backdrop of the Tasmanian bush.

The Tiger Room

The last known Thylacine, or Tasmanian Tiger, was reported to be seen more than 75 years ago. Since then there have been many reported sightings of this almost mythical mammal. A marsupial with a pouch that faced downwards, the Thylacine was falsely seen as a risk to livestock and human and a bounty was placed on its head. This quickly saw the decline of the population until in 1936 Benjamin, the last known Thylacine died in the Beaumaris Zoo in Hobart.

The Tiger Room provides visitors with some insight into the life and death of the Thylacine through an artist’s eye. This immersive experience includes the original artworks, film and displays produced by Tasmanian artists, and is a reminder of the impact of ignorance and neglect by humankind.

GALLERY ONE

The internationally acclaimed work of Peter Dombrovskis is presented in this gallery.  Before digital cameras, computers and the internet, Peter and many other adventurous photographers spent weeks and months in the remote Tasmanian wilderness, with only a few rolls of film or plates; waiting patiently for that perfect moment.

This gallery is dedicated to Dombrovskis, Olegas Truchannas and other wilderness photographers both within and outside of Tasmania. View the photographs and watch the film Wildness by Scott Millwood that tells the story of the photographers and the environment they loved. The film is played in the Movie Room.

GALLERY TWO and THREE

These galleries are part of the annual exhibition program and change throughout the year. Information is provided in each gallery on the exhibitions.

GALLERY FOUR

With wall murals of Tasmanian animals by well-known cartoonist, Jon Kudelka and a cosy Devil’s Den this is a place for children to read, explore, relax and spend quality time.

This room is dedicated to the younger audiences who come to the gallery, although we think it appeals to all ages.

In this room Tasmanian artists, Sara and Dan Kershaw have constructed their version of a Devil’s Den; cosy, inviting, friendly, creative and relaxing. Crawl through this original handmade sculpture to see the colour and patterns created through textiles and paint.

Can you identify the iconic Tasmanian plants and flowers?

Can you name all the animals?

Read a book, play with puzzles and explore this room that offers a perfect place for children.

GALLERY FIVE

We call this The Dark Room and it’s a trip back in time to the museums of old, with furs, feathers and bones. View the beautiful Reclining Hare by Tasmanian sculpture, Wendy Edwards and the extraordinary Flying Swan by Sheffield based artist, Shasa Bolton.

This room is full of art including the ethereal photograph of a Cattle Egret preening by Raoul Slater, Black Currawong by Dave Broos and the exquisite and delicious Botanical prints by Deborah Wace.

Tasmanian birds have been brought to life by award winning taxidermist, Tom Sloane, who has brought bird, bean and bones to the exhibition.

Feel the pelts of Tasmanian animals

Identify the native Tasmanian birds and skeletons

View the cameras of old and minerals from the region

Make the Swan Fly, Smell the Huon Pine, View minerals and read about the bizarre, the beautiful and the tragic.

THE MOVIE ROOM

Take time out of your day, sit back and watch Wildness; the film by Tasmanian film maker Scott Millwood, that tells the story of Peter Dombrovskis, Olegas Truchanas and the battle to save the Franklin River.

GALLERY SIX, SEVEN AND EIGHT

These galleries are part of the annual exhibition program and change throughout the year. Information about the artist and artwork is provided in each gallery or details are available at the Gallery counter.

 

THE DRAWING ROOM

This is a creative space for workshops, drawing or taking some time out.

 

GALLERY GARDEN

View the wonderful ceramic works by Tasmanian sculpture, Wendy Edwards.  Hidden within the garden are intricately made sculptures of wildlife. Can you find them all?

For more information about any of the exhibitions, artist in residency program, workshops or private tours please ask at the Gallery counter or contact the Gallery on (+61) 03 6492 1404 

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The Wilderness Gallery and shop is open free to the public seven days a week from 9am – 5pm and is located next to the Cradle Mountain Hotel. All day dining is available at Cradle Mountain Hotel.

Opportunities for Artists and Makers

If you are interested in:

  • Exhibiting your work
  • Undertaking a Residency
  • Selling your product in the shop or
  • Running a Workshop

Please contact the Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery: wildernessgallery@cradlemountainhotel.com.au