Friends of NERAM

21/03/2026

What a great weekend we had in the beautiful garden at “Auchinlea”. A great attraction in its own right, the garden hosted a wide range of artists who exhibited watercolours, oils, pastels, pottery, mosaics, wire, marble and silver. Two artists in residence worked live, a popular attraction, as well as our own author selling and autographing his latest book.
Thanks to the team of over 20 members who set up and ran the weekend.
It was great to see so many people enjoying the event, including many young families.

18/02/2026

SAVE THE DATE! Art In The Garden is back - wander a beautiful garden and enjoy Sculpture, Water and Oil Artworks, Pottery, Silversmith and Plants, an Autumn Harvest Stall as well as Baubles & Bangles. There's a raffle and refreshments.
Look for Friends signage or enter "28 Tanglewood Road, Armidale" in your GPS.

04/11/2025

A very significant event!

https://www.neram.com.au/event/book-launch-a-portrait-of-howard-hinton/?fbclid=IwY2xjawN2PD9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFydmZlazdBTnpTMkFvdEh4AR7nA8HOv-G-Yye-fWus2HjS2qJBNSLcB3aT_rODM8mdSSTQ33Dea5i5nXd14Q_aem_tnoLjPE8Vxpj3aQ5t_oM7Q

Book Launch: A Portrait of Howard Hinton

21/10/2025

Explore the creative heart of New England on this self-guided Artisan Trail presented by the Friends of NERAM. Over one weekend, six professional artists will open their studios to visitors, sharing insights into their artistic process and showcasing their latest work.

Book at https://www.trybooking.com/DGOTR

02/04/2025

The Friends 2024-5 Annual General Meeting was well attended by 30+ members on Sunday. Reports may be read here: https://www.neram.com.au/support/join-neram/ .
Thanks to retiring Treasurer, Stephen, and welcome Adam to the role. All other office bearers and committee were returned.
Two worthies, Merran and Glenda, were awarded Oarsman for their service to FoN and NERAM as well as Packsaddle.

02/04/2025

Despite weather at the mostly damp end of the scale, The Friends' En Plein Air Weekend School achieved great things! Isabel Devos expertly guided her students through in-studio theory, practical work overlooking Black Gully and the challenge of a field trip at the dramatic Gara Gorge.
En Plein Air will return for another School in the Spring!
Huge thanks to the fabulous sponsors - Fabriano.
Thanks also to NERAM, Six Counties Cafe and Gallery 126.

02/04/2025

Following the success of the first At Home & In 2 Studios, The Friends' Fundraising Committee welcomed art and music lovers for an encore at the home of Edward and Heather Cowie.

Heather began exhibiting in 1987 whilst working as an exploration geologist in outback Australia. This study of the Earth has been a major influence on her visual inspiration and language. After studying a Master of Creative Art she and Edward travelled Europe for twenty-eight years of landscape discovery and exploring creative challenges.

Edward is a world renowned composer, visual artist, natural scientist, film maker (TV) and broadcaster. Described as ‘the greatest living composer directly inspired by the natural world’, he has also had more than 40 exhibitions of drawings and paintings worldwide. His reputation for communicating his deep love of nature earned him the accolade (in MusicWeb International), as ‘The David Attenborough of the Creative Arts!’.

Edward and Heather have now made their home in Armidale where they believe the blend of a dynamic community and fabulous natural habitats offers them endless creative possibilities.

25/03/2025

The Friends AGM is this Sunday 30 March at 4.00pm at the Mazda Gallery NERAM. Please RSVP at

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18/03/2025

🎉✨Unleash your creativity at Gara Gorge: An "En Plein Air" Art Experience. Limited spots available, book now to avoid missing out! ✨🎉

Calling all art lovers, from beginners to seasoned artists! Step outside and immerse yourself in the breath-taking beauty of Gara Gorge for a transformative weekend art retreat.

Under the expert guidance of renowned artists Leah Bullen and Isabelle Devos, this weekend workshop offers a unique opportunity to:

🎨 Capture Nature's Beauty: Spend Saturday in the great outdoors, exploring techniques to capture the landscape’s essence on the spot.

🎨 Polish Your Masterpieces: On Sunday, take your sketches and ideas into the studio to refine and develop your work with expert feedback and support.

🎨 Share and Celebrate: Conclude the weekend by showcasing your creations in a group gathering, where you’ll be inspired by fellow artists and celebrate your progress.

This workshop is designed for artists of all skill levels - whether you’re just starting your artistic journey or looking to elevate your skills. Surrounded by nature’s wonders, you’ll gain new insights, techniques, and inspiration to fuel your artistic practice.

🌞When: Saturday 29th to Sunday 30th March
🌞Time: 8:30am – 5:00pm (Saturday), 8:30am – 1:00pm (Sunday)
🌞Cost: Full Price: $350; Friends of NERAM: $300.
Includes: Morning & afternoon refreshments, lunch on Saturday, and all art supplies.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable creative experience in the heart of nature. Sign up today and unleash your artistic potential!

Book your spot now: www.trybooking.com/CZIFA

bullen @isabelledevosart

13/03/2025

The Friends' Fundraising Committee welcomed art and music lovers to the home of Edward and Heather Cowie for an At Home and In (Two) Studios.

Heather began exhibiting in 1987 whilst working as an exploration geologist in outback Australia. This study of the Earth has been a major influence on her visual inspiration and language. After studying a Master of Creative Art she and Edward travelled Europe for twenty-eight years of landscape discovery and exploring creative challenges.

Edward is a world renowned composer, visual artist, natural scientist, film maker (TV) and broadcaster. Described as ‘the greatest living composer directly inspired by the natural world’, he has also had more than 40 exhibitions of drawings and paintings worldwide. His reputation for communicating his deep love of nature earned him the accolade (in MusicWeb International), as ‘The David Attenborough of the Creative Arts!’.

Edward and Heather have now made their home in Armidale where they believe the blend of a dynamic community and fabulous natural habitats offers them endless creative possibilities.

13/03/2025

Friends were thrilled to be invited to NERAM for a presentation of recently conserved artworks sponsored by the Friends, Packsaddle and private adopters. It was great to see the challenging Brett Whiteley' Head of Bacon conserved and sealed in perspex! The Friends look forward to sponsoring more needy artworks this year.

20/02/2025

You're invited to join the Friends of NERAM in a two day workshop En Plein Air, painting and drawing on location at Gara Gorge. Local artists Dr Leah Bullen and Isabelle Devos will guide small student groups for half day sessions painting with water colour and gouache and drawing with charcoal and graphite. Suitable for beginners and established artists, all materials and fabulous luncheon included in ticket price. Generously sponsored by Fabriano and Winsor & Newton.