National Works on Paper is one of the most prestigious art prize exhibitions in Australia. The exhibition showcases recent works by some of Australia’s avant guard artists working in the field of drawing, print making and digital media. National Works on Paper provides everybody in Melbourne unbridled access to some incredibly diverse creative pieces usually associated with large National Galleries but in a more relaxed environment that is easy to get to – parking is a breeze and the new Peninsula Link can get you to Mornington from downtown Melbourne in less than 50 minutes. In an era where sport and physical health is top of mind do your right brain a favour and take it for some exercise at the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery and whilst your at it take your partner, children, nan or next door neighbour. You will not be disappointed. We’re on our third visit already.

Running simultaneously at the MPRG is singer songwriter Paul Kelly and the Portraits Exhibition. The portraits are selected from a wide range of artists and leading music photographers and provide insights into the complexities of his persona. The exhibition features two paintings, 17 photographs, one lithograph and four short films that explore the relationship and connection between Paul Kelly, Don Bradman, Archie Roach and Vincent Lingiari. We all relate certain songs to certain times in our lives and for fans of Paul Kelly – like ourselves – it’s amazing how the visual content of this exhibition manages to do the same. Powerful and a must see for all Paul Kelly fans, just make sure to play the best of on your way to the MPRG to get you started.

For those on or off the Pen who have not had the pleasure of experiencing the Mornington Peninsula  Regional Gallery (MPRG)  perhaps this is a good time to acquaint yourselves with a gallery that goes out of it’s way to embrace traditional and contemporary art and has grown to become one of Australia’s leading regional galleries. The Gallery is the region’s major cultural facility – and you all know how much we cherish culture at LTP – and is supported by the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and other partners but the most important supporter could be you. Do yourself a favour, get our of the house and into the MPRG and only then you can realise how lucky we are to have such a facility on the Pen.