Australian celebrities to take centre stage at the Newcastle Art Gallery’s Masterpieces, Mad Men & Martinis Night

Dress up in a sharp suit or fabulous frock and sip martinis with Kamahl as he talks about his favourite works of art from the Newcastle Art Gallery’s Australian Modern Masterpieces exhibition. Playing MC for the night is comedian Steve Abbott (aka The Sandman), while Swing band Ultra Swing Lounge will provide their own interpretation of this retro-modern era.

Taking its cue from the hit television series Mad Men, the Newcastle Art Gallery will serve martinis and 1960’s style canapés prepared by Silo Restaurant and Lounge while guests are treated to guided tours of the iconic Australian works of art amidst the rhythms of the local jazz trio.

Ron Ramsey, Newcastle Art Gallery Director said:

“The modern era was fun and frivolous. It captured the feeling that Australia was on the verge of something new and original, no longer held back by its colonial past. We have tried to capture this feeling with this event, with a fun and eclectic line-up of much loved Australian figures, giving their insights into this very important exhibition.”

Kamahl’s music has crossed three generations and has recently experienced a renaissance with the younger Australians after performing recently at The Big Day Out festival across Australia.

Novocastrian comedian Steve Abbott better known as the much loved Sandman is thrilled to pair up with Kamahl:

“Good music, great food, martinis and Kamahl… it is going to be a very fun night.”

Included in the Australian Modern Masterpiece exhibition are works by Grace Cossington Smith, William Dobell, Russell Drysdale, James Gleeson, Sidney Nolan, Margaret Olley, John Olsen, Brett Whiteley, and Fred Williams.

Masterpieces, Mad Men & Martinis
6pm 3 February 2012
Tickets $45, available at the Gallery

A Newcastle Art Gallery and Silo Restaurant and Lounge partnership

AUSTRALIAN MODERN MASTERPIECES from the Art Gallery of New South Wales is on until 4 March