An exciting new exhibition featuring artwork from Therese Gabriel Wilkins' collection will be made publicly available at the Windows on the Wetlands Centre from 4th November until 9th December 2022.

'Nights Watch Parliament – Bringing Birds of the Night into the Light' is a multisensory exhibition taking you into the world of the Powerful, Grass, Masked, Sooty and Barking Owls, all of which are threatened.

The Barking Owl is the Icon of the Pilliga Forest near Baradine, NSW, and will be a focal piece of the exhibition.

Through immersing yourself in the drawings, paintings, mixed media, prints, panels, sculptures and soundtracks, the exhibition is intended to raise awareness for the species.

"All of these wonderful raptors are threatened," said artist Therese Wilkins. "This exhibition through art focusses on raising awareness for them and their plight," she said. 

Therese is a travelling artist whose most recent works capture images of birds and the land through the Central Coast and Outback Queensland. Her Nights Watch Parliament exhibition has already been to the Pilliga and the Warrumbungles among other places across Australia, immersing viewers in the world of Australia's native owls.

"As an artist I am filled with excitement and anticipation as the process journey takes place, from the initial drawing to creating a plate, inking it and then the joy of seeing the image emerge," said Therese.

"I'm not a botanical artist though, it's all about the character and the identity of the owl."

Her genuine love for art and for the threatened Owl species means Therese is excitedly anticipating her trip out to Warren.

"I'm really hoping that while I'm in Warren I'll be able to go out into the wetlands to get some photos, but not only that, it will be great opportunity to just refresh," she said.

Windows on the Wetlands Centre, Warren

Shona Whitfield from the Windows on the Wetlands Centre said she is thrilled to welcome Therese and her unique exhibition to the community of Warren.

"We hold exhibitions all the time and it is always so great to see the interest that comes from tourists and within our community here at Warren," she said.

"As a community-run education, recreation and cultural center we host a lot of tours, workshops, exhibitions and community events for visitors to help them discover the Tiger Bay Wetlands and the Macquarie Marshes," said Shona.

"We look forward to welcoming Therese's exhibition here soon."

Therese will be engaging with locals throughout the week, running workshops for school aged children and giving a talk at 10am on Saturday 5 November on site for anyone wishing to find out more about the threatened Owl species.

Opening Night is scheduled for 4 November 2022 from 6-7.30pm and RSVP's are required.

"I look forward to seeing you there to view the art and learn all about these wonderful creatures of the night," said Therese. 

Please contact the Nights Watch Parliament ExhibitionWindow on the Wetlands Centre to attend the Opening Night.

Therese's exhibition is supported by the Country Arts Support Program which aims to assist community arts and cultural development in regional NSW through small grants. The exhibition will be delivered by Outback Arts and funded by Create NSW.