The Lightning Ridge Tourist Association Official Website

Title Image, Lightning Ridge Black Opal Country

Artists & Galleries

The incredible changing light and intriguing lifestyle that sets the scene of Lightning Ridge and it’s mysterious mine fields, surrounding scrub land and isolated ridges has led to many artists travelling to and through the area searching for inspiration. Some of these artists have been so taken with the subject matter that they stay and create for many years after.

The listings below provide a brief outline of just some of the places that you can visit to view and purchase Lightning Ridge inspired work of many varying media and individual styles.

Bird of Paradise Art Gallery
Local artist, Paul Bird, established the Bird of Paradise Art Gallery in 1977. Paul enjoys the challenge of painting the unique Lightning Ridge landscape, reflecting the beautiful colours of opal Built by Paul, his large gallery/studio is situated on the deep 3-mile opal field, where visitors cannot only view paintings, but also fossick for opal on the nearby diggings.
Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm daily
Features: Artworks, mining information, fossicking
Location: Deep 3-mile opal field 3kms from P.O.
Contact: 02 6829 538 or pbirdart@hotmail.com

Bush Studio
Take the time to visit the home based studio of long time bush artist Valerie Van Emryk. Val’s work is predominantly oil on canvas landscape painting but Val also showcases other arts and crafts such as her beautiful oil on gum leaf miniature landscapes. You are sure to enjoy your tour of this versatile home studio.

Chambers of The Black Hand You'll be amazed... The Egyptian chamber has humorous hieroglyphics and is a replica of an Egyptian tomb. Atlas holds the world while Adam supports the roof of the entrance to the working mine - another feature of the tour. The Last Supper which took six months to complete and the pondering Nostradamus, which took five hours to carve, are depicted in magnificent detail and is testimony to the razor sharp skill and patience of Ron. Carved on the wall of an opal cave, these captivating images have been created by local opal miner Ron Canlin. Ron has transformed a number of drives (tunnels) of an old opal mine into an interactive work of art. Countless carvings are set in sandstone on the walls. [Source www.outbacknow.com.au] Tour times: 9am, 10.30am, 1.30pm and 3pm 7 days a week
Contact: chambersoftheblackhand@bigpond.com 02 6829 4730 or 02 6829 0221

Garrawal Aboriginal Artifacts Shop
A fine collection of aboriginal art showcasing many works by local artists living in the region. Various other aboriginal artifacts also for sale.
Opening Hours: 8:30am - 5:00pm (Mon - Fri)
Features: Aboriginal art, paintings, pottery, furniture and carved emu eggs.
Location: 29 Nobby Rd, Lightning Ridge
Contact: 02 6829 2208 or lrcdep1@bigpond.net.au

Graeme Anderson's Gemopal Pottery
Opening Hours: By appointment only
Features: This mad hatter likes experimenting with local clays and materials and the results are truly fantastic.
Location: Cnr of Potch and Pandora Sts (on the Bore Baths road next to the Goondee.)
Contact: 02 6829 0375 or 65207andon@ceinternet.com.au
http://www.members.ceinternet.com.au/gemopaladsl

John Murray's Art Gallery
You will be intrigued at the talent of local John Murray. His unique sense of humor and outback palette combines beautifully into some stunning and colourful masterpieces.
Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm (Mon-Fri) 9am - 1pm (Sat-Sun)
Features: Original Artwork by John Murray
Location: Opal Street, Lightning Ridge
Contact: 02 6829 1130 or info@johnmurrayart.com.au
www.johnmurrayart.com.au

Lightning Ridge Arts and Crafts Association
Displaying and selling a wide range of locally-made arts and crafts.
Opening Hours: (volunteer hours) 10am - 2pm 7 days
Features: Local Art, Craft and Pottery - exhibition of local art
Location: Pandora Street, Lightning Ridge (on the road to the Bore Baths)
Contact: 040 929 1297

Mike Braden Art Gallery
Award winning painter Mike Braden presents a selection of oil paintings. Mike paints mainly on location (plein air) and also has a selection of larger studio paintings on canvas and Belgian linen.
Location: Nobby Rd Lightning Ridge
Contact: 0414 683 331 or realsign@hotmail.com
http://www.michaelbraden-art.com

ridgelightning.com
For some electrifying shots of lightning check out www.ridgelightning.com
Features: Framed and Unframed prints for sale as well as many spectacular photos of weather phenomenon.
Location: www.ridgelightning.com
Contact: 0409 675 622 or rgawthorpe@bigpond.com

Sweeney's Arts and Crafts
Located on the wild and wooly opal fields of Glengarry, Sweeney’s stock a wide range of crafts including, Jewelery - painting - knitting - sewing - glass art - home made jams, pickles etc. and a delightful range of greeting cards. Also available, we have OPALS. Direct from the miners to you.

Open Sat and Sun 10am to 3pm, Wed 9.30am to 1pm. Everyday during school holidays and on public holidays. Or for a special viewing call Marian 0429 854 750, Greg 0428 293 805 or Lesley 0429 660 626.

For any further information, please contact the Lightning Ridge Visitor Information Centre on 02 6829 1670