The Gerringong District and Historical Society (GDHS) is inviting people to catch the Remarkable exhibition at the Gerringong Library & Museum before it ends on 6 November.

Remarkable is a combination of a touring exhibition - illustrating stories of people and their relationship to boats - on loan from the Australian Maritime Museum in the foyer and local content on display in the gallery.

The local content includes paintings of Gerringong and Gerroa waterways by historical and contemporary artists, and a selection of photographs that record the industry and recreational use of Boat Harbour, Crooked River and the Lagoon.

“We have sourced historical photos by S J Cox from Kiama, original historical paintings from local family collections and we also have work from historical boat artist, John Downton, who is quite famous for accurately painting sailing ships,” GDHS Museum Development Officer, Sue Blanchfield says.

“We have a mixture of imagery connected to our waterways and it is a nice combination of the community contribution.”

The Gallery on the opening night

But Sue says the main stars of the show are the Nawi, a traditional bark canoe on loan from Bundanon Art Museum, and a replica model of the Cutty Sark on loan from the Gerringong RSL Sub-Branch. 

"Gerringong Elders, and cultural Ambassadors at Bundanon, Uncle Steve Russel and Aunty Phyllis Stewart were involved in the making of the Nawi, so in a sense, it has come home and we are honoured to house it for a while.

“It is the perfect opportunity to come and see these pieces. They really have a presence in amongst all these photographs and paintings of waterways,” Sue says.

The exhibition will be at Gerringong Library and Museum until 6 November.

Open from 10 am to 12 pm Tuesday to Thursday and 11 am to 3pm Friday and Saturday.