Behind the doors of private homes in the New England Region reside a variety of diverse and expansive private art collections.

These 'lounge room collectors' have differing interests and approaches in developing their collections.

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Some are motivated to collect to continue a family tradition, others for investment, or to provide ongoing support for practising artists. Some are driven purely by their love of art.

Collections may have a dedicated and specific area of focus, while others are eclectic and influenced by changing tastes and whims.

Each collection captures a unique view of our cultural heritage outside the strict collecting policies of public art institutions.    

NERAM's Lounge Room Collection Series explores the extraordinary, eclectic and sometimes surprising private collections of the New England Region.

This series begins with local collector Glenda Kupczyk-Romanczuk. The exhibition presents a selection of artworks from her collection focusing on her involvement with Packsaddle, a group of women who have organised exhibitions and fundraising for NERAM for over 30 years.

Glenda made her first Packsaddle art purchase in 1992, and attending and organising the annual Packsaddle Exhibition has inspired her exuberant collection.

“At my house the paintings are floor to ceiling,” Glenda said. “I still would not call myself a collector – I do not have a plan, and I cannot claim to have made many great investments, but the works that surround me at home give me enormous pleasure.”

NERAM direcotr Rchael Parsons said: “It is so interesting to see the variety and quality of the private collections that we have in New England.

“I have visited people’s homes for meetings or social events, and been amazed by the art hanging on the walls – everything from seminal Australian impressionists through to highly contemporary art, important indigenous works and even leading European artists. Each room you go to reveals new treasures, and it has been a privilege to see these collections.

“The idea for this series of exhibitions was developed directly from seeing the impressive array of artworks that are on display in dining and lounge rooms, kitchens and hallways. The local community clearly has a keen passion for art, and directly support artists through patronage.

“We invited Glenda to be our first ‘lounge room collector’ not only because her collection is wonderful, but because of how important Packsaddle has been in the expansion of her collection for the past 26 years.

“Packsaddle has had an immense influence on local collectors, providing an annual opportunity to see and purchase artwork from some of Australia’s leading contemporary artists. The impact of Packsaddle is evident on the walls of many homes in Armidale.“

Artists presented in the exhibition include Dorothy Napangardi, Adrian Lockhart, Amanda Penrose Hart, Luke Scibberas, Vanessa Ashcroft, Euan Macleod, and Tokisho Oiyamato.

The exhibition Lounge Room Collector: Glenda Kupczyk-Romanczuk will be on display at the New England Regional Art Museum in Armidale from Friday, October 12, until Sunday, December 2, 2018.