The shows present a diverse range of work from the historical and cultural significance of lawn in Australia, to the local talent of photographer Simon Scott, and onward to a collection of creative interpretations of the novella, The King of the Accordion.

The Blade: Australia's Love Affair with Lawn explores the cultural and historical significance of lawn, and how both plant and the mowing of it gained enduring popularity within Australia.

Curated by Richard Heathcote, director of benefaction at Carrick Hill Historic House and Garden Adelaide, the Carrick Hill National Touring Exhibition encourages viewers to keep on the grass as they weave through over 100 hand tools associated with lawn maintenance, including a pair of Roman grass clippers from 23AD.

The centrepiece of the exhibition presents 12 historic lawn mowers dating from 1869.

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"The exhibition really ties in why an ordinary plant called grass and an exceptional tool called the lawn mower has meant that Australians can all enjoy lawn and using it in all sorts of different ways from garden making to public life," Mr Heathcote said at the opening of the show.

Richard furthered this discussion in a public talk on Saturday where he discussed the influences of lawns in society past and present and how it came to be a cultural icon for sporting fields, parks, and gardens.

"The Blade is an exceptional exhibition to be presented here at NERAM," said NERAM's exhibitions and curatorial manager Belinda Hungerford.

"It is quite different to the fine art exhibitions we normally hold and we hope that members of the community will flock to see it."

NERAM director Rachael Parsons said she had no idea lawns could be so fascinating.

"As it turns out they are, and The Blade presents a curious and engaging telling of the history of the lawn and the tools that evolved to shape and care for them," she said.

"We have a lot of fantastic gardens and avid gardeners in the region who I think will find this exhibition captivating."

Simon Scott: I See You captures the fine examples of Scott's portraiture including images taken from his journeys to Africa as well as closer to home such as his porch portrait series during the 2020 pandemic, and the Ezidi community in Armidale.

I See You translates a saying of acknowledgement in the Ezidi language and has had a profound effect on Simon's work as a photographer.

"One of the great joys of my work is meeting people from all walks of life," Mr Scott said.

"And seeing someone for who they are, and their life, but also perhaps being an acknowledgement of how they are.

"Being able to capture this essence of a person, and in a moment of time, is the power of photography."

Simon Scott will be presenting an artist talk at a later date.

Ms Hungerford said she was pleased to present a selection of local photographer Simon's Scott's portraits.

"Simon has formed really close connections in Armidale through his photography practice and it's nice to see so many familiar faces on the walls, including NERAM's own director, Rachael Parsons," she said.

Ms Parsons said Simon Scott's exhibition is beautiful.

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"With both local and international relevance, it is a bit thrilling and such a unique privilege to see myself included in the exhibition as well," she said.

NERAM is also proud to revisit The King of the Accordion, a collection of creative works originally commissioned by New England Regional Art Museum in 1995 for an exhibition by former NERAM director Joe Eisenberg.

The body of work included the novella, The King of the Accordion, written by Anna Maria Dell'oso as well as thirteen paintings, each a unique response by an artist to the novella.

The 2021 exhibition presents the original thirteen paintings by Suzanne Archer, Bronwyn Bancroft, Kevin Connor, David Fairbairn, George Gittoes, Graham Kuo, Kerrie Lester, Victor Majzner, Ann Thomson, Vicki Varvaressos, John R. Walker, Madeleine Winch, and Salvatore Zofrea.

All three exhibitions are on show until the end of July.

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