Portrait of Margaret Strelow to be Unveiled
Published on 23 February 2022
A very special painting is set to be unveiled later this week to celebrate the opening of the Rockhampton Museum of Art – a portrait of former Mayor Margaret Strelow.
‘Margaret Strelow in the new Museum of Art‘ was painted by leading Australian artist Michael Zavros whose hyper-realistic paintings have been exhibited in major museums through Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Europe.
Commissioned through representative gallerist Philip Bacon Galleries, Michael Zavros has painted portraits of prominent Australians including Dame Quentin Bryce and actor Alex Dimitriades both in the National Portrait Gallery.
Describing Ms Strelow as the driving force behind the creation of the Rockhampton Museum of Art, Mayor Tony Williams said he was thrilled to see her legacy honoured.
“I have no doubt that in the years to come people will talk about Margaret’s contribution to our arts and cultural history in the same way that we do about Rex Pilbeam, who originally built this wonderful collection,” Mayor Williams said.
“As the former Mayor, Margaret was a passionate, unflinching supporter of the Rockhampton Museum of Art and it is absolutely a pleasure for Council to honour her legacy with this incredible portrait.
“It is a fitting tribute to someone who worked incredibly hard on behalf of her community and led a Council to deliver a wonderful facility for our whole region and visitors to enjoy in the decades to come,” Mayor Williams said.
The portrait was commissioned not only for her commitment to the Rockhampton Museum of Art, but for Ms Strelow’s broader contribution and service to Local Government.
Having served a total of 20 years in local government with 16 years as Mayor, Council delivered major projects during that time including the Riverside Precinct, Mouth Archer Revitalisation, Cedric Archer Park in Gracemere, Mount Morgan CBD revitalisation and the upgrade to Kershaw Gardens.
In her tenure as Mayor, Council also established its economic development and tourism arm Advance Rockhampton, and brought events including River Festival and RockyNats to the region.
Ms Strelow said it was an honour to have her portrait displayed in the Rockhampton Museum of Art as the doors are opened for the first time.
“When Mayor Williams first met with me to ask if I would agree to the portrait I must admit to a weepy moment. This is an amazing honour. And to hang beside Rex Pilbeam is intimidating at best!”
“But it is at this moment that I need to pay tribute to Rockhampton Regional Councillors who understood that we needed to seize the moment. Whilst there were a few bumps on the journey we dreamt and dared as a team,” said Ms Strelow.
“Mayor is just an empty title unless there is clear support from both Council and the community. And so my final thank you must go to the community of the Rockhampton region who have continued to show me their support. It was an honour to serve you.”
The portrait’s artist, Michael Zavros, spoke of his hopes for the portrait as it joins Rockhampton’s collection.
“I hope this portrait does justice to the person who was so instrumental in the building of the new Museum of Art, and it seemed absolutely right to place her in the beautifully glazed foyer, facing the river, her back to Customs House, the contemporary space beside the traditional, the future framing the past,” Mr Zavros said.
Mr Zavros’ representing gallerist, philanthropist and long-time supporter of the former Rockhampton Art Gallery, Philip Bacon AO said the portrait was a key contribution to both the collection and beyond.
“The collection held in The Rockhampton Museum of Art is one of extraordinary depth and quality, featuring works by some of Australia’s greatest artists, so it’s fitting that one of Australia’s most sought after contemporary artists has been commissioned to create a portrait of the much loved former mayor, Margaret Strelow. This is an important moment in the cultural life of Rockhampton and this work will be a touchstone for future generations”
The portrait of Margaret Strelow will be on display in Gallery One at the Rockhampton Museum of Art as part of the Welcome Home Exhibition.
More information on the Rockhampton Museum of Art is available at: https://www.rmoa.com.au/Home