I encourage all readers of the Star to experience John Olsen: The City’s Son, at the Newcastle Art Gallery to 19 February 2017.

This exhibition features works personally chosen by the world famous Newcastle-born artist to reflect his affection for out city and the Hunter’s beaches, harbour, lake, river and wetlands.

Curated with a special love for his hometown, the works resonate with Novocastrians' own affection for the relaxed coastal lifestyle we all appreciate.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year, a world-renowned exhibition on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, presents another chance to see artistic brilliance this summer.

This stunning annual exhibition of photographs selected from more than 42,000 worldwide entries has returned to the Newcastle Region Library Lovett Gallery to 25 February 2017.

Featuring 100 awe-inspiring images – from fascinating animal behaviour to breath-taking wild landscapes - the exhibition is the most prestigious photography event of its kind and will definitely keep the kids interested. Children can also enjoy Mininova, an area of the hands-on science centre Supernova at Newcastle Museum. 

More information: newcastle.nsw.gov.au