IMPORTANT works by Gomeroi artist Margaret Adams that were thought to be missing, are safely being held at Bank Art Museum Moree.
A total of 11 pieces loaned to BAMM by collector Anna Winter, a former Moree resident, are held at the museum.
Ms Winter sought clarification from BAMM when she was incorrectly informed only six pieces were being stored at the museum.
BAMM was closed during the Christmas and New Year holiday period, with staff on leave and unable to confirm the pieces were in storage.
Moree Cultural Art Foundation issued a statement early Wednesday, clarifying the mix-up.
“In response to a recent article published in The Northern Daily Leader relating to missing Margaret Adam’s artworks, The Moree Cultural Art Foundation confirms that all 11 artworks, which form part of Ms Winter’s loan to Bank Art Museum Moree, have been accounted for by gallery staff and confirmed with Ms Winter,” the statement says.
“The Foundation thanks Ms Winter for her patience during the gallery’s closure over the Christmas and New Year period.”
Ms Winter, who now lives in north Queensland, welcomed the news all pieces are safe.
“I welcome the confirmation that all 11 Margaret Adams works from my collection are accounted for, and that clarity is appreciated,” Ms Winter said.
“At the same time, broader questions around communication and custodianship processes are still being worked through in good faith.”
Margaret Adams, known widely as Aunty Marg, is an important Gomeroi artist who passed away in 2021.
Aunty Marg’s first exhibition at BAMM was nearly 30 years ago.
She is remembered as a founding artist of Yurundiali Aboriginal Corporation and finalist in the Parliament of NSW Indigenous Art Prize in 2005.
Her works have featured in many local, national and international exhibitions, including a retrospective exhibition at BAMM in 2022.
