20 June–3 August 2003

Mary Alice Evatt’s lifelong commitment to art ran parallel with her public role as the wife of Dr Herbert Vere ‘Doc’ Evatt, High Court judge, deputy leader of the Labor party under Ben Chiefly and President of the United Nations during the peace process after WWII.

Mary Alice was a student at prominent art schools in both Sydney and Melbourne during the 1930s.  When travelling overseas she studied in New York and Paris and continued to study and work right up until her death in 1973.  She and ‘Doc’ Evatt were friends and supporters of many artists, such as Russell Drysdale and Margaret Olley, often purchasing their work at exhibitions.

The exhibition comprised paintings, drawings and sculptures, together with photographers, letters and poetry written by Mary Alice for her husband. The exhibition was organised by the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery and curated by Melissa Boyde.

Mary Alice Evatt opening night address by Justice Michael Kirby

image: MARY ALICE EVATT  Footballers