The Gallery Shop at the Art Gallery of New South Wales is a great place for Christmas shopping.

A beautiful range of gifts complement the finest selection of art books in Australia.

This year the Gallery Shop offers a range of gifts inspired by Australian artists including Margaret Preston, Margaret Olley and Charles Meere. Also, a wonderful selection of gift ideas from international art gallery collections such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

Overseas items include a colourful and fun kids' backpack from the design studio at MoMA $38; stunning art greeting cards in high quality boxes from MoMA and the Metropolitan including artists Tina Modotti, Hiroshige, Paul Klee, and Marc Chagall - $38; Museum Reproductions range of jewellery inspired by great modern masters such as Degas and Brancusi or the ancient civilisation of Egypt; items include broaches, necklaces and earrings from $28.

Australian-inspired items include the fun beach bag based on Charles Meere's iconic painting, Australian beach pattern, in the Gallery's collection - $50; Margaret Preston tea-towels in 3 designs each with floral, still-life and Sydney images from one of Australia's best loved artists - $18; beautiful Margaret Preston floral, fine bone china mugs, 4 designs - $22; Margaret Olley's recently published biography and a delightful 2006 Calendar with twelve of her latest works - $25.

Another perfect idea for Christmas is the Art Gallery Society Gift Membership. Members share the benefits including the Society’s terrific monthly art magazine LOOK, e-news, free viewings, up to 35% discount on exhibitions, access to Members' Lounge, discounts in the café, restaurant and Gallery Shop. Plus over 300 special events, parties and courses to choose from throughout the year. There are membership categories to suit everyone, from students to young professionals, families and country art lovers. For more information go to www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/members/benefits.

The Gallery Shop is open every day 10am - 5pm, and don’t forget Art After Hours Wednesday evenings the Gallery is open until 9pm. For the entire month of December the Gallery Shop is offering FREE GIFT WRAPPING with any purchase.

STOP PRESS: The Gallery's major summer exhibition Pissarro: The first Impressionist is on view from
19 November 05 - 19 February 06.
Tickets can be pre-purchased online at: www.pissarro.com.au

Media Information
Claire Martin, Press Office
Telephone 02 9225 1734
Email clairem@ag.nsw.gov.au