Artists from Central Australia's legendary Hermannsburg School will be showcased in a major Queensland Art Gallery touring exhibition which will open at the Noosa Regional Gallery on 4 February 2010.

'Namatjira to Now' offers an in-depth look at one of Australia's longest continuing contemporary art movements.

Queensland Art Gallery Director Tony Ellwood said 'Namatjira to Now' featured more than 30 art works including iconic Hermannsburg watercolours, as well as ceramics and acrylic paintings.

"This is a unique opportunity for Sunshine Coast audiences to view works by the famous founder of the Hermannsburg School, Albert Namatjira, his teacher Rex Battarbee, and more recent artists working in the community today, such as Judith Inkamala and Irene Entata," Mr Ellwood said.

"'Namatjira to Now' reveals the kinship and creative relationships that exist between Hermannsburg artists and the importance of tradition and continuity in their culture.

"It explores the beginnings of the Hermannsburg School in the mid-1930s through the early watercolour landscape paintings of Albert Namatjira, and the continued work of a small group of artists with special connections to the movement," he said.

"Highlights of the exhibition include William Dargie's Archibald Prize-winning portrait of Albert Namatjira, and Irene Entata's bold acrylic Albert and Rex 2003 painting.

"An important focus of the exhibition is the artists' ongoing quest for innovation within their chosen forms and media," Mr Ellwood said.

'Namatjira to Now' will show at the Noosa Regional Gallery from February 4 -- 7 March 2010 before touring to five more regional Queensland venues from 2010 to 2011.

What:           'Namatjira to Now' exhibition  
Where:  Noosa Regional Art Gallery, Tewantin   
When:           4 February 2010
How Much:    Free