Orange Regional Gallery presents Nature I Nurture - An exhibition of paintings by Jane Tonks, opening Friday February 6, 2026. Artist & Curator floor talk at 5.30 pm with opening following from 6 pm. Exhibition continues 7 February - 29 March 2026. Artist Statement: ‘Nature, Nurture’ shines a spotlight on remnant bushland of Wiradjuri Country around Orange, particularly Gaanha-bula (Mt. Canobolas) and Mullion Range. Nature, a kaleidoscope of eco-systems, biodiversity and form, exists in a delicate and fragile balance that nurtures and sustains all life on this blue planet. In the era of the Anthropocene, this intrinsic interconnection and natural equilibrium is under severe stress, fuelled primarily by human activity, ever-expanding consumption of natural resources, the climate crisis, biodiversity loss and the lack of political will to progress meaningful change. Since her early years, long before hearing of the Japanese practice of ‘Forest Bathing’, Jane has been drawn to the act of connecting and immersing herself in nature, an essential ingredient to her life. Nature nurtures all, it is the healer we seek, nurturing mind, body and spirit, providing the finely specialised conditions that enables human existence. It is the tonic for mental resilience in the face of existential challenges. In this digital age, many are disconnected and deprived of a physical, spiritual or ethical connection to nature. However, a conscious and responsible intersection of humanity and nature has never been more critical to ensure a healthy environment for future generations. The Artist invites the viewer to ponder and experience a deeper personal connection with their natural environment and hopes to evoke conversations around nature, nurture, ethics and collective conservation in a broader context.