Nights Watch Parliament, by Central Coast artist Therese Gabriel Wilkins, opens today and runs until Sunday, May 6.

The exhibition is a multi-sensory experience that explores the barking, grass, sooty, masked and powerful owls.

Gallery visitors can walk through the owls’ habitats, hear their call and be enthralled with the variety of visual interpretations of these magnificent creatures.

Wilkins said her interest in research and a love of birds led to the study of the owls which are found in the Central Coast, the Hunter and in other regions throughout Australia.

She said the exhibition was four years in the making, and after its successful debut at Wyong last year, she’s excited to take it on the road (having also been asked to take the exhibition to the Sunshine Coast).

Nights Watch Parliament will be officially opened on Saturday, April 7 from 3pm to 5pm, and all are welcome (RSVP by April 2 to the gallery on 4991 6619 or info@crag.net.au).

Wilkins will speak at the gallery’s Art After Hours event on Thursday, April 26 from 6pm to 7.30pm, giving guests the opportunity to learn first-hand about what inspired her foray into the raptors of the night.

The exhibition also features an educational display by Jacky Hart from Wildlife ARC (Animal Rescue and Care), who will give a presentation at the gallery on Friday, April 27 from 11am to noon (entry by gold coin).

Gallery hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm.