AustLit

'Folkloric recording. Maris Morton speaks about her family and their background; her artistic talents; her father's trade and hobbies; her schooling and university life; Monica Maugham; Harold Holt; her early work following graduation, Public service, PR work; a teaching position in Ballarat; her marriage to Ken Morton; moving to Katanning, W.A. (1962); her 3 children; life in Katanning; the move to Perth (1969); joining M.E.N.S.A.; George Melgrue; her appointment at W.A. Art Gallery (1970); cultural life in Perth; the gallery collection; marriage break-up; her resignation from Gallery, and return to Katanning for teaching position; returning to Perth, to administration job in Fremantle (1983), Fremantle Art Co-operative; meeting Charles Blackman (1978); her painting and later travel to Queensland with Blackman.

'Morton discusses moving to Canberra (1987) via Melbourne; her activities in Canberra; working in Centrelink until taking up a position with Overseas Aid; applying successfully for the position of Director of the Tweed Regional Gallery; her life in Murwillumbah; establishment of the Gallery; Doug Moran; refurbishment of building and the gradual development of a working gallery; volunteers; promotion of local artists and exhibitions; Tweed Valley Art Prize; Moran Prize; the need for bigger gallery, in a new location, donation of land; Doug and Margot Anthony; fund raising; gallery designs; Budd Brannigan; Council support for project; resigning in 1998 before building was completed; the new gallery flourishing; her move to Uki; being a published writer, crime fiction, short stories and poetry; difficulties in being published; winning several awards.' (Trove)