With the focus on women, the 2018 NAIDOC Week celebrations in Parkes proved to be very popular with good attendance at the daily workshops and demonstrations held at Council’s Coventry Room.
This year’s theme ‘Because of her, we can’, celebrates the invaluable contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have made – and continue to make – to our communities, our families, our rich history and to our nation.
In celebration the Galari ‘Mawam-Bul’ Art Exhibition brought together 11 talented and inspiring artists from Parkes, Forbes, Peak Hill and surrounding areas, which attracted a lot of interest. The diverse series of events showcasing local artists and talent including an Aboriginal Astronomy workshop, basket weaving demonstration, art class, Aboriginal storytelling and screening of ‘Servant or Slave’ saw more than 30 adults and children attend each session.
“We’ve had a great reception so far,” said local artist and curator of the exhibition, Irene Ridgeway. Amanda Corcoran from Neighborhood Central agrees saying they were very happy with the support from the community.
At the basket weaving demonstration on Tuesday, presenter Alicia Lonsdale of Arts Out West taught the adults to make baskets and the children made bush toys. “I learned to do this craft as a child, and in keeping with this year’s theme, we are focusing on women’s craft. This is what they predominantly do.”
A visitor from Melbourne Allison Besselaar really enjoyed learning the craft. “This is such a great service to the community.”
By Maggi Barnard