SATURDAY 25 February was the official opening of the ‘Walking Together: Voice – Treaty – Truth’ Exhibition at Phoenix Gallery and Café in Bowraville.

A crowd of more than 60 people were treated to a deeply heart-felt and inclusive Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony by Uncle Martin Ballangarry.

Advertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

Carol Clarkson, Julie Byers, Lee Albert, Jaine Rubine and Janet Besancon, the artists who created this exhibition, spoke of their journey of learning from local Gumbaynggirr Elders.

Janet Besancon acknowledged and thanked Aunty Ruth, Aunty Rita, Melinda, Kalysia, and Wurinda; Gumbaynggirr women who were part of the consultation process with the artists throughout their creative process to put this exhibition together.

The artwork and installations are both beautiful and confronting at times, promoting emotional responses ranging from joy and wonder to grief.

“Responding through the power of creativity is our small way of adding our voice toward positive change, acknowledging that this is complex and contested terrain,” the artists said in their statement.

The exhibition is on until Friday 21 April.

The Phoenix Gallery and Café is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 2pm.

Everyone is invited to come and experience the works offered by these five talented artists; their way of honouring the ‘Uluru Statement From The Heart’.