A celebration of First Nations art, culture and community will take centre stage in the New England region next month, with the annual Myall Creek Memorial Exhibition returning to Ceramic Break Sculpture Park on June 6.
The exhibition, which coincides with the Myall Creek Memorial gathering and National Reconciliation Week, will showcase works from Indigenous artists across the region in a wide variety of styles and mediums.
Gallery Manager and Events Coordinator Barbara Dowsey said the exhibition had become an important annual event supporting First Nations artists and bringing the wider community together.
“It is for Indigenous artists or First Nations artists, and we’ve been doing it every year,” she said.
“Basically, it’s to support any Indigenous artist of any medium or genre.”
Dowsey said visitors could expect far more than traditional Indigenous artworks, with the exhibition embracing a diverse range of creative practices.
“We normally have quite a wide range of works ranging from your traditional works like dot works and symbolism, to weaving and pottery too,” she said.
“We’ve had photography and altered photography where they go in and paint highlights over the photographs. We’ve had quite a few wood carvings and wood burnings.”
Among the featured artists this year are Inverell artist and McIntyre High School teacher Brent Emerson, whose works are inspired by local wildlife and landscapes, and artist Simon Munro, who explores both his Indigenous and Viking heritage through his art.
Dowsey said the exhibition was designed not only to showcase art, but also to foster reflection, remembrance and connection.
“I think the Myall Creek exhibition is a great way to share their works, what they’re doing, and to come together as a community,” she said.
The opening day will also feature the Arts North West Gather & Trade Artisan Markets, with weaving demonstrations, handmade wares, workshops and potentially live music and dance performances throughout the day.
Dowsey said some of the workshops would focus on creating commemorative woven mementos connected to the significance of Myall Creek.
“It’s to commemorate Myall Creek and everything that Myall Creek entails — forgiveness, the massacre, moving forward as a nation,” she said.
Food and refreshments will be available through a barbecue hosted by Warialda Rotary, with proceeds supporting local community programs.
The exhibition opening runs from 10am to 5pm on June 6 at Ceramic Break Sculpture Park, with entry by gold coin donation. Around 90 per cent of exhibiting artists are expected to attend in person to speak with visitors about their work.
Dowsey said the sculpture park itself added another dimension to the experience, with visitors also able to explore new installations recently added throughout the grounds.
“Kerry’s got quite a lot of new installations put in recently,” she said.
“There’s quite a few new ones out there and they can be wild and thought-provoking.”
The Myall Creek Memorial Exhibition will remain on display until August 31.
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