Story.Art.History.Place

26th September - 1st November 2009:

Les Elvin Lizard Beware 2009	Lesley Salem Kalle Currewa 2009
Denise Hedges Water & Land 2009	Noel Phillips Your Elders - The Emu, The Goanna, The Kangaroo 2009

This exhibition provides a survey of contemporary indigenous art in the Hunter region selected by Les Elvin, 2008 NAIDOC Artist of the Year, who is the curator of the exhibition and one of the exhibiting artists

The exhibition will explore and illustrate the symbols found traditionally on animal skins, barks, and trees of this region, and includes a survey of current Indigenous artists working in the Wonnarua, Awabakal, Worimi, Dainggatti, and Kamilaroi areas. It brings together indigenous artists including Lelsey Salem, Alan Teckley, Kerrie Roberts, Noel Phillips, Janelle McGrady, Glen Dennis, Des Hickey, Denise Hedges and Craig Layer.

Les Elvin works throughout the Hunter Valley teaching people of all ages in schools, workshops, and correctional centres. He is passionate about raising awareness about traditional Indigenous symbols and the expression of these in art. Les believes that awareness raises understanding, and with understanding, comes respect. Cultural respect, pride and connection to the land are what Les teaches through his art. Les has recently designed a jersey for the Newcastle Knights to promote ‘Closing the Gap' - bringing attention to the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous health.

Lesley Salem artist and Aboriginal health worker, attended the United Nations' Commission on the Status of Women in March 2009 as a representative of Australia. Lesley has written books on health and bush tucker. She is currently studying many aspects of Indigenous history and will provide text for the exhibition explaining indigenous symbols and their meaning.

A great amount of research is being undertaken by Lesley Salem and Les Elvin which will be an invaluable asset to both this exhibition, and to raising awareness of the distinctive and rich history of Indigenous art in this region, which has remained largely unexplored.

Les and Lesley believe that Story.Art.History.Place will reconnect contemporary Indigenous artists and the community at large with the old symbols and artistic ways.

Public Programs in conjunction with the exhibition:

Sundays at the Gallery  3pm - 4pm:

Sunday            Les Elvin, curator of story.art.history.place gives
11 October       an exhibition floor talk with exhibiting artist Lesley Salem

Sunday            Kerrie Roberts reads dreamtime stories, for children
18 October       and adults, with an art activity afterwards

Sunday            Using natural materials, create a neckpiece with
25 October       shell, stone, bone or wood in this simple bush craft

Sunday            Kerrie Roberts gives visitors the opportunity to create an
1 November     an artwork using dreamtime symbols that represents a part of their life 

Curator: Les Elvin