Two major new exhibitions will be launched at the Gosford Regional Gallery to celebrate Reconciliation Week: Colours of Country and The Sean Lonergan Schools Project.
Colours of Country is an exhibition of collected artworks from six respected local Aboriginal artists: Ms Kylie Cassidy, Mr Gavi Duncan, Ms Wendy Pawley, Mr Garry Purchase, Mr Ron Smith and Ms Donnella Waters.
Central Coast Council’s Group Leader of Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said Council was committed to recognising and celebrating the rich Aboriginal cultural heritage and talent in the region.
“The Sean Lonergan Schools Project continues the work of Sean Lonergan, who promoted reconciliation and created opportunities for local Aboriginal artists in our region for many years,” Ms Vaughan said.
“He made a significant contribution to the culture of the Coast and we want to acknowledge and continue his wonderful work.
“Sean Lonergan was the Manager of the Gosford Department of Fair Trading office and supported the first Reconciliation art competition on the Coast in 1999.”
The Gosford Regional Gallery selected nine local schools to create a collaborative artwork for the Sean Lonergan School Project.
Each school was mentored by a local Aboriginal artist.
Participating schools included: Central Coast Adventist School, Central Coast Grammar School, Erina High School, Kariong Public School and Gosford Primary School.
Participating mentor artists were Michelle Earl, Maurice Goolagong, Grant Molony, Wendy Pawley, Garry and Natalie Purchase, Tim Selwyn, Ron Smith, Carol Sutherland and Donnella Waters.
National Reconciliation Week begins on May 27, the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum, and continues until June 3, Mabo Day, the Day in 1992 when the High Court overturned the notion of `terra nullius’.
A Cultural Market Day will be held to celebrate Colours of Country and the Sean Lonergan Schools Project on Sunday, May 28.
The community will be able to enjoy a bush tucker barbecue, guitarist/and singer George Pawley, Aboriginal dancers, Wild Arc encounters with native animals and more than 20 stalls selling handmade Aboriginal Arts and Crafts.
Both exhibitions will run from May 27 to July 16.
Source:
Media release, May 16
Central Coast Council media