PIECES retained from the demolition of Albury’s art gallery will become exhibits when the revamped Dean Street landmark opens next year.
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Items such as sheets of corrugated iron will form part of displays developed by six Aboriginal Border women artists.
The NSW had provided more than $10,000 for a project in which the artists will be guided nationally recognised artist Lorraine Connelly- Northey.
The group will work all November to create an exhibition to mark the opening of the new gallery about mid year.
Connelly-Northey said the program was about being creative with what you’ve got.
“It’s about working out how I would make things and what tools I would use,” she said.
“I use metal, tin, wires and meshes in my work.
“I started out making art using a makeshift handle and hole punch that my dad made me.”
Patricia Cerminara, Sharron Edwards, Tamara Murray, Ruth Davys, Sharon Reid and Bethany Thornber are the artists.
All bring skills in a different medium to the project, including painting, wood-burning, weaving and sculpture.
Senior gallery curator Bianca Acimovic said the concept was developed around Wiradjuri Country.
“When it was announced the gallery would close and reopen with a whole new building, we had a strong ethos that rather than buying in an international exhibition that had little resonance with the community, we wanted an exhibition true about place, country, people and community,” she said.
“A strong thing that came out of our consultation papers was opportunities for growth and development in the indigenous community.”
The Arts NSW Aboriginal Regional Arts Fund will fund the project, carried out during a residency on Wiradjuri country on Waterview Road near Wonga Wetlands.
Ms Davys said the site was a place to get creative.
“This opportunity is about learning new skills and putting together a piece of art using new and different materials,” she said.
“This area is going to be inspirational — I love the quietness of the bush, it allows the brain waves to flow without the hustle and bustle.
“Working together with a group of powerful women will bring out so much more in us as individuals.
“It’s an amazing to get out there as an artist.”
The community is urged to participate at a barbecue and artist meet-and-greet on Monday from 5.30pm at the Waterview Road property.
