Indigenous art was at the forefront of National NAIDOC Week in Gunnedah.
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The official art exhibition was opened on Friday, with community members gathering in the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery to view more than 100 works.
Mikaela Aldridge said the Welcome to Country and Emma Costello gave the official opening speech.
Gunnedah Shire Council’s arts and cultural officer Lauren Mackley organised the exhibition, which featured a variety of mediums including wood, canvas shoes, painting, umbrellas and egg shells.
“We’ve got paintings, coolamon [Aboriginal carrying vessel], emu callers and a woomera [spear throwing device],” she said.
“We’ve got a really beautiful mix of school students to amateur artists, creative hobbyists, through to professional artists.”
Well-known artists who contributed works to the exhibition include Gunnedah’s Des Mullion and Jack Conlan, and Tamworth’s Jodie Herden.
Ms Mackley said a highlight of the exhibition was a portrait of Gunnedah High School teacher Sommar Conlan.
“There’s a really beautiful portrait of Sommar Conlan,” she said.
“One-hundred and seven students all got together and drew some sections of the portrait and it all came together.
“At the opening, Sommar gave a boutique of flowers to the art teacher Louise Hill who helped organise it.”
“There are really beautiful works that reflect the theme of ‘Because of her, we can’. Both high schools contributed amazing works that really paid testament to the strong women in our community,” Ms Mackley said.
“I think the most moving part of it was the slideshow presentation that was developed by Gunida Gunyah and Winanga-li, which has all the women of Gunnedah and really embraces the theme.
“I think the community really embraced the theme this year and there was such a positive atmosphere of women who are pillars of the community being recognised and how Indigenous women contribute so much on so many different levels. For their voice and for their contributions to be recognised is also a huge thing.
“Their strength and resilience will inspire past generations but also to pave the way for the generations of the future."
The exhibition will be on display until August 6.
