The Foundry NAIDOC opening night drew a large crowd.
Photo by
Ryan Bellingham
The Foundry Arts Space was packed out on Friday, July 4 for the opening night of its expansive NAIDOC Week exhibition.
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In line with the week’s theme this year, ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy’, the Foundry launched its Our Women, Our Strength exhibition.
Caroline Rolls and Ken McCullan at the Foundry NAIDOC art exhibition opening night.
Photo by
Ryan Bellingham
Co-ordinated by artist and Yorta Yorta, Wamba Wamba, Dja Dja Wurrung and Kamilaroi woman Merring-Jippa Murray, the exhibition celebrates Indigenous women’s art and weaving traditions.
Exhibition co-ordinator Merring-Jippa Murray pictured in front of her artwork.
Photo by
Ryan Bellingham
Aunty Denise Morgan-Bulled, who exhibited a wide range of weaved pieces she created and has been gifted, said it was a special night for her and the next generation.
Aunty Denise Morgan-Bulled addressing the crowd.
Photo by
Lua Ikenasio
“I was given, by my Elder, the privilege of knowing and doing the basket weaving. I think it’s something that I now need to do, and that’s what I have been doing,” she said.
“Our basket culture, our strength and our artistic knowledge base with our people is still going. It’s still here. We have not lost it, and we’re not ever going to lose it.”
Aunty Vicki Walker gave a Welcome to Country, and paid her respect to all Elders across the Yorta Yorta nation.
Aunty Vicki Walker and Aunty Neva Takele.
Photo by
Ryan Bellingham
“We always need to acknowledge our Elders because of the work that they've done to pave the way to give us the opportunities that we have today,” she said.
“We all have the same goals for our children, and our children’s children.”
The Foundry chair Judi Lawler thanked the group of curators, artists and crowd for their support, and said the organisation was glad to be displaying the works.
The Foundry Arts Space chair Judi Lawler.
“We’re very proud, as The Foundry, to be part of NAIDOC Week and to present this fantastic, eclectic, interesting and quite unique exhibition,” she said.
“It’s lovely to have everyone and such a big crowd honouring this evening.”
Gill Wright and Gwen Potter.
Photo by
Ryan Bellingham
Greg Pritchard and Christy O'Brien.
Photo by
Ryan Bellingham
After speeches were given, the Dhungala Yalka, or River Children, dance group performed a spirit animal and water dance.
All four members are proud Yorta Yorta girls, and wore traditional items for the performance.
The Dhungala Yalka dance group members Lillee Cooper, Kunami Morgan, Fatai Morgan and Alliyah Cooper.
Photo by
Lua Ikenasio
The Dhungala Yalka dance group in action at The Foundry’s NAIDOC exhibition’s opening night.
Photo by
Lua Ikenasio
Attendees enjoyed complimentary drinks and a food platter while viewing the wide range of pieces on display, including paintings, prints and weaved items.
Suzy Barlow, Molly Matera and Lori Hooper.
Photo by
Ryan Bellingham
Campaspe Shire Council’s arts and culture co-ordinator Kris Tito.
Photo by
Ryan Bellingham
The Our Women, Our Strength exhibition is on display at the Foundry Arts Space now until Sunday, August 3.