Warrigunya Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation is pleased to announce a week-long art exhibition featuring the art of local indigenous artists, who use art to heal.
Warrigunya provides healing and support programs for Aboriginal men who have had a recent experience of the justice system to provide safe accommodation and transition to community life.
Artist Ray Young, Gunditjmara, Ganai and Yorta Yorta man, says art has been a big part of his life.
“Being able to use art to express my journey and heal through the connection to my culture has helped my journey away from the justice system,” Mr Young said.
Ray’s brother Josh Kerr was an accomplished artist who told his stories through art.
He passed in prison as a young man, his death ruled a preventable death.
His children and partner have loaned some of his artwork to Warrigunya for this exhibition.
His partner Chantelle Osman will be at the opening to speak briefly about Josh’s life and the importance of his art to expressing the many stories he had.
Program manager at Warrigunya On Country House, Trevor Barker, said that bringing the art of two brothers to tell the stories each of them had provides an example of the importance art plays as many Aboriginal men face intergenerational trauma and use art to heal.
“Warrigunya is a safe place for men to reconnect with their culture and mob and to take a healing road back to their community,” Trevor said.
Other local artists including Daniel Church and Aunty Kay will have their art included in the exhibition.
Many of the paintings and other goods will be for sale as part of the week long exhibition.
Chair of Warrigunya, Tracey Giddings said she is looking forward to welcoming visitors to Warrigunya to experience the calm and connection to country that is emerging as Warrigunya establishes itself as a healing and caring for country place.
Media are invited to the official opening on Friday, July 4 at 11am.
Uncle Ringo Terrick will lead a smoking ceremony with Ray Young playing his didgeridoo.
Uncle Alan Coe, Aunty Kay Barker, Tracy Giddings, Uncle Ringo Terrick, Ray Young and Chantelle Osman will be available for media to speak with to provide brief comments about the importance of art to people’s healing journey and the role Warrigunya is playing in supporting aboriginal men in their healing journey.
The exhibition will run daily from 10am to 3pm from Monday, July 7 to Friday, July 11 at Warrigunya On Country House, located at 133 Four Mile Creek Road, Giffard West, mid way between Sale and Yarram.
Following on from the exhibition on Saturday, July 12, there will be a workshop, ‘Using Art to Heal’, led by Ray Young and Aunty Kay Barker.
On Saturday, August 2 Trevor Barker will lead a workshop on the role story telling plays in healing childhood trauma.
Head to to Humantix to register for the opening and the workshops.
