The project is facilitated by Dunghutti Elder Uncle John Kelly together with art therapist Rena Shein working with Gunawirra, a not-for-profit organisation. 

The primary inspiration is a Dreamtime story called King of the Birds, which was chosen by Uncle John.

“The children have been learning the story in language, while enjoying moulding the clay into nests and eggs together with their families,” Uncle John said. 

Once fired, the clay nests will be placed in and around a three-metre-long tied-bark canoe that Uncle John has been working on with various men’s groups.

Uncle John, an established artist himself, explained that clay is a great material to be working with given its connection with the land and that people of all ages and abilities are able to use it. 

So far over 200 people have contributed to the artwork encompassing pre-schoolers, family, teachers and community including residents of Booroongen Djugun Aged Care Facility with ages ranging from two to 96.

“Above all, this type of community project provides opportunities for the sharing of culture and connection in a creative environment,” Rena said. “And that’s what I think works so well in collaborative art making. The sculpture comes to represent individual creativity that results in a tangible statement of community connection.”

The as-yet untitled artwork will be revealed for the first time at Sculpture in the Gaol, which opens on Sunday, August 5 at Trial Bay Gaol in South West Rocks. 

Entry to the opening gala day is just $2. The event then runs daily from 9am to 4.30pm until September 1 with combined entry to the gaol and exhibition costing $11 per adult, $8 concessions and $30 for a family ticket comprising two adults and two children. 

For further information, find Sculpture in the Gaol on Facebook and follow @sculptureinthegaol on Instagram.

Seeking expressions of interest for Sculpture in the Gaol 2018

Want to share a community story with us? Here’s how...