CRANBOURNE Library is to celebrate social connection and showcase Indigenous culture.
Participants in City of Casey social support program Yarn and Art created the Gathering of the Tribes exhibition.
The program was established in August last year to bring together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders from Casey and surrounding suburbs to chat and create art.
City of Casey Mayor Mick Morland said the exhibition was a wonderful way to celebrate the program’s success.
“Participating in a local social group reduces the feeling of being disconnected and can assist you in forging new relationships, help re-establish old friendships and restore emotional balance,” he said.
Councillor Morland said 14 people took part in Yarn and Art each week where they tried painting, mosaicking, wood burning, knitting and gardening.
“This program not only provides our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents with an opportunity to learn new things but also supports the community to remain connected to their culture and one another,” he said.
“Their artworks evoke story sharing and provide an insight into the diverse history of their lands, waters, families and traditions.”
Cr Morland said Joy Sellers joined the group for the social aspects despite not having “an artistic bone in her body”.
“Joy now frequently paints and was recently asked to submit one of her pieces, titled Connection to Country, for the launch of this art space at Cranbourne Library and this piece has now sold,” he said.
“Within one year, Joy went from feeling socially disconnected to having a meaningful place to go to each week where she felt comfortable enough to pick up a paint brush and learn something new, felt valued, esteemed, cared for and happy.”
Gathering of the Tribes will be on display at Cranbourne Library, 65 Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne East, from Monday to Saturday until 31 October.
