This October Environs Kimberley (EK) made the trip all the way down south to put on the first ever Environs Kimberley Aboriginal Art Auction and exhibition at Fremantle’s Kidogo Arthouse.
This inaugural event displayed a broad range of contemporary Aboriginal art from right across the Kimberley, and provided a rare chance for Aboriginal art lovers to experience the diversity and quality of Kimberley art, outside the region.
Dr Carmen Lawrence opened the exhibition and spoke warmly on behalf of EK, and over 250 enthusiastic people attended. There was a smoking ceremony and Uncle Ben Taylor welcomed people to country.
The exhibition featured the work of renowned Kimberley artists including Sonia Kurarra, Phyllis Thomas, Elizabeth Nyumi, and the late Jimmy Pike and Jimmy Nerrima.
The main focus of the evening was an auction of selected works, inspired by the annual EK Art Auction event here in Broome.
Special guest-artists Mervyn Street (a Gooniyandi man from Fitzroy Crossing) and Edwin Lee Mulligan (a Walmajarri/Nyikina man from Noonkanbah), both of whom had work in the exhibition, generously gave their time to attend the event and support EK.
This event was a great opportunity to raise some extra funds, as well as a chance to let people in Perth and Fremantle know about what is happening on the environmental front in the Kimberley.
The raffle of a stunning piece by Balgo artist Lucy Loomoo was drawn on the night, and the winner was lucky ticket-holder Norman Pater (ticket 165).
EK sends a big thank you to everyone who supported and helped out with the event, including all the artists and art centres, Joanna Robertson at Kidogo Arthouse, Dr Carmen Lawrence, Kimberley - Like Nowhere Else Alliance, all the volunteers, our fantastic EK Freo members and supporters, and everyone else who came along and supported us by taking part in the raffle, or by buying a beautiful piece of Kimberley Art.
This was a big step for EK and we hope that this collaborative event is able to grow into something even bigger and better in the future.
By Tessa Mossop,
Communication, Engagement and Events Coordinator