On Thursday, September 27 at 6pm, two new exhibitions will be launched at the Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place. One will feature the works of local Armidale artist, Nick Levy, and the other comprises a display using the Tingha Green Valley Artefact Collection called ‘Aboriginal women and their toolkit’.
Glen Innes-born Abor-iginal artist Nick Levy has put together a stunning collection of his recent work in his exhibition entitled ‘Dreamtime Koori’. Nick’s paintings display a bright, fresh approach in the ‘dot painting’ style. His works are based around traditional motifs but are not constrained by any preconceived ideas about sticking to traditional earth colours. Using acrylic paint on canvas, he has produced an array of painstakingly crafted paintings with a strong emphasis on colour and design. Lizards, serpents, kangaroos and turtles all make an appearance. No stereotypes here — Nick has endowed each one with its own individual characteristics. Colour choices have been directed largely by the theme of each painting and this works well, particularly when aquatic creatures feature.
“The Centre is very pleased to be exhibiting Nick’s works once again,” said Daisy Williams, Director of the Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place.
“We launched his career as an artist in 2008 and continue to play a large part in his artistic development and are excited about his progress as an artist. Nick has grown from strength to strength and exhibited in Japan last year.”
The second exhibition ‘Aboriginal women and their toolkit’ has been curated by local archaeologist and historian Lynette Ross using the Tingha Green Valley Collection and other artefacts held by the Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place.
“While some tools were used by both men and women, this exhibition focuses on those that were specific to women, thus giving an insight into their way of life,” said Lynette.
“We also plan to include some interactive elements that will greatly enhance the visitor experience.”
Another program coming up on October 13 is ‘High Tea: Women’s Business’. This event will be an afternoon of fun for women, that will include a spread of English-style high tea delicacies, a demonstration of the Aboriginal women’s toolkit by Lynette Ross and a fashion parade by Hanna’s Department Store.
“This is the first High Tea that will be held by the Centre and it is hoped to make it an annual event,” said Daisy.
Tickets for the High Tea are $25 and can be obtained from the Centre. 20 per cent of the ticket sales will be donated to Ronald McDonald House in Tamworth.
The community is invited to attend the opening of the Exhibitions on Thursday, September 27 at 6pm and to bear in mind that a painting by Nick would be a very special present now Christmas is approaching. For those who miss out on the opening, both exhibitions will be on display till November 25, 2012.
