PrintThe Crossing Cultures Experience
The Crossing Cultures Experience was designed and coordinated by Maroondah City Council’s Arts and Cultural Services team in conjunction with The Monkami Centre, Kalinda Primary School and two indigenous Australian artists, Aunty Dot Peters and Ms Safina Fergie. The project culminated in an exciting exhibition which was showcased at Maroondah Federation Estate during Reconciliation Week to commemorate the reconciliation process.
The project began with a series of workshops conducted by the artists. Aunty Dot worked with Kalinda Primary students to learn the art of basket coiling, gum leaf and gum nut painting and feather flowers. Safina worked with members of the Monkami Centre’s art group to develop large scale canvas paintings depicting a range of personal stories through indigenous symbols and colours. Both series of workshops had a strong educational element integrated within the art making process. A strong emphasis was placed on exploring indigenous culture and heritage via local indigenous artists. Meaningful experiences were created by linking artistic processes with educational information about indigenous culture and heritage.
Aunty Dot and Kalinda Primary School
Aunty Dot Peters worked with the grade 5 and 6 students at Kalinda Primary School. The art room was a buzz of excitement as Aunty Dot shared and demonstrated her extensive knowledge about the art of basket coiling, gum leaf/gum nut painting and feather flowers. Students explored these new and exciting art forms with the help of Aunty Dot and enthusiastically continued their work with their art teacher, Mrs Lois Windridge, leading up to the exhibition.
Ms Safina Fergie and the Monkami Centre
Ms Safina Fergie worked with the Monkami Centre, an adult disability service provider. Ms Fergie worked with the students to explore the concept of recording stories in visual form using a range of indigenous symbols. This style of art was a new concept to the students and they embraced the project with amazing enthusiasm. Many hours of hard work were spent on the artwork with fantastic results.
