"IT'S so wonderful to see so many of you here today," began director of the Manning Regional Art Gallery Sue Mitchell, at the official opening of the Black Art White Walls exhibition. The room was filled with at least 150 people, each there to celebrate the opening of the cornerstone event of the gallery's Open Door Project.
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The ceremony was led by John Clarke OAM and Jai Davis. Greater Taree City deputy mayor, David West followed on by officially opening the exhibition.
The insightful opening address came from art curator of the exhibition Djon Mundine OAM.
Djon explained the special qualities of the exhibition, one being that it showcases a broad range of Aboriginal art from various areas. He listed destinations as far as Torres Straits, the Kimberley, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia, each from ranging from desserts to coastal areas.
Djon had the crowd laughing as he told stories from his own coastal trips as a young boy. He informed the crowd that when he re-visited at an older age, he started appreciating the environment.
He urged the audience to learn about culture, practice it, retain it and try to engage others.
"The true art of life is engaging with other people," said Djon.
Sue Mitchell finished by thanking the work of Rachel Piercy and Jane Hosking, who have contributed largely to organisation of the gallery's Open Door Project.
There are plenty more events to come including workshops with Bangarra Dance Company, contributions by the comedy team WhiteBLACKatcha and ceramic pieces will be placed and designed specifically for the Aboriginal Art Garden by Steve Williams.
There will also be film festivals, film making and entertaining performances.
The Black Art White Walls exhibition was named number one on the Australian Art Guide's recommendations top five exhibitions to see this week.
