Local and well-known Indigenous artists will be featured in the foyer of Orange Regional Museum during NAIDOC Week.
Works from artists such as Tex Skuthrope, is a Nhunggabarra man from Goodooga, Nhunggal country in northwestern New South Wales, will hang in the Museum until December 6.
The theme for NAIDOC Week 2020 is Always Was, Always Will Be.
The theme recognises that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s ongoing spiritual and cultural connection to this country.
Museum Collectons manager Allison Campbell putting up the exhibits for the NAIDOC Week exhibition.
Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said, the exhibition was a fitting way to acknowledge and celebrate NAIDOC Week in Orange given many of the traditional events were not able to go ahead.
“This wonderful exhibition showcases a local artist’s perspective on this region, this community and the people who have lived here for thousands of years,” Cr Kidd said.
“We aren’t able to celebrate in the usual way this year because of COVID-19, so take this opportunity to stroll down to the Museum and spend some time reflecting on local stories.”
Artist, Tex Skuthrope, is a painter, educator and custodian of traditional stories and was awarded Aboriginal Artist of the Year by NAIDOC in 1990/1991.
His art works have been exhibited at the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Gallery, Australian Museum, Old Parliament House, the Opera House, New Parliament House, Perspecta 99 and the Japanese Cultural Centre – Incubana Exhibition.
Orange City Council’s Services Policy Committee Chair Scott Munro said the Council was honoured to exhibit work from such a well-respected artist.
“It is a privilege to have this opportunity right on our door step,” Cr Munro said.
“This selection of Aboriginal artists’ work demonstrates ongoing, living connections to culture, community and Country spanning generations.”
Two of Tex’s artworks will be on display in the Museum, as well as works by his children Annette O’Neill, David O’Neill and Brodie O’Neill.
The work of Sandon Gibbs O’Neill, an accomplished Nhunggabarra artist and grandson of Tex, is also featured in the exhibition.
Annette had this to say about the display, “To see these artworks come together as a family exhibition is great. It represents generations of artists. We learnt off Dad, Tex. He taught us our heritage and culture. It goes right through the family, it shows in our family’s art.”
The Museum has prepared a NAIDOC week Monday at the Museum (At ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾!) activity sheet, which will be available for download on the website after Monday 9 November.
This resource has been created with 3-5 year olds in mind and features imagery by Sandon Gibbs O’Neill.
The NAIDOC display opens to the public from 9am on Saturday 7 November to 6 December 2020. Orange Regional Museum is open daily from 9am to 4pm.
