Cabbage Tree Island art on show
An exhibition promoting the people of Cabbage Tree Island’s connection to country through the land and sea is the realisation of the long-held dream of the late Mrs Lorna Kelly, Byron Bay Arakwal and Bundjalung Elder.
The exhibition provides a glimpse of life on Cabbage Tree Island, a small island in the middle of the Richmond River near Wardell that was founded as a community more than 100 years ago.
Cape Byron Reserve manager Sue Walker said the exhibition demonstrates the Aboriginal heritage and culture of the artists of Cabbage Tree Island who use ‘The People of the Reeds’ as their signature.
“Before she sadly passed away in late 2005, Lorna Kelly had a special connection with the artists of Cabbage Tree Island and it was her dream to hold this exhibition,” Ms Walker said.
“The painters tell the stories told to them by Elders and the memories they have of growing up on the island.
“The artists have used the colours of their environment including sugar cane, sky, earth ochres and trees to bring life into their work.”
The Third Annual Textiles and Paintings Exhibition from the People of the Reeds, Aboriginal artists of Cabbage Tree Island, will be held at the Cape Byron Lighthouse from Wednesday 12 December 2007 to Friday 14 February 2007.
The community is invited to the opening on Wednesday 12 December 2007 at 11.30am at the Cape Byron Lighthouse which will include a fashion show and a painting exhibition.
The exhibition is the work of the Bunjum Aboriginal Corporation Arts and Crafts in association with ACE North Coast.
