TWO Gunditjmara artists have been given an opportunity to expand their arts practice by creating a mural on the north-facing external wall of the Two Rivers Gallery at Tyrendarra.

Not only that, but they will also be able to work with an experienced local mural artist who will guide them in the design, development and production of the mural.

Cloaked in Colour is an exciting opportunity for these developing artists which has been funded by Creative Victoria’s Creative Ventures 2022, First Peoples’ project.

The Creative Ventures Program supports creative organisations to generate content, work and opportunities.

The mural will take inspiration from the Gunditjmara possum skin cloak to create a contemporary and colourful design for the gallery, said project manager of the gallery, Deborah Saunders.

“Gunditjmara possum skin cloaks are traditionally gifted to a child and worn from birth, with more skins attached as the child grows,” said Ms Saunders.

“The possum skin cloak holds the identity and stories of the owner through the patterns that are engraved and painted with ochre on the inside of the cloak. The mural design will be developed by the Gunditjmara artists to reflect their ties to country.”

The two artists, Kellie Frankland-Saunders and Brett Clarke are delighted to be able to work with experienced mural artist Nathan Pye, who will guide them in the design, development and production of the mural over a series of three design workshops.

The workshops will include shared stories and experiences, and recognise and value the Gunditjmara artists in their connection to culture and country.

Mr Pye teaches art at South West TAFE and was one of Ms Saunders’ own teachers at the Warrnambool campus when she was completing her Diploma of Visual Arts.

“We had to have someone with his level of knowledge for this project and he’s such a good fit … the other artists have all reacted so well with him,” said Ms Saunders.

The artists are all thrilled about the project and the opportunity to develop skills, knowledge, confidence and connections under Mr Pye’s mentorship.

“I’m really excited to be involved with the project (and the opportunity) to share my cultural story about connection to country, and the importance of caring for sacred land and waterways for future generations to enjoy,” said Mr Clarke.

Ms Frankland-Saunders is equally enthusiastic. “It’s just wonderful to be a part of this project … to be able to share my culture and my art with the community and to be able to promote the Two Rivers Gallery.”

Assistant project manager Amira Nicholson will also be working with Mr Pye and the other artists and contributing some of her own designs for the mural.

The Two Rivers Gallery at Tyrendarra is situated on the doorstep of the Budj Bim World Heritage Cultural Landscape and is part of the Great South Coast Tourism Trail.

The public artwork will expose visitors and travellers to Gunditjmara culture, images and stories.

Open to people from all cultures, the gallery provides easy access for people with limited mobility. Large visual images make it accessible to those with limited vision.  

The culture and history depicted by contemporary Gunditjmara artists will be freely available for the community to view and engage with, including through the placement of interpretative signage for when the gallery is closed.

“The Two Rivers Gallery is the only gallery in south-west Victoria that focusses on nurturing local First Nation artists,” Ms Saunders said.

“We currently exhibit work by 20 First Nation artists who will also benefit from increased exposure.

The new mural, depicting “strong visual images on the exterior of the gallery will make it very clear we exhibit Indigenous artists, and increase the number of people who will stop at the gallery”, she said.

“This means increased potential for sales and more income for the artists.”

The gallery is an extension of South West Alternative Medium Project Inc (SWAMP), an Indigenous-led, volunteer-managed, not-for-profit community arts organisation which provides an alternative approach to community health and well-being through the arts.

SWAMP Inc has been operating in the Glenelg Shire for 15 years. It relocated to Tyrendarra four years ago from Portland after the purchase of a decommissioned church to operate an art gallery and community art space.

The Two Rivers Gallery officially opened on April 1, 2021. It provides a space for the artists to display and sell their artwork, holds regular community workshops and demonstrations, and provides a space for other art-based events.

It will be celebrating its second birthday this weekend, April 1-2.

There will be great specials on offer, Ms Saunders said, and it will be open from 10am to 4pm on both days.