Emerging Artists Receive Acclaim

12 July 2008

A recent exhibition of emerging artists from the Roebourne Art Group was a sell-out, drawing widespread acclaim for the talent of the local artists involved.

The exhibition featured paintings, weavings and artworks from a group of 51 local artists.

Kayleen Daniel at the emerging artists' exhibition in Roebourne

Community Investment Senior advisor Leesa King said approximately 2500 people viewed the exhibition over four weeks and almost 100 pieces of artwork were sold.

"The exhibition provided a great opportunity for emerging indigenous artists living in the Shire of Roebourne to have their art presented to a wider audience," Leesa said.

Manager of the Roebourne Art Group Sharmila Wood said the exhibition was a great morale booster for new artists.

"I believe that providing artists an opportunity to sell their paintings boosts their confidence and encourages them to keep on painting," Sharmila said.

"It is also a good way for people visiting and living in the region to learn more about Aboriginal culture and for artists to share their stories," she said.

The Roebourne Art Group has recently achieved national success with five of Loreen Samsons' paintings acquired by the Canberra National Museum and artist Pansy Hicks was a finalist in the prestigious Telstra Art Award

As part of Rio Tinto's ongoing commitment to Aboriginal arts, Rio Tinto's Pilbara Community Partnerships Programme contributed $10,000 to the exhibition to assist with art materials, displays and promotion. A further $5000 is being provided to mentoring programmes for emerging artists and $30 000 to the Ngarluma film project that will tell a series of traditional elders' stories