Childhood memories exhibited

Aboriginal Elders from the City of Canterbury Bankstown have used childhood memories to create ceramic works for an exhibition at Bankstown Arts Centre.

The Barambah: Cherbourg exhibition showcases more than 50 ceramic artworks, representing the Cherbourg Mission, in Queensland. The artworks is based on the childhood memories of Lorna Morgan and Gloria Peronchik, two local Elders, who grew up on the mission.

Exhibition facilitator and ceramic artist, Diamando Koutsellis, said the exhibition is a unique view into the very personal experiences of some of our local Aboriginal community.

"The town of Cherbourg, located in south-east Queensland and formerly known as Barambah, was founded as a settlement for Aboriginal people in the early 1900s," Ms Koutsellis said.

"As we know, the Stolen Generation saw many Aboriginal children forcibly removed from their homes. There were many children, and even adults, settled in the then-Barambah Mission.

"It’s taken nine months of creativity, passion and memories – both good and bad – to put this installation together. I encourage residents to come along, take a look and soak in some history lessons from a very different perspective."

Local Elders who helped Ms Morgan and Ms Peronchik, include Beverley Gilmartin, Louise Perriman, Margaret Foat, Lyn Martin, Lola Simmons and John Simmons.

Barambah: Cherbourg was launched on Tuesday 29 May, to commemorate National Sorry Day. It also includes a video installation of images and interviews with the Elders compiled by local artist Fadle El Harris. It is located in the Studio 1 Gallery at the Arts Centre and will run until Friday 29 June.

There is lots more happening at Bankstown Arts Centre, with upcoming and continuing events and activities including:

• An exhibition of work by 86-year-old artist Barbara Barber and Pamela Maldonado in the Incubate Gallery – open until Friday 29 June;

• The second Garageworks event – a monthly music night, featuring Western Sydney musicians – on Friday 29 June (7-10pm);

• Craft Circle – learn jewellery making, knitting, crocheting, paper craft and hand sewing, every Tuesday (11am-12.30pm) and Friday (10.30am-noon) until 29 June;

• World Music Choir rehearsals - every Monday during the school term (6.30-8pm), until 2 July;

• Just Photography – learn to perfect your photo-taking abilities and related digital processing skills – every Wednesday (11am-1pm) until 4 July;

• Art for Wellness – a visual arts program where you’ll learn to express yourself with colour, texture and shape – every Friday (10am-noon) until 6 July; and

• Thursday Supported Studios – a visual arts program for residents with disability, every Thursday (10am-noon), until 5 July.

For more information, call the Arts Centre on 9707 5400, or visit cb.city/artscentre