Art show by the community for the community

RUSTIC function space Housey Housey is set to display the works of Ballarat’s young creatives as part of the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative’s Youth Art Expo.

This Monday, the exhibition will showcase about 100 pieces from the region’s young artists, and BADAC’s Koori preschool assistant Jane Marini said there will be an eclectic range of works.

“We’ll have a lot of different things from plastics to burnt animal skins to paintings to sculptures to everything in between,” she said.

“It’s all made by our youth and our community members, and I’m looking forward to seeing the faces on the little artists when that little red spot goes on their work and someone has purchased it.”

Each piece will be for sale with all proceeds going back towards BADAC’s youth programs and the construction of a half-court basketball court at the organisation’s youth hub in Sebastopol.

BADAC is seeking $6000 to construct the court and therapeutic care clinician for the organisation’s support program Kate Clarke said she’s confident the evening will provide the funds.

“If the community comes together like the artists have then we won’t have any trouble reaching that mark,” she said.

Many of the works have been donated by community groups and local artists like Uncle Robert Watts and the Pitcha Makin Fellas alongside original art by school kids and kindergartners.

“There’ll be something in everyone’s price bracket for sure. I think we’ve got something from the Pitcha Makin Fellas for over $2000 all the way down to little pieces for like $10,” Ms Marini said.

Many of the artists will be present to talk about their work, and Ms Clarke said she looks forward to seeing everyone’s pride and effort hanging on the walls.

“It’s been really nice to watch community members putting their creative energy into something they believe in,” she said.

“The underlying message is around pride, and using creative talents and skills to generate these funds that will go back into the community. This is by the community for the community.”

Entry to BADAC’s art exhibition is by gold coin donation, and will take place from 6pm to 9m on Monday, 16 June at 12 Armstrong Street.