Celebrating NAIDOC Exhibition Showcases First Nations Art In Casino
Acclaimed Artists And Cultural Leaders Featured In Special Gallery Exhibition
The Cassino Art Gallery will celebrate the richness, diversity and cultural significance of First Nations art when it opens its annual Celebrating NAIDOC Exhibition on Saturday, June 13.
The exhibition will feature an impressive collection of paintings, artefacts and cultural works from a variety of First Nations artists, including internationally acclaimed Yuin artist Lloyd Gawura Hornsby from Glen Innes, alongside respected Galibal Elder Noel Caldwell, widely known as Uncle Charlie.
Hosted by the volunteer-run Cassino Art Gallery, the exhibition highlights both established and emerging Indigenous artists from across the Northern Rivers and surrounding regions. Many of the works on display will also be available for purchase.
Gallery President Maree Beek said the exhibition reflects the gallery’s growing reputation for delivering high-quality cultural and artistic experiences for the community.
“We are proud to present an exhibition featuring such an impressive and varied collection of First Nations paintings and artefacts,” Ms Beek said.
“The exhibition reflects the strength of Indigenous culture and storytelling while also showcasing the extraordinary artistic talent that exists throughout our region and beyond.”
Located at 148 Barker Street, Casino, opposite the soon-to-open Casino Suspension Bridge, the gallery has become an important cultural hub through its year-round program of exhibitions and community events.
A major attraction of this year’s exhibition is the inclusion of works by Lloyd Gawura Hornsby, whose art has gained national and international recognition. A descendant of the Yuin and Chinese peoples of the New South Wales South Coast, Hornsby’s paintings have been exhibited extensively throughout Australia and overseas.
His works have featured in prestigious venues including the Louvre Museum in Paris, the Monat Gallery in Madrid and numerous galleries throughout Europe. Today, his artworks form part of both public and private collections around the world.
The exhibition will also showcase works by Noel Caldwell (Uncle Charlie), a respected Galibal Elder renowned not only for his artistic talents but also for his dedication to preserving and sharing First Nations culture. Through his work with students across the region, Uncle Charlie has played a significant role in teaching Indigenous language, dance and cultural traditions to younger generations.
As part of the exhibition program, visitors will have the opportunity to gain deeper insight into Indigenous art and culture during a special artist talk and question-and-answer session on Sunday, June 14.
The session will feature Lloyd and Wendy Gawura Hornsby alongside Dr Stuart Barlow from Southern Cross University. The free community event will be held at the gallery and is open to all members of the public.
The Celebrating NAIDOC Exhibition promises to be a significant cultural event for Casino, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience powerful stories, artistic excellence and the enduring cultural heritage of Australia’s First Nations peoples.
EXHIBITION DETAILS
Exhibition opening:
Saturday June 13, 2-4pm, Cassino Art Gallery, 148 Barker Street, Casino.
All welcome – $10 entry including a drink and nibbles.
Exhibition open days:
From June 18 – Thursdays to Saturdays, 10am-3pm; Sundays 10am -2pm. gold coin donation
July 5th to 12th during NAIDOC Week – open Monday-Friday 10am-3pm
W: www.cassinogallery.org.au
FB: www.facebook.com/cassinoartgallery
E: cassinoartgallery@gmail.com
