Marramarra: Creation Workshops - August 2024
During the 200 year commemoration of the Declaration of Martial Law a series of workshops occurred across 5 days:
A possum-skin demonstration with Wiradyuri Elders Aunty Gloria Rogers, Aunty Sharon Riley, and Tina Leaman where participants created own possum-skin wristbands.
A tool demonstration and strong making workshop with Wiradyuri men, Dr Jonathon Jones and Josh Simpson.
A weaving workshop with Wiradyuri weaver, Jessika Spencer, using traditional and modern techniques and fibres.
30 participants participated in each workshop which took place at Bathurst Regional Art Gallery, each weekday from 12-16 August. A
A surveys of participants asked about knowledge gained, wellbeing before and after the workshop with most respondents rating their knowledge gain between 8-10 and many reported improved or high wellbeing during the event.
Some comments and feedback included:
“It was amazing how much of a sense of community can be built in such a short workshop.”
“Presenters are great with sharing their knowledge and getting discussions happening. Thankyou”
“Excellent workshops, well presented. More along the same lines would be great.”
“Very grounding and profound possum skin workshop.”
“Engaging in culture and meeting mob is always healing Engaging in culture and meeting mob is always healing.”
“The workshops were a welcoming, comfortable, and friendly space where food and drink where well provided.”
“As I say, yindyamarra the way of respectfully listening and doing slowly and the sharing of culture in the workshop space has been a revelation.”
“Ive never had the opportunity to do a workshop like this before. I learnt a simple but effective skill and now I have a beautiful new bracelet!”
Photos by Greer Films
