emerge ~ opening night

The EMERGE exhibition opened on Friday February 8th at the Bowraville Art Gallery. Seventy guests attended the opening with Councillor Martin Ballangarry opening the exhibition with a welcome to country.

Guests were treated to music and songs performed by Martin’s son, Keene Ballangarry and then followed by traditional dance performed by Victor Chapman and directed by Martin with clap sticks.

The EMERGE exhibition showcases the artwork of Bowraville Indigenous artists with almost 100 works including paintings, recycled furniture, textiles, clap sticks boomerangs and other artifacts.

EMERGE aims to show the diverse styles and stories across a broad age range of Bowraville artists in time for the Federal Government’s historic apology to the ‘Stolen Generations’.

On this historic occasion on Wednesday February 13th, the Bowraville Art Gallery plays host to the local indigenous community, participating in a peaceful walk of High Street, the main street of Bowraville, to commemorate the apology.

The walk will culminate at the gallery to view the EMERGE artist’s work and celebrate the long awaited apology.

All are welcome to join us for this event and we look forward to seeing you at the gallery.

Here are a small sample of photos from the night...


L to R Julia Morrell, Judy Holland, Martin Ballangarry,
Keene Ballangarry and Victor Chapman at the opening.


Young Bowraville Art Gallery supporters on the front steps.


"The Talking Table" by Lailanih Thompson on display.


"Turtles" & "Fish Feast" by Lindsay Donovan.


"Womens Sacred Energy Site" by Raina Donovan
& "Rejuvenation" by Neil Donovan


"Gargle" Triptych by Martin Ballangarry &
"Dolphins" and "Yellowbelly" by Michael McCarthy


Bowraville Art Gallery on dusk.