A GROUP of 32 emerging, mid-career, and professional artists brought their culture, creativity, and quest for knowledge to UMI Arts’ four-day acrylic painting workshop this week.
Guided by workshop facilitator, successful First Nations independent artist and Widiworks Aboriginal Art Gallery owner Connie Rovina, participants embraced the opportunity to get inspired while exploring and learning about the world of acrylic painting – from selecting the appropriate canvas to priming techniques, colour layering, brushwork, and lacquering.
Ms Rovina said participants ranged in age from teenagers to senior Elders, and everyone who attended did so with a passion and willingness to learn.
“What impressed me most was the community atmosphere, knowledge sharing, and willingness to experiment while incorporating personal stories into the design elements,” she said.
“The artworks produced are just stunning.”
UMI Arts Artistic Director Lisa Michl Ko-manggén OAM expressed her admiration for the dedication and effort displayed by the participants, regardless of their diverse ages and backgrounds.
“The participants were clearly motivated by the opportunity to have their artworks featured in our exhibition program,” she said.
“I am excited to present these pieces in UMI’s upcoming annual Summer Show.”
Central to UMI Arts’ Side by Side programming, further workshops are planned and will be delivered in the coming months.
In addition, all members of the wider community are invited to attend free art and craft workshops presented at the 16th annual Big Talk One Fire festival on 7 September in Munro Martin Parklands.
Keep up with the latest news in Cairns and the Far North, and check out some of our top stories this week: Be a marine biologist for a day with Passions of Paradise and Cairns comedians to honour Maddi Sivyer with Mad For Life.
