KARLA Dickens, the subject in artist Blak Douglas’ Archibald 2022 winning portrait, Moby Dickens, paid a participative visit to Bowraville Central School on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 June.

Karla shared her personal story with the students and teachers.

Advertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

“Her life has been a busy one, making artwork and dealing with the many challenges thrown at her since childhood, including a difficult home environment as a child, and being in Lismore through the most recent flood events,” Emily Presser-King, Visual Arts Teacher at Bowraville Central School, told News Of The Area.

“On Thursday our students experienced an art workshop with Karla, who led them through a brief explanation of herself and her artwork, and on Friday the senior students and community members attended an art forum.

“The students were all captivated by her honesty and frankness in regard to her sharing about trauma and anxiety.

“She also shared with the students an insight into the many challenges of living as an artist and dealing with the professional art scene,” said Emily.

Also in attendance at the school visit was Gary Williams, a former Tent Embassy activist and chief executive of the Gumbaynggirr Murrbayy centre, and Alejandra Ramirez, who is curating a show of artworks created by the students from Bowraville Central School, St Mary’s primary school and Tallowood Steiner School, opening the morning of Saturday 1 July.

This exhibition celebrates NAIDOC week and is inspired by the 2023 theme, For our Elders.

The exhibition will showcase paintings, ceramic sculptures, furniture and more.

By Andrea FERRARI