Winton Wetlands in association with the Winton Wetlands Creatives is proud to present a series of activities in support of the Benalla Heritage Festival 2024. These activities are happening over two days – Friday 3 May and Saturday 4 May.
(Image: Detail from artwork by Coree Thorpe, as part of outdoor sculpture walk, Lotjpatj Natjan Danak)
3pm-5pm Friday 3 May
Yorta Yorta Heritage and Living Culture – Talk by respected Yorta Yorta elder Aunty Cheryl Cooper, and short guided sculpture walk with Dr Lisa Farnsworth, Restoration Manager, and Nikki James, Koorie Cultural Officer. Includes viewing of giant tapestry quilt and afternoon tea.
10am-1pm Saturday 4 May
Art journaling at Greens Hill – An informal gathering to observe and note eras of change evident at this historic site, guided by artists and enthusiasts Jana Brook and Valerie Crosse.
1pm-3pm Saturday 4 May
Artists and art lovers inspired by the wetlands meet at the Mokoan Hub & Café to share their stories and strengthen connections.
3pm-4pm Saturday 4 May
Official opening of the Winton Wetlands Creatives online art portal showcasing the work of wetlands-inspired artists of many kinds. Short talks by special VIP guests, Eric Nash, Director of the Benalla Art Gallery, and Rachel Arndt, Director of the Wangaratta Art Gallery.
Yorta Yorta Heritage and Living Culture
As part of the Benalla Heritage Festival 2024, Winton Wetlands is honoured to host a special event highlighting the Living Heritage of Mokoan.
Mokoan is the name given to the area by the Yorta Yorta people, traditional custodians of the land. It lives on today in the name given to the venue for this event – the Mokoan Hub & Café at Winton Wetlands.
Yorta Yorta elder Aunty Cheryl Cooper and Winton Wetlands’ Koorie cultural officer Nikki James will talk about the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Mokoan, a site which has experienced a colourful and at times traumatic history. Aunty Cheryl will also tell a remarkable and very modern story of a tapestry quilt created by a talented group of Yorta Yorta women. This will be the final public viewing of the tapestry before it goes on tour outside of this region.
The talk and viewing will be followed by a short guided walk (for those who have time) to view some nearby outdoor sculpture works with the added benefit of wetland science commentary by Dr Lisa Farnsworth and Yorta Yorta cultural commentary by Nikki James.
3-5pm – Friday 3 May. Mokoan Café & Hub. 652 Lake Mokoan Road, Winton North. Booking
Image: Detail from Yorta Yorta tapestry quilt.
Art and Journaling at Green’s Hill
Art journaling is a form of art which entails making notes on loose paper or in a bound journal, often including drawings, mark-making, painting, and collage.
The focus is more on understanding the process of creation and providing an opportunity for self-expression rather than achieving a specific end result. It’s interesting and fun!
In this event, people interested in journaling will meet and explore the site of an old homestead at Green’s Hill (Winton Wetlands) and observe the changes, both human-induced and natural, that can be observed at this landmark site.
All welcome, including beginners. Instruction given to beginners. Artists Jana Brook and Valerie Crosse will be on hand throughout.
BYO sketching and journaling gear. (Basic journaling materials can be purchased from Carlisle Art in Benalla if needed.)
Something to sit on. Sunscreen and insect spray. Suitable clothes including sun/rain protection if needed.
10am-1pm – Saturday 4 May. Greens Hill, Winton Wetlands. Free. Booking required.
Afterwards, participants are welcome to go on to the Mokoan Hub & Café to share the morning’s work and join in a ‘Meet the Artists’ festival event happening there from 1-3pm. (This is a separate event. Free but booking required.)
(Green’s Hill is best accessed by Lake Mokoan Road. Turn right into Boggy Bridge Road if travelling north. Left into Boggy Bridge Road if travelling south. Then follow signage to Greens Hill – right hand turn required. Park at carpark on top of hill.)
Artists and Art Lovers Unite!
Artists and art lovers will come together in an informal gathering to share their perspectives and experiences around wetlands-inspired art.
Some may bring samples of their work along for viewing.
The event aims to encourage interaction between all people with a shared interest in creativity at our amazing wetland location which has long been a Mecca for all manner of creative endeavours from painting, sketching and tapestry through to photography and film making – and more.
This informal gathering from 1-3 pm is happening in the lead-up to the official opening of a new online portal for wetlands-inspired art and artists, created by the Winton Wetlands Creatives, an informal artists group. (See separate event and booking information for the official opening event.)
1-3pm – Saturday 4 May. Mokoan Hub & Cafe, Winton Wetlands. 652 Lake Mokoan Road, Winton North. Free. Booking requested.
Official launch of online portal for the Winton Wetlands Creatives
As an initiative of Winton Wetlands’ Creatives, an online ‘Creatives’ portal has been established.
This web presence enables artists of all mediums and interests, who take their inspiration from their connection with the Wetlands, an opportunity to present their works to an online audience. The WWC portal features not only the artist’s works but also artist’s statements, biography and contact links.
The WWC will be co-launched by Rachel Ardnt, Director of the Wangaratta Art Gallery and Eric Nash, Director of the Benalla Art Gallery, who will talk about art, culture and heritage inspired by nature.
BOOKINGS are FREE though spaces are limited – Bookings essential
Refreshments can be purchased from the Hub’s Café.
Image: Milky Way view at night by the Art Tank. Rob Embury.
