Sunday 15 May will be a historic milestone in the ongoing development of the Winton Wetlands project, with the opening of a major new outdoor art installation permanently showcasing the work of Yorta Yorta artists.
The opening is the culmination of several years’ dedicated work by artists and organisers to bring to the Wetlands a Sculpture Walk which will honour the surrounding land, its life and ancestors, and the ancient cultures and traditions of Yorta Yorta people.
The Sculpture Walk will be known by an indigenous title, Lotjpatj Natjan Danak, which is the ‘Yarning and Gathering Pathway to Sculptures’.
Yorta Yorta artists describe the project as a creation of cultural works that represent: Ancestors; totems and special places; spirituality; ceremonies and cultural practices; histories and knowledge systems; ecology and seasons; plants; insects; birds and animals; rivers; creeks; sky stories and ancient creations.
“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to provide a home for this fantastic Sculpture Walk,” Winton Wetlands CEO Ms Sue Lebish said today.
“Apart from displaying works of great beauty, the Sculpture Walk will help visitors to better understand the historical and living cultural dimensions of this region and our ancient Wetlands site as well as its more obvious ecological ones.
“Lotjpatj Natjan Danak will provide another powerful reason for visitors to come and enjoy the Winton Wetlands experience.”
The opening of the Sculpture Walk will be from 11am to 2pm on Sunday 15 May at Winton Wetlands, 652 Lake Mokoan Road, Winton North (area between the Hub and Café complex and the former Mokoan Yacht Club – shortly to become a new Education and Research Centre with adjoining indigenous camping ground).
The opening will be a community gathering to open and celebrate the Sculpture Walk rather than an event heavy on formality.
It will be open to any member of the public. Following short speeches, there will be opportunities to view the art, talk with some of the artists and eat and enjoy live music and other family-friendly activities
