Tales from the flames

A MONTH-long exhibition showcasing children’s artworks and stories of the Black Saturday bushfires will be held in Pakenham to commemorate its first anniversary.
Artwork from Bunyip, Garfield and Nar Nar Goon Primary School students will depict feelings and fears related to the Bunyip State Park fire and bushfires in general.
Cardinia Shire Council mayor Graeme Legge said the exhibition would feature lasting artworks through children’s eyes for the community to reflect on.
“This is a great way for all to experience local children’s creativity and emotions around the bushfires.
“It also a time to remember, one year on, the devastating Black Saturday bushfires that affected communities around Victoria,” Cr Legge said.
The exhibition, part of the Bushfire Memorial Art Project, will be held at the Cardinia Cultural Centre, Lakeside Boulevard, Pakenham from 9–26 February .
Entry is free and artwork will be featured in the foyer and gallery of the centre, with many of the artworks exhibited in frames hand–crafted for this exhibition by members of Kooweerup’s Men’s Shed.
Students worked alongside professional artists Barry Dickens and Tara Kingston in art workshops last year, creating their masterpieces.
Mr Dickens is a renowned author of adult and children’s books, a visual artist and playwright.
Ms Kingston is a visual artist who works in a wide variety of mediums and has worked with council previously, particularly on youth–based arts projects.
Council presents the project with support from the Community Recovery Fund (funded by the Federal Government’s Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and the Victorian State Government’s Planning and Community Development Fund).
For further information about the Bushfire Memorial Art Project contact council’s cultural development unit on 1300 787 624.
For opening hours of the gallery contact Cardinia Cultural Centre on 1300 887 624.