Alice Springs Town Camp Opens to Public
12 June 2009
An Alice Springs Town Camp is opening its doors to the public next week for an evening of family fun, and to showcase and sell its unique art works which are currently earning wide recognition in the art world.
Members of the Yarrenyty-Arltere Learning Centre at the Larapinta Valley Town Camp have been busy preparing the artworks, which include quirky soft sculptures and naturally dyed silk scarves.
“The artworks have attracted attention from all age groups and make perfect gifts for both adults and children alike”, says Yarrenyty-Arltere Arts Enterprise Development Officer Sophie Wallace.
“Our Open Night is a rare opportunity for the Alice Springs community to mingle with Town Camp residents and to experience the positive aspects of Town Camps, particularly in light of recent media.”
“T-shirts, cards and a series of small paintings, created under the theme of ‘Our Place’ will also be available on the night.”
“Visitors will also be entertained with locally produced films, a dancing performance by the Camp children, and BBQ food will be for sale.”
The soft sculptures, made from dyed blankets, reflect the themes of life around Alice Springs and include male, female and child-like dolls, witchetty grubs, redback spiders, owls, cats and even the MacDonnell Ranges.
Town Camp residents use local plants collected from traditional Western Arrernte country near Alice Springs, to make both the soft sculptures and silk scarves.
Plants include a variety of eucalyptus leaves, native mistletoe, barks and native mushroom powder or spores.
“The artists then make use of man-made objects found nearby, such as old car parts, washers, bits of metal and kitchen items, to tie into the fabric to make exquisite patterns”, says Ms Wallace.
“They are constantly coming up with new ideas, resulting in truly unique designs.”
The Yarrenyty-Arltere Learning Centre Open Night will be held on Wednesday 17 June, from 4-8pm at the Larapinta Valley Town Camp, located at the end of Blain St, Alice Springs.
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For more information contact Laurelle Halford, Creative Territory on 8953 7919 or 0417 222 211.
Additional images are available upon request.
