Sydney’s Moriah College students met acclaimed Aboriginal artist Barbara Weir who was Artist in Residence at the school last week prior to their drive to assist needy Aboriginal children living in remote areas.
The artist shared her life story with the school’s 1500 pupils ranging from preschool to Year 12. She took them on a journey to her birthplace Utopia, 240 kms north-east of Alice Springs. Yeundemu ¦a community enriched with artistic talent north west of the Alice was another stop on this magical journey.
A spokesperson for the school said that the children will gain an understanding of the challenges faced by Aboriginal children.
This week Moriah students are participating in a collection drive aimed at teaching them how to give to others in need. Through their families, the children will donate clothing, swimming aides and educational items to help Aboriginal children in need.
Curator of the Shalom College Gamarada Aboriginal art exhibition Jenny Hillman lectured the Moriah students on the subject of Aboriginal art. She told J-Wire: Heidi Melamed and I created the Kesher Shalom Gamarada initiative to link Jewish schools with the indigenous community through art. The children got involved practically¦painting and decorating T-shirts. We hope to make this an annual event involving Jewish schools in all States.
