February
Meet the Maker: With Sooty Welsh
For our February Meet the Maker, we’re proud to feature Sooty Welsh, a Wailwan artist who has returned home to Coonamble after many years living and working in Sydney.
Sooty is a ceramic artist whose hand-crafted pieces are richly glazed and etched with markings inspired by the traditional carvings of the Wailwan people. These ancient designs, once carved into trees and land across the region, carry a cultural rhythm that now finds new life through his pottery.
“I’ve never really thought much about being connected to Country,” Sooty reflects, “but I can feel it now it is home.”
Drawing inspiration from tree carvings, traditional tools, and cultural artifacts, Sooty’s work bridges ancient stories and contemporary expression. His creations from coolamon-inspired bowls to ceremonial pieces capture the mystery and spirit of markings that “have a magic feel about them.”
Beyond ceramics, Sooty also turns to photography and traditional artifact making to stay creatively grounded. Art, for him, is not only cultural expression but also healing.
Join us in celebrating Sooty’s creativity, resilience, and the cultural depth that shapes his artistic journey.
Meet the Maker: With Jamie-Lea Trindall & Tania Hartigan
Every artist’s journey is unique. In this Meet the Maker workshop, ARAA Board member Jamie-Lea Trindall and Artist Tania Hartigan will share their personal stories of the road that led them to the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) 2025.
From early beginnings in their communities to showcasing their work on one of the biggest national stages, Jamie-Lea and Tania will talk about the challenges, learnings, and triumphs along the way. This is a chance to hear first-hand what it takes to grow as an artist, step into new opportunities, and represent culture with pride.
November
Canva for Creatives Workshop
Join us for a hands-on workshop designed to give Aboriginal artists and creatives the skills to bring their ideas to life with Canva. Whether you’re creating posters, flyers, or social media content, this session will help you design with confidence and make your work stand out.
This workshop is open to Aboriginal artists and creatives from Regional and Remote NSW who want to strengthen their digital design skills. No previous design experience is required.
