Charles Darwin University (CDU) Alice Springs artists are showcasing their work at Illumination, the 2006 exhibition of CDU’s degree and VTE (Vocational and Technical Education) visual arts courses launched yesterday (5 December).
Over 200 works are displayed at CDU’s Desert Lantern Restaurant, including sculptures, drawings, paintings, ceramics and many forms of printmaking.
Local artist Jenny Taylor took the launch as an opportunity to thank guests and celebrate the introduction of CDU’s Bachelor of Visual Arts, offered as an on campus course in 2006.
‘The degree program is a great achievement and is a testament to the support of the community,’ she said. ‘Alice Springs is the unsung arts and cultural capital of the country.’
Bachelor of Visual Arts student Jacinta Castle is completing her studies as part of a cadetship with the Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts. She shared Jenny’s enthusiasm for the course.
‘I think it’s fantastic CDU has given Alice Springs locals an opportunity to study art at a bachelors level,’ she said.
Truce Haynes is exhibiting his work Thylacine and completing a Certificate IV in Visual Arts. He said the course has opened his perspective on Indigenous art.
‘The course allows me to look at art from a theoretical and academic side, and I am able to get a deeper appreciation of art,’ he said. ‘I also understand the medium and application that goes into it.’
The exhibition runs until Sunday 10 December and many items are offered for sale.