Artist Jimmy Pike to take part in art program at Broome Prison

27/4/98

Attorney General Peter Foss today announced that internationally renowned artist Jimmy Pike had agreed to share his talent with Aboriginal prisoners at Broome Regional Prison during a specialised art program this week.

"This innovative program, funded by the Departments of Education Employment and Training and Youth Affairs, will go a long way in promoting education, training and employment opportunities in art and design," Mr Foss said.

"Jimmy Pike is just one of several Aboriginal mentors with different attitudes and styles, to provide an insight into developing a career in art."

The program will cater for about 25 Aboriginal prisoners who have demonstrated artistic ability or an interest in art as a career. It will encourage participants to move beyond the acrylic-on-art-board style prevalent in correctional facilities to more commercial art forms

This artist-in-residence program is being run by Zoy Crizzle, co-ordinator of art programs within WA prisons.

"There are opportunities for Aboriginal people to pursue meaningful employment in art-related fields but often they are not aware of how to pursue this," Mr Foss said.

"Through this program they will develop understandings in dealing with galleries and art dealers and what the commercial market is looking for in terms of art.

"They have a unique opportunity to see renowned artists such as Jimmy Pike, Valerie Brand and Irene Wyborn and others demonstrate their diverse skills and share their experiences during the workshop sessions."

From their new found knowledge it is hoped the prisoners will exhibit in the Prison Art Exhibition in September and participate in the National Aboriginal and Islander Day Art Exhibition in Broome in July.

Media contact: Chris Morris 08 9321 2222

NOTE:

Jimmy Pike's work appears in the National Gallery and major collections around Australia and overseas. Most of his work takes the form of traditional landscapes and Dot Painting. He has been the illustrator for three books, including the award winning children's book Yinti.

Valerie Brand is renowned for her exquisite carvings of emu eggs and boab nuts and is highly accomplished with ceramics. As a former lecturer in art in Perth she can give an insight into training opportunities for Aboriginal artists. Valerie is also respected for her style of painting that mixes traditional Aboriginal styles with contemporary techniques.

Broome-based artist Irene Wyborn will demonstrate her artistic style and discuss the opportunities for artists to sell their art through local co-operatives and galleries. She is a member of a cooperative of artists around Broome who manage and sell their artwork through their own store 'Simply Broome'.

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