Last week, the students of Year 3 at IGS had the unique opportunity to collaborate with Bianca Caldwell, who is affectionately known by the students as Aunty B. A proud Wiradjuri woman from Narromine now based in Sydney, Aunty B has been an influential figure in Aboriginal education and art since she began her journey with Wiradjuri Dreaming in 2019. Her visit to IGS was a testament to her commitment to spreading cultural awareness and artistic expression among young learners.
Aunty B, who has been working with the Department of Education since 2017 as an Aboriginal Community Officer, led the students in an enriching workshop that combined traditional Aboriginal art techniques with personal creativity. The large canvases soon came to life under the guidance of Aunty B, as each student contributed their unique style and vision. The process began with broad, sweeping strokes and culminated in intricate dot work, reflecting the diverse visual languages and colour palettes chosen by the young artists.
Throughout the session, Aunty B shared stories and insights from her Wiradjuri heritage, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal culture. Her workshops, which include ochre painting, sand art, symbols, weaving, storytelling, and totems, aim to provide children with hands-on experiences that celebrate and preserve Aboriginal traditions.
Aunty B’s visit to IGS not only enhanced the students’ artistic skills but also deeply enriched their cultural awareness and community spirit. We are profoundly grateful for her guidance and the invaluable experiences she shared.
Check out the final artworks!
