Living On The Sandhills

Over 2020 I had the privilege of coordinating a special project centred around the Sandhills, a significant part of Narrandera's history, while completing my internship as Local Producer with the CAD Factory, being part of my Masters of Therapeutic Arts Practice at MIECAT in Melbourne.

Immersed in the narratives of the Wiradjuri artists and their families who called the Sandhills home, I was deeply inspired by the stories depicted in their artworks. Collecting plant matter from the Sandhills along with Sarah McEwan from the Cad Factory to eco dye with heavy paper, fostering connection with place, time and essence of the Sandhills. Once prepared these papers were given to the artists Owen Lyons, Michael Lyons and Dexter and Andrea Briggs as the canvas to paint their story of the Sandhills on. Artist Owen Lyons said “Kerri engaged with aboriginal artists from Narrandera to share memories from when they grew up on the Sandhills.

She used grass collected from the Sandhills to create the canvas I used in this painting. This makes it extra special, as the canvas I have painted on comes from the earth on our sacred place just on the outskirts of Narrandera. The "Sandhills" is a place all Narrandera koories hold dear to their hearts.”

It was an honour to collaborate with such talented individuals sharing their stories. I extend heartfelt gratitude to the Cad Factory’s Sarah McEwan and Vic McEwan, artists Uncle Michael Lyons, Owen Lyons, Dexter, and Andrea Briggs. Through their generosity and creativity, we were able to present these captivating artworks