Students’ stories shine through mural

As a Ngarrindjeri woman from the Coorong region in South Australia, Ms Stenhouse brought her contemporary Indigenous art expertise and cultural knowledge to the school during her two-week residency to bring the students’ stories to life.

Every student left their mark on the piece, as each of them were invited to paint a gum nut on the canvas.

Among the student body was Bryce Hudson, who also sketched and painted his Yorta Yorta totem animal, the long-necked turtle.

To officially reveal the piece, students Bryce and Bodhi Howe were given the honours of cutting the ribbon.

The unveiling ceremony began with a Welcome to Country by Uncle Peter Moser, before St Mary’s School principal Angela Fiske-Kealy reflected on the deep cultural roots which are evident and embedded in the school today.

As she welcomed Ms Stenhouse back to the school to unveil the final piece, Mrs Fiske-Kealy said Ms Stenhouse worked with all students, parishioners and parents during the process to learn what their story of St Mary’s is.

“This is the children’s story. This is what they feel about being here at St Mary’s and in Rushworth,” she said.

“They knew they could tell Emma so many things ... things that they’re proud of, whether they’re connecting with family, connections with farms and what they knew about Indigenous perspective as well.”

Speaking about the process and final artwork, Ms Stenhouse expressed pride in the students and celebrated the staff for their open arms and generosity in learning about First Nations art, culture and people.

“This little school and this little town, just now, has the biggest place in my heart,” Ms Stenhouse said.

Following the unveiling of the mural, Mrs Fiske-Kealy encouraged students to reflect on the completed piece, asking them how they felt during the creative process and which parts of the artwork belonged to them.

Parents, staff and community members then moved inside to the office for a viewing of the original canvas.