COSSACK ART AWARDS 2024

BY ASAD KHAN

 On 20th July  Saturday night, the winners of the Cossack Art Awards were announced.

The event was sponsored by a number of entities, including the City of Karratha, Rio Tinto and Fortescue.

Allery Sandy, a proud Yindjibarndi  Elder and an accomplished painter from Roebourne, won an award in the best overall category.

She said her artwork showcases the bushfires and their impact on the Country.

“My artwork represents when the big Bushfire came through not only in the Pilbara but right across the Kimberley as well and that gave me an idea of painting that style now,

“I know the Bushfire comes and clear that country,”

Allery Sandy, a proud Yindjibarndi  Elder giving her speech after being awarded in the Best Overall Category at the Cossack Art Awards

Ms Sandy said art brings the whole family together, and she loves being together and painting.

“That's all that's what matters most in my life, being close to family and just helping each other, encouraging each other and just walking together and just making the best we can in our lives and just seeing our kids are now great-grandchildren grow up and just supporting them in any ways we can,” she said.

Ellen Grochowski, a science teacher from Dampier who is passionate about the Arts, was another participant in the Cossack Art Awards.

She said the Cossack Art Awards are her highlight of the year, and this was the fourth one she attended.

Ellen Grochowski with her artwork at the Cossack Art Awards

Ms Grochowski said the Awards are very welcoming, and nobody tells you that you cannot enter the competition.

“ I really encourage everyone to have a go,”

She said her daughter inspires her artwork, which includes everything she likes.

Listen to Ngaarda Media’s Lead Journalist Asad Khan speak with Yindjibarndi Elder Allery Sandy and Ellen Grochowski: