Arts of glass send anti-dope message

Erin Pearson
AN EXHIBITION of glass art at Geelong Hospital has helped spread a message that cannabis is unwelcome in Aboriginal communities, according to organisers.
The Cannabis is not our Culture exhibition visited the hospital as part of NAIDOC Week celebrations of Aboriginal and Islander culture.
Norlane Aboriginal artist Kerrie Black said art was vital to reducing inequalities between Aboriginals and the wider community.
“I think each individual Aboriginal person plays a big role in fixing this because you need to be yourself to show the stereotype shouldn’t be there,” she said.
“It’s important to teach the wider community about our culture so they understand.”
Ms Black said art helped bring communities together.
“Art is something that’s easy to recognise and describe,” she said.
“Sometimes you can sit and talk about things but people don’t get the message. This way if you look at the artwork you can understand the message better.”
Ms Black said her opposition to drugs inspired her exhibition contribution, Beyond Smoke and Mirrors.
“With support, when you walk you don’t feel alone and this is represented in my work,” she said.
“I now hope to work further on the project and work more with the community to get the message out there that marijuana isn’t good for you.”
The Wathaurong Arts and Glass exhibition launched in Sydney earlier this year and will travel to Barwon Health’s Torquay Community Health Centre next week.