The Importance of Art and Faith in the life of Shirley Purdie

The Importance of Art and Faith in the life of Shirley Purdie

Shirley Purdie is a senior Gija artist at Warmun Art, a strong law and culture woman, and an important ceremonial singer and dancer in the community. Shirley was born at Mabel Downs Station in the Kimberley region in 1948.  Shirley is a world renowned artist that uses her art to express her culture and her faith.

The slideshow (accessed by clicking on the image of Shirley ) will take students though a youtube clip of Shirley discussing faith and guides students through refection and art activities.

 Display the crosses at the Church entrance on Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Sunday

The crosses they make in the first activity in the exercise above could be used near the entrance to your local Parish Church welcoming people on Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Sunday.

Students physically assist with staking the crosses into the ground, or alternatively placing them around the entrance to the Church, on the Friday prior.

It can be a means of connecting local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to the Church.