beanies galore at burrinja

It was terrific to attend the launch of Colours of the Country II at Burrinja. Featuring works from the Alice Springs Beanie Festival, the exhibition is a cornucopia of beanies of all persuasions.

The Beanie has been celebrated at the Alice Springs Beanie Festival since 1996, a festival that has unleashed a wonderful creative spirit, it seems there are no creative bounds for the beanie.

Pictured left to right: Ross Farnell - Executive Director of Burrinja, Jenny Francis, Marion Wheatland and Cr Samantha Dunn.

People attending the launch were encouraged to wear their favourite beanie or headwear of their choice. I had the job of judging the best two beanies and selected Marion Wheatland for her extraordinary beanie featuring sheep complete with fleece and ears and Jenny Francis, who reworked her handknitted tea cosy into a fabulous floral beanie.

The collection also features works from indigenous artists from the Central Desert region who are regular collaborators in this event.

It's a wonderful exhibition, everyone was captivated by the variety of beanies on display, from the whimsical to the beautiful, there's a beanie for everyone.

The exhibition will be on display until 15th May, 2011.