
Red-letter day for Tannum painter
IT’S not every day that you get to work alongside a renowned Australian artist.
But that day came for Tannum Sands youngster Samara Littlemore this month when she painted with Gregory S Fergusson.
Samara met the celebrated artist on his journey to Sarina Beach to paint the portrait of acclaimed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land rights advocate Bonita Mabo.
It was a brief encounter which turned into something more when Mr Fergusson returned to Tannum Sands recently at the invitation of Samara’s parents, Kelly and Jason Littlemore, to stay at their Pacific Ranch home.
Mr Fergusson has been commissioned by the Agriculture Arts Residency Kenmore Limited to paint the portrait of Ms Mabo in celebration of her and the High Court of Australia’s famous Mabo Land Rights decision.
His respect for Samara’s artistic ability prompted an invitation for her to contribute work, in her own style, to the portrait, Bonita Queen of Land, which will be unveiled on December 2 at The Artist’s Shed Gallery in Queanbeyan.