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Maree Clarke's stunning glass canoe, Yawa, to be unveiled in Cowes Public Art Celebration on 14 June 2025

Renowned artist Maree Clarke unveils Yawa, a stunning glass canoe celebrating culture, community, and Country at Berninneit, Cowes, on 14 June 2025, with public ceremonies and mayoral address.

By news@gippsland - 26th May 2025 - Back to News

Renowned artist Maree Clarke is soon to unveil her latest masterpiece - Yawa (Long Journey), commissioned by Bass Coast Shire Council as a significant addition to the public art landscape in the region. The unveiling event on Saturday, 14 June 2025, will be open to the public and include a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony and speech by Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Rochelle Halstead.

Yawa's creation involved community workshops with over 300 participants who contributed to the Murrini glass panel designs. Led by Maree Clarke, her family members - [L-R] Mitch Mahoney, Nicholas Hovington, and Wade Mahoney - joined her in this project at Berninneit

Spirit in glass

This captivating artwork, comprising 30 intricately crafted Murrini glass panels, will form a breathtaking glass canoe suspended overhead the grand hall at Berninneit, Cowes. Clarke, a celebrated First Nations artist of Yorta Yorta, Wamba Wamba, Mutti Mutti, and Boon Wurrung heritage, brings her profound cultural insight and collaborative creations to Yawa.

The artwork melds traditional craftsmanship with contemporary vision whilst highlighting the delicate play of light and colour inspired by the surrounding wetlands and ocean. Fabricated at Canberra Glassworks, Yawa spans an impressive 5000 x 565 x 290 mm (LWH), crafted from glass, stainless steel wire, and powder-coated steel. Its patination captures the essence of river reeds, further enriching its connection to the local environment.

Integral to Yawa's creation were community workshops held in January 2025, where over 300 participants contributed to the patterns adorning the Murrini glass panels. Led by Maree Clarke alongside three generations of her family - Kerri Clarke, Wade Mahoney, Mitch Mahoney, Molly Mahoney, and baby Yarran Clarke-Mahoney - these workshops enriched the artwork with shared cultural practices and community spirit.

Connected through art

As community members have commented:

"What a fabulous experience to participate in. Maree's vision and skill is outstanding, and the beautiful, collective creation happened so naturally. I loved being part of it and hearing about Maree's other inspired work" - Tony Norquay

"As a grateful community member, it was a powerful, inspiring experience. Thank you, Maree" - Anne Davie

"How lovely, communal, connected, creative. Maree is a wonder" - Annie Mac

Bass Coast Deputy Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari is looking forward to the unveiling of this powerful piece, shaped by local hands and brought to life through the collaboration of community and First Nations artists. "Public art can really liven up our public spaces, making them bright and welcoming and make us all feel more connected to one another.

"I've really enjoyed seeing our community come together to help build Yawa, this amazing piece of First Nations art. It'll be great to see it unveiled for everyone to enjoy at Berninneit," said Cr Tessari. For more information about Yawa, visit Bass Coast Cultural Venues website.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com