An exhibition commencing at Ararat Gallery TAMA this weekend will celebrate one of the most respected First Nations artists practicing contemporary weaving.

The JamFactory ICON 2025 exhibition ‘Aunty Ellen Trevorrow: Weaving Through Time’ will start with an artist talk from Ms Trevorrow at the gallery from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday.

The exhibition traces Ms Trevorrow’s artistic journey as a weaver, honouring her decades-long commitment to culture, community and innovation in weaving.

It brings together predominantly new works she developed with long-time collaborator Jelina Haines, along with earlier pieces that show the evolution of her practice.

Ms Trevorrow, a Ngarrindjeri woman, is an internationally recognised artist with more than 40 years of weaving experience.

She weaves with freshwater rushes harvested on Ngarrindjeri land, describing her process as an interplay between the weaver, country and her ancestors.

Best known for large-scale works including ‘Kondoli (Woven Whale)’ and ‘Pondi (Murray Cod)’, as well as traditional forms including sister baskets, Ms Trevorrow’s practice now also encompasses wearable garments, jewellery and textiles in traditional and contemporary forms.

Curated by Ngarrindjeri, Kaurna and Narrunga woman Carly Tarkari Dodd, Weaving Through Time reflects Ms Trevorrow’s growth as an artist, storyteller and cultural leader.

The exhibition includes works incorporating small weavings by students Ms Trevorrow taught at Camp Coorong, contrasting their imperfect ovals with her precise weaving to form bags and necklaces.

Ararat Rural City Mayor Bob Sanders said it was an honour for Ararat to host the exhibition.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity for our community to experience the work of a highly respected Ngarrindjeri elder and artist, here in Ararat,” he said.

“Aunty Ellen’s weaving holds stories, memories and knowledge that have been carried across generations, and it is a privilege for us to help share those stories with local residents, visitors and especially our young people.

“Ararat’s galleries and creative spaces play an important role in bringing people together.

“An exhibition of this calibre builds on that, inviting us to slow down, listen and learn from First Nations knowledge holders in a very grounded and personal way.”

Adelaide’s JamFactory helped develop the exhibition, which is accompanied by a 120-page monograph written by curator Ms Dodd, with contributions from Dominic Guerrera, Dr Haines and Ms Trevorrow.

The exhibition forms part of a national tour across South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland, giving audiences across the country an opportunity to encounter Ms Trevorrow’s work and enduring Ngarrindjeri weaving traditions.

For more information and to reserve a place at the free artist talk, people can visit www.araratgallerytama.com.au/event/aunty-ellen-trevorrow-artist-talk.

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