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Music "Ancestor" by Tjupurru. Taken from the EP Stompin' Ground

The 9 Artists who form Boolarng Nangamai met via life's journey crossing paths at West Wollongong TAFE since 1995. As teacher and fellow artist Kelli Ryan observed the artists develop, it became evident that the group was incredibly talented and had so much to share. So we are Boolarng = Together (Biripi language group) Nangamai = Dreaming ( Sydney Dhawarral language group).

The vision for Boolarng Nangamai Aboriginal Art + Culture Studio started in 2000. Kelli Ryan's mother Sheila passed away and with a small inheritance Kelli purchased land on Union Creek, Gerringong. Kelli had been teaching the artist since 1995 at TAFE and put forward the idea of building a studio. The studio backs onto Union creek - reeds naturally grow there and have been used by Aboriginal people for many thousands of years. The artist unanimously agreed to work as a team to give it a go.

A few of the artist, a team of contractors and Kelli constructed the building. Kelli personally financed the project with the banks assistance.

The 9 Artists and Kelli share a collective passion for sustaining Aboriginal Culture; since 1997- reconciliation in action. This passion has motivated us all to be where we are today and so begins a new era for Aboriginal Art & Culture to continue and develop for future generations to inherit.

BN Studio was opened by Colin Markham on 6th August 2005.

The Founding artists then formed Boolarng Nangamai Aboriginal Corporation in late 2007. This board advises on ALL cultural protocols conducted by BNAACS.

Since opening we are gaining momentum and a further 20 artists & cultural workers have joined the studio. Please make contact.

The artists come from different Aboriginal communities from New South Wales & Queensland , local traditional people as well as inland and coastal people. The Illawarra South Coast is home to the artists and Gerringong is the heart of keeping their Aboriginal Culture alive.

Acknowledgements By

Debbie Callaghan - William John Cruickshank (BJ) my son. My friends Mark Timbery (shug) and Val Cahill bless them both.

Phyllis Stewart - Glenn Jarrett my eldest brother - he has always been there, "go for it sis " he would say.

Mabel Dungay - Helen Dungay my sister who has now passed on. She you'st to pester me walkin from Port Kembla to where I live, in Berkeley, to ask me to come to the Aboriginal Medical Centre to attend TAFE. I had to give in - so if it wasn't for Helen I wouldn't be here now.

The Boolarng Nangamai artists - Kelli Ryan with her we have all stuck together, for her sense of humour, top teacher, great mate who has encouraged us all the way. Howard Jones for the knowledge he shared with us. Jim Walliss he is spot on he has been there all the way too.

Lila Lawrence - Mabel Dungay for inspiring me to be an artist.

Russell Ping - Carol Ping my sister for showing me the way to TAFE.

Bonny Foley - Stanley George Foley my Dad as he too was artistic into creative writing, song and poetry.

Noel Lonesborough - Lawrence Mearing and Janette Loughery helped me heaps in Ceramics. An appreciation to Dickie " Richard Scarborough" for his assistance & sharing knowledge on native plants. An appreciation to Kelli Ryan for giving me the opportunity to work towards my business goals.

Kelli Ryan
- Thank you to all artists for sharing the passion and vision to create Boolarng Nangamai Aboriginal Art and Culture Studio. Together we actively contribute to the awareness and sustainability of Aboriginal Culture in our community and reconciliation in our country.
- I would also like to thank the team of people involved in the construction of the building including my Dad - Terry Ryan.
- a thank you to the local community for their support.
- Thank you to my loved ones for all their support and love, especially Lyndal and Veronique.
- In honour to my late mother Sheila Ann Stewart for the strength she gives me.