News location:

Canberra Today 23°/26° | Tuesday, March 19, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

When art serves dogs with a masterstroke

Dr Michael Archinal, of Manuka Veterinary Hospital, with young dogs in the NT.
Dr Michael Archinal, of Manuka Veterinary Hospital, with young dogs in the NT.

IN the remote communities of NT, where some of our greatest art is made, creators and their canine friends mingle in an age-old partnership of affection and talent.

Now, in a masterstroke, art will serve dogs through a unique fundraiser spearheaded by two Canberra veterinarians.

Named jointly as 2015 ACT Australian of the Year award finalists for their work with Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities, Dr Alison Taylor, of Kippax Veterinary Hospital, and Dr Michael Archinal, of Manuka Veterinary Hospital, have now sourced traditional indigenous artwork from remote communities for sale and auction in a function at the Canberra Grammar Gallery.

A catalogue of the artworks lists 46 paintings for auction, but paintings and wooden artefacts will also be on sale for a fixed price.

Artwork by Lena Pula, 25cm by 35cm.
Artwork by Lena Pula, 25cm by 35cm.

Dr Taylor told “CityNews” that she and Dr Archinal made their first trip to Central Australia five years ago to work with AMRRIC and the traditional owners of Utopia, 300 kilometres north-east of Alice Springs (known to Canberrans as home to the late artist Emily Kame Kngwarreye).

With the co-operation of the Barkly and Central Desert Shires, they now cover 16 other communities, including Bonya and Harts Range.

Artwork by Lucky Morton, 30cm square.
Artwork by Lucky Morton, 30cm square.

“I think we have made a really good impact,” Dr Taylor says, referring to the dramatic drop in unwanted puppies in the communities they have serviced and the reduction in sarcoptic mange.

On one trip, they covered 25 communities in seven days and desexed about 120 animals as well as carrying out other surgeries and treatments.

Funds raised at the auction/sale and the funds raised will enable future trips.

“Canberra Mob – Indigenous Dog Health 2016 Art Auction Fundraiser,” Canberra Grammar School, Red Hill, 7pm, Friday, July 15. Tickets at $40 include entry, food and drinks, and available from Kippax Vet Hospital (6255 1242), Queanbeyan Vet Hospital (6299 2509) and Manuka Vet Hospital (6295 6089).

Who can be trusted?

In a world of spin and confusion, there’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in Canberra.

If you trust our work online and want to enforce the power of independent voices, I invite you to make a small contribution.

Every dollar of support is invested back into our journalism to help keep citynews.com.au strong and free.

Become a supporter

Thank you,

Ian Meikle, editor

Helen Musa

Helen Musa

Share this

Leave a Reply

Follow us on Instagram @canberracitynews