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First NationsA stunning celebration of local Boon Wurrung/Bunurong country by Indigenous Australian artist/educator Shanai Kellett has been printed on a premium silk scarf that will raise money for World Vision.
Shanai was commissioned to paint Coral Coast Moonlight by Australian fashion retailer Blue Illusion, which has produced it on a premium silk scarf beautifully packaged in a box that tells the story of the artwork and the artist.
World Vision Ambassador and Indigenous model Samantha Harris modelled the scarf and 7 per cent of sales go to World Vision Australia’s First Nations programs.
A proud Yorta Yorta/Juru descendant who grew up in Boon Wurrung/Bunurong country, Shanai’s design was inspired by her surroundings and their history. Now living on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, she learned about Aboriginal culture as a child and was inspired to paint by her mother, artist Kim Lampton.
Her maternal great grandparents were Sir Douglas Nicholls KCVO OBE JP, a star Australian Rules footballer, pastor and former Governor of South Australia, and leading Aboriginal activist Lady Gladys.
Shanai, who designed Carlton’s 2022 AFL Indigenous Round jumper, is focussing on art this year and developing an education consultancy. Through her work, she hopes to create a dialogue in which Indigenous and non-Indigenous people continue to reconcile.
The experienced First Nations Educator is also on the First Nations Advisory panel for the Know Your Country coalition, which is campaigning to put First Nations Educators into all Australian primary schools.
“I was honoured to be asked to create a piece of artwork through story work that reflects my surrounding environment, connecting people of different walks of life together to discuss and learn about Aboriginal culture,” Shanai says.
“I hope that the collaboration with Blue Illusion will provide opportunities for Indigenous children to receive the support and care that they deserve.”
Blue Illusion has partnered with World Vision Australia since 1998 and sponsors a child for every store. It holds an annual ‘styling workshop’ with 7 per cent of sales going to World Vision. This year on May 26, Blue Illusion sales will support World Vision Australia’s First Nations programs. Customers can also request an in-store styling session that can be booked directly online.
The scarf retails for $149.99 and is available in stores or online at www.blueillusion.com