Katrina's One Wish

Katrina's One Wish

Come along to the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum from 6pm, this Friday 4 March for the official opening of One Wish, an exhibition by local artist Katrina Elliott.  Presenting a range of photography, sculpture and assemblage works, the exhibition explores hope, health, courage and support. 

Inspired by the traditional belief of Senbazuru that states, 'If one folds 1000 cranes, one's wish will come true,' Katrina has diligently worked with staff, patients, family and friends from the Gladstone Hospital Cancer Care Unit, to fold 1000 paper cranes.  These will all feature in the exhibition along with a giant 3m wide paper crane.

"The idea for the project came about when I was touched by the impact of the crane, after photographing a client who was recently diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer," explained the exhibiting artist.  "The emotional impact of the crane not only effected her and her family, but also her friends, work colleges and total strangers.  I wanted to have the opportunity to share that emotion with others that are being effected in our region."

In Japan, the crane is a mystical creature and is believed to live for a thousand years.  As a result, in Japanese, Chinese and Korean cultures, the crane represents good fortune, longevity and is often referred to as the 'Bird of happiness'.

Within the exhibition is a hands-on origami station that gives visitors the opportunity to participate in Senbazuru.

"As a family member and a friend of someone that is undergoing chemotherapy treatment, I find myself feeling helpless not being able to take the burden of cancer away from these people we love.  I hope that this project will help bring cancer patients, family and friends together while teaching them and the wider community new skills to create beautiful, spiritual, paper crane sculptures," Katrina said.

At Friday's launch Katrina will feature as a guest speaker and Cr Gail Sellers, Mayor of Gladstone Region, will official open the exhibition.  Everyone is welcome to attend, with light refreshments provided after the formalities.  One Wish will continue on display at the Gallery & Museum from 4 March until 21 May 2016.

The exhibition received financial assistance from the Gladstone Region Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF), a partnership between the Queensland Government and Queensland local councils.  One Wish is supported by Harbour City Accounting Qld, Katrina Elliott Photography, Gladstone Valley Funerals, Hub Total Fitness and Fanelli Dental.

The Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum is located on the corner of Goondoon & Bramston Streets, Gladstone and is open 10am - 5pm, Monday to Saturday, always with FREE admission (closed Good Friday and Easter Monday, open ANZAC Day).

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