School holiday activity: Connecting to Country through art | National Library of Australia (NLA)

School holiday activity: Connecting to Country through art

These holidays, celebrate art, culture, and storytelling with Ngunawal artists Jazz and Kristal Matthews from Wilay Designs. During the session, participants will explore the Wangka Wakanutja exhibition to be inspired by the Papunya Community’s remarkable publishing and artistic output.

Jazz and Kristal will highlight the importance of storytelling through art, introducing participants to their creative practice and the symbols and colours used in their artworks. In a relaxed environment, kids will have an opportunity to paint their own individual 30.5 x 30.5 cm canvas panel to take home, with guidance and support provided throughout.

All materials will be supplied.

This activity is suitable for children 6 to 10 years of age.

Each ticket is for one child workshop participant. Adult supervision is required, but carers do not need to book a ticket for themselves.

Light refreshments including fresh fruit, healthy snacks, and water will be provided. Please notify us of any allergies or special dietary requirements at time of booking.

A split image featuring two women. On the left, a woman with curly hair and a black hat wears a t-shirt with Aboriginal art and the text 'For Our Elders'. On the right, a smiling woman with curly hair and large earrings stands in front of artwork. A circular logo for 'Wilay Designs' with two illustrated possums is centered between them.

About Wilay Designs

Established in 2019, Wilay Designs is an Aboriginal creative partnership between sisters Jazz and Kristal Matthews - proud Ngunawal women and artists that share with passion and purpose.

Jazz resides on Country in the Australian Capital Territory while Kristal lives and works on Ngarrindjeri Country in South Australia - working across canvas art, digital design, weaving, murals and workshops. Their practice is inspired by their Ngunawal Country, personal experiences, cultural identity, family stories and the natural elements that surround them, such as the waterways, animals, native plants and places of gathering.

Their work is not only a reflection of identity and lived experience, but also a way to spark conversations about culture, share knowledge and create opportunities for connection and understanding. Through storytelling and art, Wilay Designs hopes to strengthen cultural learning and celebrate the importance of community and caring for Country.

Wilay, meaning “possum” in their Ngunawal language, holds deep personal significance. The name was chosen in loving memory of their brother LJ, who passed away from Mitochondrial disease. Because of his big beautiful brown possum-like eyes he was called “my little possum” by his family. His strength, kindness, love and shared memories continue to guide and inspire their business and creative journey.  

Event details
30 Sep 2026
10:00am – 12:00pm
$25
Brindabella Room
Accessibility
Assistance animals icon Assistance animals icon Assistance animals welcome
Wheelchair icon Wheelchair icon Wheelchair accessible
Primary school students
School holiday event

Visit us

Find our opening times, get directions, join a tour, or dine and shop with us.

Plan your visit