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Eatonsville hall talks story

cvi   More than 60 people turned up to Eatonsville hall last Saturday February 27 to share their stories of the hall, as part of Arts Northern Rivers’ If These Halls Could Talk project. Eatonsville was one of seven successful halls from across the Northern Rivers selected for the project. Each of the halls and communities will engage an artist to turn their hall’s unique story into a work of art. Local Yaegl woman and visual artist, Frances Belle Parker, will be working within the Eatonsville community to create a work inspired by the stories and people of Eatonsville hall and its surrounds. “I have a deep connection to this country,” Ms Parker said. “Art is the way I document; the way I tell stories. “It is so important for the community to share their stories with me because this is how I will be able to create the work.” Eatonsville residents told stories of flood, fires, love and loss. Some were humorous, too, with one resident recalling parties held at the hall. “We would always get in trouble because we would spend the whole night running and sliding along the floorboards,” the resident said. “My brother still has a splinter that was pulled out from a particularly good one.” Arts Northern Rivers CEO Peter Wood said: “Eatonsville hall has a very distinct personality, and therefore part of the project is to make sure the artist suited the hall’s narrative. “The outcome for the project will be a big celebration at the hall at end of 2016, to reveal the artwork, followed by an exhibition at Grafton Regional Gallery in early 2017.” Mr Wood said a book documenting the project will be also produced. Anyone interested in contributing to the project is encouraged to do so by sending their stories and images of Eatonsville hall to hello@ifthesehallscouldtalk.com.au or by calling Arts Northern Rivers on 6628 8120 The If These Halls Could Talk project is funded by Arts NSW Regional Partnership funding and Regional Arts NSW Regional Arts Fund.