So happy to recieve two signed books this week, from Canada.

My dear friend Kim who was like an Aunty when I was growing up in Tasmania, gave Magic Fish Dreaming to her friend, Michael Arvaarluk Kusugak, author of Northern Lights the Soccer Lights and he gave her a signed copy of this and another one of his books, Hide and Sneak to give to me.

Thrilled to receive these today, with a note and some lovely photographs, card and pot holder from Kim herself, who is creative.

‘In Spring 2018, June Perkins contributed some of her written works to the Words and Pictures project at Queensland Art Gallery. Each season we invite local artists and authors to respond to artworks in the Australian Collection.

While these poems and stories were on display, June led an enthusiastic group of children and their grandparents around the gallery on a special tour for Grandparents Day.

June was also invited back to QAGOMA to perform for three days at the APT9 Summer Festival Relax by the River space where she read some of her stories and Magic Fish Dreaming poems to a delighted audience of families.

June is a joy to work and collaborate with, she is organised and has consistently shown solid dedication to her projects at the gallery. June is also a captivating storyteller, she has a careful and considered style of communicating and genuine interest in exploring ways to engage the listener.’

Laura Mudge, Senior Program Officer, Children’s Art Centre, QAGOMA

Sophie Dixon, A/Project Coordinator, Exhibitions Management, QAGOMA

Hannah Grzesiak, Public Programs Officer, Public Programs, QAGOMA

Taken by Natasha Harth – QAGOMA – APT 9 Summer Festival

June Perkins with the Kiribati Community storytellers and Roshni, Taken by Natasha Harth – QAGOMA – APT 9 Summer Festival

Report on APT 9 Summer Festival Storytelling Session From Pearlz Dreaming Blog.

It was so much fun to share these poems and the story behind their inspirations.

I loved performing my new ‘Brolga’ poem and ‘Cassowary Chat’ with the help of the children and two home made puppets.

Some other poems performed were ‘Giggle Poems’, ‘Curtain Fig Tree’, ‘River Song’,’Brahminy Kite’, ‘Discovering Magic’, and ‘Magic Fish Dreaming.’ I varied it a little each day, but performed the participatory puppet poems every day!

The setting by the river under the shade of a tree was just perfect, and cool and comfortable for families.

Thank you so much to all those families who stopped to listen and participate in the storytelling.

A big thanks to Laura, Roshni, David and my family for their supports on the day and Hannah for support in the lead up. As well as to Maree from Deaf Services Queensland, for her Auslan of the poems.

Working hard towards some new poems, and especially keen to include the Brolga poem in a new collection for children.

Whilst the festival is over, the exhibition continues and you can find out more here. APT9 DETAILS

June  Perkins