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Evening for Educators: The Stars We Do Not See: Australian Indigenous Art

Abstract Aboriginal painting with pink, red, orange, yellow, and brown dots and lines
Wingu Tingima, Pitjantjatjara c. 1917–2010, Minyma Tjuta (Seven Sisters), 2006, synthetic polymer paint on canvas 138.0 x 205.0 cm. National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne. Purchased with funds donated by Supporters and Patrons of Indigenous Art, 2006 © Wingu Tingima / Copyright Agency, Australia 2023
Sep 29, 2026
5:15 pm - 7:30 pm
Portland Art Museum
1219 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR
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General accessibility

Overview

This significant exhibition introduces North American audiences to the diverse and distinct visual iconographies of Indigenous Australia, which is made up of more than 250 distinct Indigenous nations. Explore this rich and living history of creativity through over 200 works made by more than 130 artists. Drawn exclusively from the collection of Melbourne’s National Gallery of Victoria, The Stars We Do Not See offers a rare opportunity to experience important watershed moments of modern and contemporary Australian Indigenous art. 

Join us for an evening of learning and conversation with special guests:

  • Dr. Jessica Clark is a proud Trawlwoolway woman and a curator with a background in art history and education, born in Lutruwita/Trowunna and currently living and working on Wurundjeri Country in Naarm/Melbourne. Clark currently holds the position of Senior Curator, First Nations Art at the National Gallery of Victoria. Previous institution- based curatorial positions include: Curator at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) (2022–25); Curatorial Manager, Victorian First Peoples Art and Design Fair at Creative Victoria (2024–25); and Ursula Hoff Fellow, University of Melbourne (2024–26). Clark holds a PhD Fine Art and Music (2023), Victorian College of the Arts, University of Melbourne, of which was awarded The Chancellor’s Prize for Excellence 2024.
  • Ricky Maynard (Pakana) is a Tasmanian documentary photographer, activist, and social commentator whose work is featured in The Stars We Do Not See. He is celebrated internationally for his powerful documentary series, including his groundbreaking portraits of Wik elders—the traditional custodians of Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland.

Come away with resources to connect your students with this powerful exhibition.

Program schedule

  • 5:15–6:00 p.m. | Pre-Program Exhibition Viewing + Refreshments
    The Stars We Do Not See and the Commons, Main Museum
    Enjoy self-guided time and slow-looking conversations in the exhibition with PAM Learning staff. Light refreshments available in the Museum Commons.
  • 6:00–7:00 p.m. | Presentation + Discussion
    Whitsell Auditorium, Main Museum, Lower Level
    Presentation and discussion with Kathleen Ash-Milby, Portland Art Museum Senior Curator of Native American Art; Dr. Jessica Clark, Senior Curator, First Nations Art at the National Gallery of Victoria; and photographer Ricky Maynard.
  • 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. | Exhibition Viewing + Educator Resources
    The Stars We Do Not See and Whitsell Auditorium, Main Museum
    Discuss educator resources and spend additional time in the exhibition.
register here

Admission is free. Registration requested. PDU credits available.