CIAF '25 MASTERCLASSES
Friday 11 - Sunday 13 July 2025 | Ticketed
The Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) Masterclasses are led by esteemed First Nations artists. These Masterclasses provide a unique opportunity to learn traditional and contemporary techniques directly from the masters.
Participants will explore intricate methodologies in The Art of Weaving with Helena Loncaric, honouring the ancestral practice of weaving as a vessel for storytelling and connection. Nephi Denham (Girringun Art Centre) will lead Mindi Weaving, examining both traditional techniques and contemporary adaptations. Matilda Nona will share her signature ink-making process in Printmaking with Natural Pigments. Samala Cronin (MumRed) will guide participants in working with traditional kangaroo and possum fur, combining embellishment techniques that fuse heritage with haute couture in From Fur to Feathers: Designing Bags'.Finally, Kerry Klimm will inspire critical reflections on truth-telling while participants decorate teacups in Spill the Tea on the Colony.
These masterclasses offer a rare opportunity to learn from some of the most respected artists in their fields. Whether you’re an artist, collector, or curious learner, CIAF’s Masterclasses invite you to create, reflect, and celebrate the enduring legacy of First Nations art.
Image (top): Mindi Weaving. Photograph: Blueclick Photography.
The Art of Weaving with Helena Loncaric
Friday 11 July, 10 am – 12 pm, Tanks BGVC | $150
Helena Loncaric invites participants to explore the traditional art of weaving, historically known as "women's business”. This workshop emphasises the communal aspect of weaving, where women would gather to create baskets for carrying essentials, from food to babies. Through the act of weaving, participants will engage in "yarning"—sharing stories and lessons about life, faith, and challenges. In today's fast-paced world, this workshop offers a chance to pause, connect, and be present. Open to all, including men, it aims to foster new friendships, partnerships, and a sense of family.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
“I am a First Nations woman born in Gimuy/Cairns, an artist and teacher with over 30 years' experience. I'm a mother of two teenage girls and aunty to many. My father is Croatian, and my late mother was Aboriginal, with roots in Maytown, Hopevale, Daintree, and Fraser Island. I love swimming, camping, sharing stories, and connecting with Country, fostering healing and reflection.”
– Helena Loncaric
From Fur to Feathers: Designing Bags with MumRed (Samala Cronin)
Friday 11 July, 1 pm – 3 pm, Tanks BGVC | $200
For this year’s masterclass, we’re making bags! A kaleidoscope of culture and colour in true MumRed style. Think bright colours, traditional textiles, feathers, beads, and upcycled jewellery—all coming together through cultural storytelling. We’ll be working with traditional kangaroo and possum fur alongside embellishment techniques that fuse heritage with haute couture. There will be paint pens, so participants can design the leather they use for their bags - it will involve hand sewing the precut leather with sinew and then the strap embellishments with fur and beads.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Samala's upbringing in the traditional song, dance, and stories of her father's Lardil people from the Gulf of Carpentaria, and Butchulla and Woppaburra through her mother deeply influences her design philosophy. For her, design is an act of sovereignty, honouring her ancestors and expressing her people's strength and resilience. She explains, "Designing isn’t just about clothing; it’s about sovereignty of self, reclamation of Country, and honouring our story.”
Mindi Weaving with Nephi Denham
Saturday 12 July, 10 am – 12 pm, Tanks BGVC | $150
Nephi Denham specialises in Mindi Weaving, traditionally used to create small grass baskets for personal items and message sticks. Participants will learn about the two species of lomandra used in traditional weaving and explore modern adaptations using non-traditional materials like wire, plastics, ropes, and cord. This workshop celebrates the evolution of Mindi weaving and encourages creative experimentation.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Nephi Denham, a Girramay Traditional Owner from North Murray, Queensland, is based in Tully. A master craftsman, his works include Mindi baskets, Bagu sculptures, and paintings, known for their precise lines. He assisted on the Chainsaw Gunduy Sculpture in 2014. Nephi's art, reflecting his cultural heritage, tells his family's stories and environment. He also speaks his traditional Girramay language and is a workshop facilitator at Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre.
Spill the Tea on the Colony with Kerry Klimm
Saturday 12 July, 1 pm – 3 pm, Tanks BGVC | $150
Join Kerry Kilmm for a reflective session over tea and biscuits. Kerry will share her journey and how tea symbolises black love, joy, and rage. Participants will decorate second-hand teacups with words and phrases, encouraging a dialogue about Australia's colonial history and racial violence. The workshop aims to inspire participants to think critically about truth-telling and consider ways to reduce their environmental footprint through recycling and upcycling.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
“I grew up second-hand shopping in Gimuy with my mum and aunty in the 70s and 80s, styling unique outfits. As a journalist with 30 years in media, I amplify Aboriginal voices. I love words that express my sovereignty as a blak woman. These phrases connect me to other Bama's, Bunji's, Murris, and blakfellas, reflecting our culture and history.”
– Kerry Klimm
Printmaking with Natural Pigments with Matilda Nona
Sunday 13 July, 10 am – 12 pm, Tanks BGVC | $200
Matilda Nona will demonstrate the fascinating process of turning natural pigments into ink. Participants will gain insight into the art of ink-making. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn about natural materials.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
An Argun woman from Badu Island, Matilda’s totems—the Thupmul (stingray) and Koedal (crocodile)—and her wind, the Sagerr Gub (North Easterly), are intrinsic to her identity and artistic practice. Inspired by her father, a traditional wood carver, Matilda first explored lino carving before embarking on a groundbreaking journey creating her own signature inks from natural ochres, plant extracts, and mangrove bark sourced from her homeland.