Shell Art Workshops

Imagine a time where local mob were sitting along the water, in the early morning preparing for the day ahead of fishing. Local mobs collecting shells and middens to make fishing hooks, carving tools, and jewellery. Connecting traditional practices with modern day contemporary art – these shell art workshops will deliver a special and unique experience for all.

Shellwork is a unique practice in the La Perouse community. It has been passed down from mother's, aunt’s, and grandmothers over generations. It originally began as a tourism market, where women and children would collect small shells along the beach and create art such as boomerangs, jewellery boxes and shoes to sell to the wider community.

The community of La Perouse continues to create Shellwork to educate and share the knowledge of their old people with the broader community and younger generations. Shellwork Art is often exchanged as gifts to distinguished guests to Sydney such as Royalty. It still remains a significant part of their community as the traditional people of Coastal Sydney.