Art group smashes sales records

An art group’s Karratha city shopfront has smashed sales records, providing a timely financial boost to its artists ahead of Christmas.

Roebourne Art Group held a heavily discounted two-day sale at Pelago East where they broke their previous sales records by the afternoon of the first day.

RAG chief executive Rex Widerstrom admitted the volume of high-end sales had surprised him.

“There have been a lot of people walking away with thousands of dollars’ worth of art, which has been gratifying, ” he said.

“In our first day here we sold more than we sold in a two-week exhibition hanging in Perth.

“I think the fact (Pelago) is more accessible than (Roebourne) has certainly helped.”

RAG manager Loreen Samson said being able to share the stories in their artwork with a wider audience was an achievement.

“It was good to bring it to Karratha’s doorstep to show everyone what is out there, share our culture and why we do our artworks, ” she said.

“I think it opened the eyes of non-indigenous people who can come and share the stories of our people.”

Buyers on Saturday got an extra bonus, with elders Pansy Hicks and Violet Samson signing their artworks, a rare practise in indigenous art which Mr Widerstrom said would add to their value.