Amaya Gamage is a 13 year old local artist with a love for drawing which will see her launch her very own children’s picture book. Amaya’s book will be officially launched at the Mount Gambier Library this Sunday 7 April 2019 at 11:30am.
The book, titled Amaya’s Alphabet, has brought to life animal characters to represent each letter of the alphabet.
“The drawings are beautifully vivid and bright with each animal distinctly unique and brought to life by Amaya’s creativity,” Team Leader Library Programs Kristi Leamey said.
“Amaya is a talented young illustrator, and this book has a professional finish which, as well as being visually appealing, will play an important role in children’s visual literacy development.”- Team Leader Library Programs Kristi Leamey
Amaya’s parents have been at the forefront of supporting Amaya’s unique talent.
“When Amaya is awake, she will draw. She started as a young ‘graffiti artist’ drawing all over our walls, our furniture, our important documents, clothes and her own hands,” Amaya’s mother, Dr Rasika Rampatige said.
“Amaya would produce at least 30 to 40 drawings on average every single day. We realised that this is her passion. She uses art to relax and to express herself and as means of communication.”
At a young age Amaya has already achieved many milestones from creating her own blog to one of her elephant drawings featuring on an animated episode broadcast on ABC in Brisbane. In 2018 she was a participant in the South Australian Living Artist (SALA) exhibition in Adelaide and was recently awarded first prize in the South East Art Society (SEAS) Young Artist Award.
The launch of Amaya’s Alphabet coincides with a self-titled solo exhibition of her work currently on display in South Link at the Main Corner. The exhibition is on display until the end of April and coincides with national Autism awareness month.
The book launch will host the artist in residence with numerous pieces of art on display. The community is invited to join Amaya and her family for light refreshments to celebrate the work of the talented young artist.
Books will be available for purchase on the day for $20.00. The event is free to attend and bookings preferred. Contact the Mount Gambier Library by phoning (08) 8721 2540 or book online www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au/library under ‘Programs and Events’.
Media contact: City of Mount Gambier Communications Officer Ashlea Watson on (08) 8721 2577 or email awatson@mountgambier.sa.gov.au
