Art to be auctioned at Grace Tame talk in Townsville

Townsville-based artist I Am Estelle is auctioning one of her artworks at a Grace Tame event this week to support those who have suffered sexual abuse and domestic violence.

TOWNSVILLE-based artist I Am Estelle is auctioning one of her artworks at a sold out event this week to support those who have suffered sexual abuse and domestic violence.

The vibrant portrait is of 2021 Australian Of The Year and sexual abuse survivor and advocate Grace Tame who will be guest speaker at luncheon at the Ville on Friday.

The artist connected with three other local women to form Project Speak Up which invited Grace Tame as a keynote speaker for the event. Their mission is to make Townsville a safer and more liveable city for women and children.

Artist I am Estelle is auctioning a portrait of Grace Tame at a luch event with Grace Tame as guest speaker with proceeds given to organisations supporting victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence. Picture: Evan Morgan

Estelle said she was inspired to invite Grace Tame to Townsville when she saw her Australian of the Year speech.

“There is one line where she says ‘hear me now. Using my voice amongst a growing chorus of voices that will not be silenced’,” Estelle said.

“It really moved me and we really needed that here in Townsville,

“I really wanted to advance that mission of hers so we can all joining the chorus and speak up for victims of sexual abuse and other traumas.”

She said issues of sexual abuse were a major concern in Townsville and other regionals communalities.

“Especially with domestic and family violence so that is why we formed Project Speak Up where we are supporting three local organisations that are making a difference in this space with domestic violence and education around sexual assault and things like that.”

Artist I am Estelle is auctioning a portrait of Grace Tame at a luch event with Grace Tame as guest speaker with proceeds given to organisations supporting victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence. Picture: Evan Morgan

Estelle said the painting of Grace Tame was the first in a series that she was planning.

“I am going to do a series of paintings on other women who are in this space of speaking up and being really brave which is called the Tongues of Fire collection,” he said.

“It is also the name of the single I am releasing called We are the Ones (Tongues of Fire) which is going to be debuted on the day of the event as well.”

She wanted to thank Townsville for its support for getting behind Project Speak Up and this event.

“The way local businesses and individuals have got behind it has been really encouraging.”

Proceeds from the auction at the Lunch with Grace Tame will be shared amongst three local organisations, North Queensland Domestic Violence Resource Service, Sexually Healthy Cities and Curtis Rayment’s It’s a Man’s Issue.

Originally published as Art to be auctioned at Grace Tame talk in Townsville