03/09/2026
Artist in Residence: Dayton
Nido DAYTON is excited to be participating in the “Where Feathers Gather” project, with our children, educators and families contributing to this special community art installation.
The clay feathers created by our community will be displayed as part of the Arcadia Crop Circle Art Installation, held in Goomalling from 26–28 September.
Creating Our Clay Feathers
As part of the project, we are creating clay feathers using Koomalin clay, which we purchased from Midland Brick.
Koomalin is a special stoneware pottery clay blend sourced from Goomalling and created in partnership with the Ballardong Noongar community.
The installation is inspired by all three Western Australian Black Cockatoo species. Our feathers may include:
❤️ Pops of red inspired by the Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoo
🧡💛 Oranges and yellows inspired by the female Red-tailed Black Cockatoo
🤍 White areas inspired by the Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo
Each feather has a hanging hole so that it can become part of the exhibition, carrying our community’s messages of hope. 💛
Messages of Hope
Children, educators and families are also invited to inscribe a personal message of hope for the Black Cockatoos and their habitat on the back of their clay feather.
This means everyone in our community can contribute to the project, even if they are unable to make a feather themselves.
These personal messages will add a deeply meaningful element to the installation, representing our community’s hopes, care and wishes for the future of our Black Cockatoos.
Some messages of hope shared by our families include:
“You are brave. You are kind. Wonderful things are waiting for you!”
And from Mabel:
“Thank you for your songs and beauty! Cuddles.”
(Mabel is always trying to cuddle birds and says “cuddle” — so this beautiful part came from her.)
Supporting Black Cockatoo Conservation
Families and community members who would like to further support Black Cockatoo conservation can also make a donation to Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre through their website.
Together, we are sharing our hopes and care for our local environment and the precious Black Cockatoos that call Western Australia home.
Kindest regards,
Gillian
Dayton’s Atelierista
