Small Hand Painted Wooden Plate by Sharyn Malone

A thoughtful addition to early childhood spaces, this decorative wooden plate brings First Nations art and the work of a living artist into children’s everyday surroundings. Hand painted by Sharyn Malone, each plate offers an opportunity to slow down, look closely and begin conversations about art, identity and belonging.

In your learning environment

Display the plate in a welcoming space, beside books by First Nations authors or as a focal point for a small group conversation. Invite children to notice the colours, shapes and details, sharing what they see and wonder about. Introduce Sharyn by name and share where she comes from, helping children connect the artwork with the person who created it.

For educators, this is an opportunity to explore how art can express identity, belonging and connection to place. Use any artist-provided story to guide conversations about the artwork’s meaning, while making space for learning about the distinct cultures and Countries of First Nations peoples, including your local community.

Made of wood

Measures: 24 x 24 x 4

Please note that there are different designs available for the plates, with limited stock of each design. If you have a preference, please email hello@aweandwonder.com.au to let us know.

Sharyn Malone is a proud Koa-Guwa and Kabi Kabi woman, born and raised in Cherbourg on Wakka Wakka Country. She is a Cultural Practitioner, Artist, Storyteller, and dedicated advocate for First Nations women and young girls experiencing family and domestic violence and sexual violence.

As the Co-Founder of Yirun Yalangi Women’s Meeting Place, Sharyn helps create culturally grounded spaces where women can reconnect with Country, ceremony, kinship, language, and lore. Her workshops honour women’s business and offer gentle, culturally safe pathways to healing.

Through her art-based practices and storytelling workshops, Sharyn has supported many women in finding strength, voice, and healing by sharing their stories and reconnecting with cultural identity.

Sharyn’s passion is to break cycles of abuse and nurture a safer, stronger future for the next generation.
In her expanding role with Awe & Wonder, Sharyn now brings this same depth of cultural strength, healing, and storytelling into the creation of early childhood educational resources. Working closely with the team, she guides the cultural narratives that shape each resource—ensuring they are grounded in truth-telling, identity, connection to Country, and the lived experiences of First Nations communities. Her involvement ensures that children and educators are engaging with materials that honour culture through story, symbol, and meaning. Together, Sharyn and Awe & Wonder are building resources that carry her voice, her community’s stories, and her commitment to cultural integrity into learning environments across Australia.