June Smith’s family settled in Mparntwe after her grandfather moved from Altunga because the water supply had been poisoned. Her mother was born in the west at Ntaria (Hermannsburg) and father born to the east of Mparntwe at Undoolya Station. June grew up and attended school in Mparntwe, and following that came to Santa Teresa mission, now Ltyentye Apurte Community, June was amongst the first group of women who approached the mission staff to allow the women a place to work on their art. Later she was among those who started working at the Keringke Art Centre after it was built, in 1989. Early memories for June of her grandmother teaching the Yalke story (and others) through sand drawing and singing have stayed with her and are a base from which her own expression has flowed. She has been one of the strong women for the art centre and held the position of Chair for several terms. June’s designs have been used in the Alice Springs Airport, in the Alice Springs Town Council Public Gardens and has been a feature artist at Parrtjima. Her works are held in many private and public collections.
