History

The Bentley Art Group was formed as a result of a series of community arts projects held between August 2009 and June 2012 and funded by the Department of Housing, Government of Western Australia. 

Following the culmination of these projects a number of the participants expressed an interest in my continuing to provide arts workshops.  Hence the formation of the Bentley Art Group in July 2012. Initially there was no funding for the group, the materials used were those left over from past projects and some of my own. Participants paid $5 per session, the majority of the participants have low incomes which preclude the purchase of expensive arts materials.

The Art Group at Love Bentley

The group was fortunate to be given the use of the Love Bentley Community Centre situated under Brownlie Towers, where many of the participants reside.  The Full Gospel Assembly Church who run this community centre also generously donated $1,000 for the purchase of art supplies for the group.

We were given the opportunity to take part in the City of Canning Blessing of the River event on the 8th December 2012. Erica and Georgia came along to run our Action Painting Stall on the day!

Georgia getting our communal art work started!

A good project!

Lots of participants picked up a trigger spray bottle and added to our giant artwork!

A small exhibition was held before Christmas and a number of pieces were sold.This was very encouraging for the members of the group.

Christine and her painting

 Christmas Art Show

The group was quickly established and it was decided to apply for Catalyst Grant Funding from the Community Arts Network WA to continue to run and develop the group in 2013. The grant was applied for by Brownlie Community Focus Inc. a not for profit organisation established to support and develop community support and services in the Brownlie Neighbourhood as the area is redeveloped.

Georgia, Erica and Veronica

The grant application was successful and the group was set to recommence on the 4th February 2013.