A Special Project for the School Holidays

Our Monday members have young children and we decided to run some school holiday activities for them.

The first week involved puppet making. The hand puppets were made out of recycled yoghurt and cream cartons. These were  primed and cut ready for the kids to decorate. 

We had eight children along, Brendan and Ethan with their mum Kelly, Daniel and Zoe with mum Sharon, Suzelle brought son Jack and nephew Noel and Roseanne brought along Catherine and Sereen Ab Fhar who she looks after.

The morning was noisy and full of fun and many hand puppets were made!

Ethan, Daniel, Sharon and Brendan working on their designs

Jack and Suzelle decorating their hand puppets

Ethan, Daniel, Sharon and Brendan

Sereen, Catherinee and Zoe

Jack and Suzelle

Once the work was complete we had a demonstration of the puppets!

Noel and Jack with their puppets

Sereen with her puppets

Sereen with her sister's puppets Octopuses were a popular subject!

Zoe with her Cinderella puppet

Zoe with her cat and wounded dog puppet

Ethan and Brandon with their puppets

Daniel with Spider Man and Spider Cat!


 

This week we will be making masks and aeroplanes!  Watch this space!

Visiting Artist Roz Milton was a Big Hit with the Group!

Last week visiting artist Roz Milton came along and demonstrated her wire sculpture techniques to us. Everyone enjoyed Roz's visit and many beautiful wire flowers, dragon flies, caterpillars and other items were made! 

Thank you Roz for two fun filled workshops! Your work is brilliant!

We were also joined by Elizabeth and Anne from Ishar!  We look forward to continuing our new connection with Ishar.

Roz showing Suzelle how to make a wire flower

Amy, Roz and Veronica

Elizabeth, Roseanne and Anne

Roz Kelly and Suzelle

A Word from the Project Co-ordinator /Community Artist

Charlotte O'Shea Project Co-ordinator

As the co-ordinator of the Bentley Empowerment with Art Project I have the good fortune to work with an inspiring group of people.

The group is supported by The Love Bentley Community Centre which is run by the Full Gospel Assembly Church. Francis Cheah is the co-ordinator of Love Bentley and a great supporter of the Brownlie community.

Francis Cheah

The group is also supported by the Bentley Salvation Army Corps. Captain Sharon Watson  has been instrumental in getting the group established there on Monday mornings.

Captain Sharon Watson

The group would not be able to meet and thrive without the support of Sharon and Francis. They have supported me in getting this this project established from the beginning.

There is a strong but small core group who come along regularly and others who come along when they can. The group work well together and good relationships have been developed. The  long term goal is for this group to become self-sustaining and possibly develop into a small social enterprise along side the Bentley Community Garden and proposed Men's Shed.

Artful Creations in March and the Thoughts of the Group Members

Following Glen's visit some of the group members were keen to continue with card making. You are an inspiration Glen! No fabric though! The group worked with coloured paper feathers and sequins:

Veronica with her cards

Veronica was particularly keen to continue with the card making and is very proud of her beautiful creations.  When asked what she likes about the Art Group Veronica responded that she likes stirring me up, which indeed she does constantly!! There's never a dull moment  when Veronica's around!

Erica with her card creations

Erica extended her card designs onto a small art board. When Erica was asked what she likes about the group she commented that it's better than bingo (which happens next door on Tuesdays) she also loves being with the people and creating new artworks. 

Georgia made a beautiful card she has a excellent eye for detail she is a perfectionist.

Georgia enjoys exploring her creativity and being with the people.

Christine continues to produce the most amazing works:

Christine with one of her latest works

More of Chris's colourful works

Christine loves coming to the art group and comes both days when she can. She enjoys socialising with the other group members and loves painting, her skills are getting better and better as she paints regularly

                                                      Allie with her carer Amy

Allie has been a member of the group since last year. She has a sharp sense of humour and loves painting bangles and painting colourful abstract works. What does Allie like about the group?  Making a mess!!! And painting and adding to her huge collection of bangles.

                                                 
                                                Jean doing some experimental work

Jean enjoys the freedom to express and explore. She is discovering new talents and making new friends.

Kelly with her handmade beads

Kelly has been coming to the group since we started this year. She is enjoying discovering her artistic side and has been working on her art at home, she finds it a good form of escape from the responsibilities of her very active four children. Kelly loves doing different things getting new ideas and advice on her work and meeting new people.

Suzelle working on a painting for her daughter's room

When Suzelle first came along to the group she told me that she couldn't draw! Then she proceeded to produce the most beautiful and detailed drawing copied from children's books. She is patient and meticulous in her work. She enjoys getting in touch with her inner child, meeting new people getting new ideas and being inspired by other people. She also said that she is coming to terms with the fact that she can draw!