A new community arts project has been welcomed with open arms from Mingaletta Elders with a day of stories, culture, painting and weaving over the June Long Weekend.
Elders from the Mingaletta Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Corporation opened their doors to welcome the members of the ‘Art Full Women’ project on Saturday, June 19.
The event, which was sponsored by Bendigo Bank Ettalong, gave the 32 attendees the opportunity to share stories and learn new skills as part of the project.
Art Full Women Publicity Officer and local artist, Judy Harris, said the visitors thoroughly enjoyed the day.
“Our deepest thanks go to Elders Aunty Lee and Aunty Elaine for welcoming us into their hub and sharing so generously their stories and skills,” Harris said.
“Workshops so far have included, weaving, ceramics, mixed media, music, doll making, life drawing and pottery.
“Women from all walks of life on the Central Coast have participated and made new friends while learning creative skills.”
Mingaletta Elder and Wiradjuri-Arentye woman, Aunty Elaine, opened the event and spoke about the role that present Elders play in the development of younger generations.
Artist, Wiradjuri woman and Umina local, Lynelle Elliott, then led participants through stages of painting a small work.
Harris said the results were fantastic.
“With the guidance of Elliott, our budding artists really put their own experiences and connections into their work,” Harris said.
“The afternoon session commenced with Mingaletta Aunties and Sisters leading the group through an exercise of weaving.
“Following instructions for weaving a small basket or making a raffia bracelet, the Art Full Women members quickly felt at home chatting, connecting, discovering more about the wonderful Mingaletta corporation whilst doing their best to produce the desired results.”
The Art Full Women project was awarded a grant last year by the Australian Council for the Arts to bring together women over 55-years-old, from diverse cultural backgrounds and abilities.
The grant aimed to help the women share their artistic talents with each other through a series of art and craft, and theatre workshops.
The project is expected to start offering free theatre skills workshops to women aged 55 years and over this month.
More information about what’s on at the Art Full Women project can be found on their website: artfullwomen.com.au
Source:
Media release, June 21
Mingaletta Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Corporation